Hiring Contractors to Rebuild after Texas Wildfires
Date: Wednesday, October 26th, 2011
Source: FEMA.gov, TexasBuilders.org
The following release contains important reminders for homeowners, affected by the Texas Wildfires, to use during the rebuilding process.
In addition to the tips provided, new statutory requirements in Texas became effective Sept. 1, 2011. HB 1711 requires that in disaster areas, certain contracts must be in writing and contractors cannot require any payment upfront unless they have had a physical business address in the county where the natural disaster occurred or an adjacent county for at least one year. This requirement should help prevent fly-by-night contractors/builders from defrauding homeowners. More information about HB 1711 and hiring a contractor can be found on the Texas Association of Builders website.