September 11, 2008

THIS IS A NEWS RELEASE FROMF THE TEXAS RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION COMMISSION:

CONTACT: Magelly Castiblanco or Patrick Fortner

(512) 463-9934 or (877) 651-8722 (TRCC)

Commission Warns Consumers in the Path of Hurricane Ike to be Vigilant

Homeowners can contact commission for information about builders and remodelers

 (AUSTIN) — Due to the pending landfall of Hurricane Ike in the Coastal Bend Region, the Texas Residential Construction Commission is concerned that there may be a rapid influx of unregistered builders and remodelers from other states or other unscrupulous parties seeking to take advantage of homeowners that may be affected by the hurricane.

 Homeowners are urged to thoroughly review a builder or remodeler’s record with the commission and check references before they sign any work contract or agreement.

 “Before homeowners hire a builder or remodeler to work on their home, we strongly encourage them to ask for proof of registration or contact the commission to make sure they’re dealing with a reputable, registered company,” said Executive Director Duane Waddill.

 Registered builders/remodelers should have a commission-issued registration certificate and/or wallet card to verify proof of registration. Cities and local municipalities are required to verify registration.

 All residential builders and remodelers in Texas are required to register with the commission if they work on qualified projects. Registration includes a criminal background check and requires builders and remodelers to provide a set of minimum warranties for their work.

 The commission has an online searchable database available at www.texasrcc.org to verify builder/remodeler registration. The database contains the names, DBAs, cities and registration numbers for all registered builders and remodelers. We are also happy to verify builder/remodeler registrations by phone at (877) 651-TRCC or via email at info@trcc.state.tx.us.

 For other information about a builder, remodeler, the commission or its operations, Texans can call the agency toll-free help line at 877-651-TRCC (8722) or go to www.texasrcc.org.