TEXAS HOMEBUILDER WELFARE ACT TO BE DEBATED.

With no input from consumer or consumer groups, House Bill 730 adopts the extreme limitations of new home warranties, used by Texas builders, as law and as a standard for performance for new homes. While endorsing these extremely limited warranties, it also strips consumers of the implied warranty of good workmanship and habitability, which is the only adequate protection consumers have.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(See attached letter to State Representatives)

For More Information Contact:
John R. Cobarruvias
Texas President of Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings (HADD) 281-486-5203 H 281-483-1289 john.cobarruvias@hadd.com

Texas Builder Commission Bill to be Debated.

HOUSTON, TX (PR WEB) April 24, 2003. Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings (HADD), a national non-profit consumer advocacy organization has raised concerns about House Bill 730 scheduled for debate, which establishes a new Texas Builders Commission to resolve new home construction defects.

"It is encouraging to see the new home building industry has acknowledged the laws in Texas do not provide adequate consumer protection for the biggest investment of our lives. But this bill instead of resolving the problem, actually makes the problem worse. We are truly going backwards in consumer protection." Says HADD Texas President John Cobarruvias.

With no input from consumer or consumer groups, HB730 adopts the extreme limitations of new home warranties, used by Texas builders, as law and as a standard for performance for new homes. While endorsing these extremely limited warranties, it also strips consumers of the implied warranty of good workmanship and habitability, which is the only adequate protection consumers have.

It creates a Texas Builder Commission stacked with 6 builders and only 2 consumers giving it the appearance of being nothing more than a builder?s protection agency. And although it does require registration for builders, it does not address the abuse of arbitration which all new homebuyers are subjected to.

"The vast majority of homeowners with a construction defect wants only one
thing: their homes repaired so they can continue to enjoy their life in the community. This bill based upon the extremely limited warranties, a flawed arbitration system, and a builders commission stacked with builers, does not provide this needed help. If this bill passes it will devastate new homebuyers with a construction defect." Says Cobarruvias.

John R. Cobarruvias
President HADD Texas
14646 Cardinal Creek Ct
Houston, TX 77062
281-486-5203
john.cobarruvias@hadd.com