Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ - The Commission
What does the commission do?
The Texas Legislature established the commission in 2003 (House Bill 730 — 78th regular session). The commission registered home builders and remodelers and their projects and oversaw the state’s formal inspection process.
Who are the commissioners?
The Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoints nine people to the commission. The commissioners serve staggered, six-year terms. The commission includes four registered builders, three members of the general public, one residential construction engineer or architect and one residential construction inspector.
Are the commission's dealings open to the public?
The commission welcomes and encourages public participation. As a state agency, the commission complies with the state's Public Information and Open Meetings Acts. Commission meetings are open to the public. Eight days before any meeting, the commission posts agendas with the Secretary of State's office and on the commission's Web site.
What authority does the commission have to discipline builders and remodelers?
The commission is committed to ensuring quality construction for all Texans. To help the commission meet its goal, the Legislature has provided the commission a variety of effective tools. The commission can issue fines and take a number of disciplinary actions against builders or remodelers that do not do what the law requires of them. The commission can also issue cease and desist orders against builders and remodelers who violate the law and will not stop.
Where can I get a copy of the statute or rules?
Statute and rule information is on the Web site.
How can I contact the commission?
There are a number of ways to reach the commission. Commission staff answers the toll-free helpline every weekday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The commission receives mail at P.O. Box 13509; Austin, Texas 78711-3509. There is a different post office box number for letters that include a payment of fees to the commission. The commission is located at 311 E. 14th Street and staff can accept in-person deliveries. There are also numerous ways to contact the commission under the Want to Comment area of the Web site. Individuals who’d like regular updates on commission activities can sign up for the commission’s email list. The commission also accepts public comment at its open meetings and encourages the public to attend.
The commission encourages the public to supply input during the public comment period for each proposed rule change. Do this by providing written comment on a proposed commission rule to comments@trcc.state.tx.us. You must include in the subject line the language noted in the specific rulemaking project, which can be found in the proposed rule, or provide your written comments to: Susan K. Durso, General Counsel, Texas Residential Construction Commission; P.O. Box 13509; Austin, TX 78711-3509. For written comments you must mail 16 copies of your comments to the commission.
For general comments, you can provide your written materials, along with sixteen copies of the material, at least five days prior to any commission meeting for distribution to the commissioners. Send the material to: Texas Residential Construction Commission; P.O. Box 13509; Austin, TX 78711-3509.
FAQ - Homeowners/Homebuyers
What are some issues that fall outside of the commission’s jurisdiction?
The commission had no jurisdiction over issues involving: pre-construction, commercial construction, real estate agents, financing, contracts, incomplete construction resulting from abandonment, mortgage loans, mortgage rates or subcontractors.
Someone lived in my house before I bought it. How can I find out who built my home?
If the home was built after January 1, 2004, the commission should have a record of it. Send a request to open.records@trcc.state.tx.us, fax to (512) 463-9507 or mail to: P.O. Box 13509; Austin, Texas 78711-3509. Be sure to include your contact information, the address of your home and your mailing address in your request.
Does the commission send the homeowner or builder a copy of the performance standards?
No. You can access the building and performance standards on the Web site.
My builder says there are no construction codes in the county. Is this true?
No, that’s not true. International Residential Codes apply in unincorporated areas, though the version applicable can vary. The version that applies is that which is adopted by the municipality that is the county seat of the county where construction is located. If the unincorporated area is a county that does not contain an incorporated area, the International Residential Code that existed on May 1, 2001, applies.
I was told I can save money if I build my own house and just pay someone to consult with me about getting permits, finding subcontractors and checking on their work. Is this true?
Before you do this, you really need to know what you’re getting into. Keep in mind, it may cost much more than simply your initial time and effort.
Continue FAQs...
|
