As many of you are aware, the number of lawsuits involving mold in newly constructed homes have increased dramatically throughout the country in recent years. This trend has resulted in a sharp rise in general liability insurance rates for builders across the state.

The BCA leadership has taken a proactive role in helping to identify the Contractor’s responsibility in relation to mold claims, and to help find ways to prevent mold growth from occurring.

As part of it’s mission, the BCA has:

• Developed a sample contract addendum for builders.
• Produced an educational video for distribution to clients purchasing a new home.
• Passed new legislation requiring a “construction professional” be allowed a chance to fix a construction defect prior to being sued.

Please click on the links below to find out more about how the actions of the BCA may have a positive impact on your business. And, don’t forget to visit our “Helpful Links” page for more information on mold in residential construction.

Contract Addendum

As part of it’s mission, the BCA has developed a sample Notice, Disclosure and Disclaimer for Contractors to use as an addendum to their contracts with home buyers.

The document also contains a memorandum to builders on how to use the addendum.

Please take a minute to download the Adobe Acrobat PDF file document below and review the memorandum and addendum for use in your contracts.

Notice, Disclosure and Disclaimer Document.pdf

Home Buyer Video

As part of it’s mission, the BCA has developed a five-minute video for distribution by builders to new home buyers. The video, entitled Maintaining a Healthy Home, is available for builders to purchase in DVD format from the BCA Office for a minimal fee. Maintaining a Healthy Home, is designed to provide the purchaser of a new home with common sense information they can use to prevent mold growth from occurring. This video represents a distinctive opportunity for builders to provide a dynamic tool for their customers to use in maintaining their new home. To preview the video, or to order copies for your buyers, contact the BCA Office at 208-377-3550.

Construction Defect Law

During the 2003 Idaho Legislative Session the Building Contractors Association of Southwestern Idaho, in conjunction with the Idaho Building Contractors Association, introduced House Bill 133 to provide a “cure process” for builders dealing with construction defect claims.

The legislation sets limits on awards for damages, and provides incentives for builders and homeowners to work together to find agreeable solutions to defects rather than acting through the courts.

A detailed guide on complying with the new legislation can be found on the IBCA website.

Questions?
Contact the BCA Office at 208-377-3550