The 81st Texas Legislature failed to renew the agency known as the Texas Residential Construction Commission. The TRCC was established in 2004, with a stated mission of “Promoting quality construction for Texans by registering industry members and residential construction projects; providing information and educating homeowners and the residential construction industry; acting as a resource for complainants; and offering a neutral, technical review of alleged post-construction defects.”
The TRCC acted as the liaison between homeowners and builders and established a process by which homeowner complaints could be resolved. The early criticism of the TRCC was that it lacked punitive authority to enforce its rulings with the builders. However, in 2007 House Bill 730 gave broader authority to the commission to levy fines and revoke the licenses of non-compliant builders.
In the TRCC’s absence, homeowner disputes will once again be guided by the Residential Construction Liability Act (Property Code 27.004), which brings with it the likelihood of increased litigation.
As a leader in the Austin custom homebuilding industry and with over 20 years of experience, Sterling Custom Homes will continue to push for enforcement of higher construction standards and mandatory licensing requirements to protect the local consumer from unscrupulous builders. It is more important than ever to make a careful, informed decision when choosing your next builder.