Replies

1. 
   FastEddie | Jan 26, 2006 11:20pm | #1

   Yes you do, but it's a scam.  Go to Texas Residential Construction Comm and look around.  Fill out the form, send in a check for $500 and you're done.  No test, no background check, nothing.  Even Yankees are accepted.

   Thee was an article in the paper this week, said that the new law protected the builder, not the HO.  I scanned it once.  Seem to remember that the reasoning was that the TRCC could identify problems, and accept complaints from HO's, but compliance by the builders was voluntary and the TRCC has no enforcement power.

   Need to clarify something.  In order to get a permit in San Antonio, you have to list your builder number on the permit app.  So if you build outside the city, no permit, you could probably get away with no license.

    

    

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

   
   

   ---

   Edited 1/26/2006 3:21 pm ET by FastEddie

1. 
   blue_eyed_devil | Jan 27, 2006 07:07am | #2

   Thanks for that link Fast Eddie. I found the site and I see where it will cost $500 but theres no test or minimum requirements. I guess the fee is just a registration fee.

   I'm not understanding what you mean about no permits. Doesn't every county require permits and inspections?

   I'm curious about the Austin area. I'm heading to TX real soon to check both Austin and San Antonio out and look for some property. Are there any areas that are hot or that I should avoid?

   blue 

1. 
   Hiker | Jan 27, 2006 03:06pm | #3

   Blue,

   Welcome to Austin, Blue.  I am about 10 blocks from the TRCC headquarters and would be happy to show you around the Austin area.  My wife is a realtor so you can get whatever info you need that way.  If you are interested my contact info is at http://www.haikola.com   

   Bruce

1. 
   blue_eyed_devil | Jan 27, 2006 04:35pm | #4

   Bruce, I'll take you up on that offer! Thanks!

   Tentatively, I'm thinking I'll be flying in on Feb 2 and staying a week. Your tour would be immensely helpful if I did it earlier in the trip rather than later.

   I'll drop an email as soon as I book the flight.

   blue 

1. 
   blue_eyed_devil | Jan 27, 2006 06:10pm | #5

   Bruce, I'm arriving in Austin at 3:30 on Fri, Feb 3. I would love a guided tour and would love to see some of your work.

   I'll be heading back to Det (maybe) on Wed morning.

   I'll send you an email and hopefully we can mesh our schedules (mines entirely flexible).

   blue

    

     

2. 
   Hiker | Jan 27, 2006 11:43pm | #7

   Blue,

   Look forward to the visit and I will call you this weekend

   Bruce

2. 
   FastEddie | Jan 27, 2006 08:20pm | #6

   No test involved, it's a registeration process.

   Some of the unincorporated areas, and many of the small towns, don't require permits.  Some want to see qualified electricians and plumbers.  Some don't care.

   Most of the area between SA and Austin is growing.  North side of SA is growing fast.   You m ight do better closer to Austin.

     

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

3. 
   txlandlord | Jan 28, 2006 12:45am | #8

   I am a Texas "Regtistered Builder" (licensed). Not only is there the registration fee, but you must report every home and pay a additional $35.00 fee. there is also a $100.00 annual renewal fee.

   What they do for and with the money I can not tell.

   Austin is the hottest (home business) city in Texas, and lots of competetion, and  there is good growth everywhere.

   Austin is also an awesome place to live, and becasue of that is getting crowded.

   We live about 40 miles outside of Houston, have the advantages of rural living and the pleasures of the big city when we want.  

1. 
   FastEddie | Jan 28, 2006 01:00am | #9

   I jnust got my notice, and they want $300 to renew.  Since when are things cheaper in Harris County?

     

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   txlandlord | Jan 28, 2006 06:37am | #10

   I just got my notice, and they want $300 to renew.  Since when are things cheaper in Harris County?

   You are right. It is $300.00.

   My wife takes care of the books and told me, but I must have forgotten the figure.

   We operate out of Wharton County, an ex-urb (one county removed) of Houston / Harris.  Fort Bend County is between us and Harris.

   I try to stay away from Harris County, unless I want to a good restaurant and dancing with my beautiful wife.