Homebuyers need more protection from defects

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http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascitystar/news/opinion/3596355.htm

Posted on Fri, Jul. 05, 2002

Homebuyers need more protection from defects

By NANCY SEATS

Special to The Star

Thanks to reporter Tony Rizzo for writing the story regarding mold in the

sons' home in Overland Park. (5/21, " Hidden-mold lawsuit reflects a

U.S. trend " )

There have been more lawsuits filed over mold in Missouri and Kansas than

anyone is aware of. The reason? Most cases are settled out of court with a

gag order. That hurts potential homebuyers by denying them information about

who built a leaky house.

As president of Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings, I have received many

calls from homeowners suffering from the effects of mold. Often these people

are afraid to tell their stories publicly because they don't want to lose

the value of their home.

Why is it that some builders can't build a house today that doesn't leak

water through the roof, siding, windows or foundation? How do these houses

pass codes inspections? Why aren't there consumer-protection laws in Kansas

and Missouri to protect homebuyers from builders who do substandard

construction?

Cities keep getting by with building codes departments that lead the public

to think consumers are protected. But if those codes aren't enforced, what's

the point? Furthermore, there's little funding available to hire good

inspectors.

This year there was legislation introduced in Missouri and Kansas that would

right some of these wrongs. The legislation never made it out of committee

in either state. Such legislation has been introduced every year for three

years in Missouri and has never made it out of committee. Homebuilders'

influence in Jefferson City and Topeka is unbelievable. But the average

citizen who becomes a victim of suspicious construction doesn't have the

money for a lobbyist to wine and dine their legislators. They have only

their stories to tell in hopes that lawmakers will do the right thing. So

far, they haven't.

At Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings, we receive complaints from across

the nation about substandard construction. I can tell you exactly why mold

claims have increased. A few claims have to do with leaky pipes, but the

majority have to do with leaky roofs, windows, siding and foundations. The

installation of faulty products or improper installation of products also

played a role.

For builders to claim that regulation is driving up the cost of homes is a

cruel joke. But the victims of the lack of codes enforcement aren't

laughing.

Seats is the president of Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings. She

lives in Liberty.