Consumer Information

The Texas Association of Builders (TAB) is a non-profit, voluntary trade organization representing all segments of the residential building industry.

Through training, education and active participation in the legislative and regulatory process, our organization works in conjunction with local home builders associations throughout Texas to make membership an essential element of a successful building industry company.

We are not a regulatory agency. TAB is governed by a Board of Directors elected by members, and the board directs the policies and operations of the association in accordance with its bylaws.

The policies and bylaws of TAB do not include any formal or informal process to settle disputes or complaints against industry members.

However, those experiencing difficulties with home construction projects are welcome to share their experience with the board in order to help guide future training and educational efforts.

Contact TAB at  info@texasbuilders.org

 

Choose a Professional When Building Your New Home

Anyone interested in buying a new home wants to find a quality house built by a professional. While professionalism may mean different things to different people, generally there are guiding principles by which home building professionals conduct business. Look for these qualities in any home builder you choose to build your dream home.

An important indicator of professionalism is whether or not the builder or contractor belongs to a home builder association or other professional organization. Becoming a dues paying member of a building industry association typically means that a builder is an established member of the community. Builder associations encourage their members to research and develop new materials, building techniques and equipment, and improve methods of home financing so that home buyers receive the greatest possible value for their money.

Home builder associations and their members care about their industry and building a quality product that will serve the homeowner and community for years to come. The quality of a new home will in large measure be determined by the skill of the building professional that constructs it. You should evaluate your builder as carefully as you would select the options and features of your new home. When you buy a new home, you are purchasing more than just a structure-you are buying a package of services, and the quality of those services will have an important effect on your enjoyment of the house.

You will communicate frequently with your builder during and after the construction process, so choose a builder with whom you will feel comfortable working and you feel best understands your needs.

One of the best ways to find out about the professionalism of a builder is to ask previous customers. Visit some of the builder’s previous communities and ask homeowners about their experiences. By doing your homework, you will be able to shop for a home with a sense of confidence and the knowledge that will help you to make the correct decision for your family.

For many people, buying a new home will be the single largest purchase you’ll ever make. Make sure that you protect that investment by buying your dream home from a qualified professional builder. 
 

Construction Defect Resolution

Homes, like all structures built for human occupancy, are assembled on site, by hand, from the ground upward in the elements of nature by scores of construction professionals. As such, situations develop and questions arise involving the construction methods, practices, materials and techniques used to complete the project. Each construction issue and circumstance is different and often involves a myriad of building codes, municipal ordinances, Texas laws and federal regulations.

When questions or situations arise, it is important to discuss those promptly and directly with the home builder. The home builder’s insight and expertise about the project can lead to quick resolution, provided that clear communication is established. Contact with the home builder should be done as soon as the issue becomes known especially issues involving the home’s plumbing system, electrical system, roofing and structural components. It is important to all involved in the construction process that homeowners with construction questions or experiencing what they perceive to be construction defects contact the home builder in writing and by telephone to fully describe the issue.

Homeowners that have unresolved questions or concerns about their home’s construction can pursue other avenues to have their concerns addressed. Click here for suggested avenues for homeowners to take. 

 

The Housing Tax Credit has been expanded and extended

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, and weren’t eligible for the first-time home buyer tax credit, here’s some good news: the housing tax credit has been expanded and extended.

On Nov. 6, President Obama signed into law the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, which enables many more Americans to take advantage of new government incentives to buy a home. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates that close to 70 percent of all potential home buyers should now qualify for some form of the housing tax credit.

The new law extends the popular first-time home buyer credit, which more than 1.4 million taxpayers have already claimed, through April 30, 2010. Buyers who have signed a sales contract by that deadline have until June 30 to close on the home. First-time home buyers—who the IRS defines as someone who has not owned a home in the three years preceding the purchase—can qualify for a credit of 10 percent of the cost of the home, up to $8,000.

Existing home owners, or those who recently sold their home, may also now qualify for a tax credit of up to 10 percent of the cost of a new principal residence. This new credit is capped at $6,500. “Repeat” home buyers must have been living in the home they currently own (or previously owned) for five consecutive years out of the eight years prior to buying the new home.

Many buyers in markets with a higher cost of living didn’t qualify for the earlier tax credits due to the income limits. Those have been increased and now single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples earning up to $225,000 may be eligible for a full credit. Home buyers earning up to $20,000 more than the limit may be able to claim a partial credit.

Both first-time and repeat buyer credits can only be used with the purchase of a home that will be the buyer’s principal residence. It cannot be claimed for the purchase of a vacation home or property to be used as a rental. Homes purchased for more than $800,000 are not eligible.

NAHB has created a Web site at www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com to provide information about the housing tax credits. It provides basic information about the first-time and repeat buyer credits, detailed question and answer sections, and links to additional home-buying resources.

The new tax credits, combined with today’s near record-low interest rates and competitive home prices, make it an ideal time to buy if you’ve been considering moving up, downsizing, or just moving into a home more suited to your current lifestyle.

Contact your local home builders association office to find a professional builder in your area.  To see the list of offices click here.

 

“The Green Home Guide: Connecting the Green Dots”

“The Green Home Guide: Connecting the Green Dots” video provides the consumer and prospective home buyer with the most up-to-date, simple, and affordable strategies used to embrace a greener lifestyle at home.

This video will empower you with the information necessary to buy or remodel green, and switch your home and your life into green gear. By investing in durable, practical, eco-friendly products and practices we can change our world for the better.

Chapters:

produced by NAHB through a grant from Wells Fargo

TAB Press Releases

09/19/2008 Texans Should Beware of Dishonest Contractors in the Wake of Hurricane Ike