Posted On: May 25, 2005, 4:37 pm CDT

Posted By: Mark W. Kinsey, CRA

Cindy,
Not all of the consumer bills before the various states are in fact sponsored or endorsed by Builders or their organization. I agree with you that some are and are not necessarily a good thing for consumers at atll.

A truly simple fix in this day and age is to demand that the various legislative bodies realize that "Construction on a Residential Bases" is really a professional type of business on a par with manufacturing. I can provide product liability for manufacturing firms but it is not commercially available for "Remodeling Contractors". New Home Builders/Developers have a core group of Professionals advising them: Lawyers, CPA's, Insurance Professionals, HR Personal, etc. They build the cost of those services into the price of their product, the new home. Simple solution is to have the legislative bodies develope licensing laws for construction companies and their owners. It should include continuing education. The various state legislative bodies are responsible for the zoning issues you mention but so much of their election support comes from the building industry that they dare not think of ticking these people off. Some states already have taken these steps and the troubles are fewer there. Other states like Pennsylvania don't even require registration of contractors so if one rips you off the chances of finding them is slim to none.

Insurance companies want nothing to do with most Residential Remodeling contractors or those dealing with Townhomes, Condo's or Tract Housing. Even companies who do 5 million in sales for remodeling projects are finding it difficult to find coverage today.

It is a difficult topic with many difficult points and perspectives to consider. The bottom line is that the consumer contemplating having work done today or a new home built REALLY needs to do their homework...after all it's their money they are spending.