Home Builder Austin

What is the law about disclosing info about a home builder when selling a new home?

We moved from Texas to California in June 2005. We have since found out that the builder of the new home we bought, is not a licensed contractor and built this house/pulled all the permits as owner/builder. We feel that we should have been told this information before purchasing the house; as there is some question about whether all the contractors he used are licensed.

Public Comments

1. Generally, the home owner is not required to disclose to you who built the house. As a matter of fact, most municipals allow owners to do whatever they want with their property so long as the appropriate building permits are pulled and the work inspected. In fact if all the work were performed with the required permits and inspected accordingly, the house should be fit for dwelling. He is required by laws in most states to disclose to you material defects that may not be easily visible... such things may include termites, sinking foundations, work performed without acquiring the proper permits. When you bought the house, you probably had the house inspected, especially if you had a bank loan. Any material defect except normal wear and tear should have been discovered then. On the other hand, if you discover work performed without the required permit, the seller may be guilty of misinformation or concealment and you can sue him for that.