BIAW opposes homeowner protections
In case you missed it, here's a link to the P-I story about Sen. Brian Weinstein's "Homeowners' Bill of Rights" legislation.
The BIAW doesn't like it - we strongly support it.
Democrats would be wise to stick to populist roots. Of course there are huge problems out there. We live in a neighborhood that is relatively new, and the horror stories abound. One neighbor had improperly installed windows that let water leak in and damage the floor. Another neighbor has endured not one but two catastrophic plumbing disasters, the latest from a shut off valve that simply burst one night.
Virtually every home around here has had some kind of problem, albeit not all were that severe. We've gotten away with "only" a failed shower drain that forced the plumber to cut a hole in the kitchen ceiling.
I knew someone once who used to call this sort of thing "homeowner abuse." Is it really too much to insist that consumers get basic protections? (No, it isn't).
Quality contracters who do a good job have nothing to worry about. A trade group that was honest and ethcial would support reform. But we're talking about the BIAW. Why scrupulous builders in this state don't do something about the trade group that is ruining their reputation is beyond me.
The BIAW doesn't like it - we strongly support it.
"These bills are at the top of our agenda right now -- we want them dead," said Erin Shannon, spokeswoman for the Building Industry Association of Washington.The article suggests that the bill faces tough sledding even among Democrats, which is kind of baffling. SB 5550 would require, according to the P-I:
For two years, the home is free from defects in materials and workmanship.It would be horrible if shoddy builders were held accountable, wouldn't it?
For three years, the home is free from defects in electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling and ventilating systems.
For five years, the home is free from defects resulting from water penetration.
For 10 years, the home is free from structural defects.
Democrats would be wise to stick to populist roots. Of course there are huge problems out there. We live in a neighborhood that is relatively new, and the horror stories abound. One neighbor had improperly installed windows that let water leak in and damage the floor. Another neighbor has endured not one but two catastrophic plumbing disasters, the latest from a shut off valve that simply burst one night.
Virtually every home around here has had some kind of problem, albeit not all were that severe. We've gotten away with "only" a failed shower drain that forced the plumber to cut a hole in the kitchen ceiling.
I knew someone once who used to call this sort of thing "homeowner abuse." Is it really too much to insist that consumers get basic protections? (No, it isn't).
Quality contracters who do a good job have nothing to worry about. A trade group that was honest and ethcial would support reform. But we're talking about the BIAW. Why scrupulous builders in this state don't do something about the trade group that is ruining their reputation is beyond me.
