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| Remodeling |
All nonexempt mold assessors and remediators must be licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) (www.dshs.state.tx.us). A person may hold licenses, but may not do both jobs on the same project. In addition, a person may not own an interest in both firms that do the assessment and the remediation on the same project.
Remediators must keep a record of all jobs they did in the last three years. This record must include before-and-after photos of the contamination scene, the written contract for remediation and all job-related invoices. The remediator is required to give the homeowner a copy of all photos included in the project record.
Property owners should keep copies of the mold assessment, remediation contract, remediation certificate, photos and other related materials on file. If the owner sells the property, he or she must give the buyer a copy of each remediation certificate issued on the property.
The rules do not apply to the following actions when not done specifically as part of a mold assessment or remediation:
If you have questions or complaints about the license status of a mold assessor or remediator, contact DSHS. Call (800) 293-0753 for more information.
The Texas Attorney General’s office also accepts complaints against mold assessors and mold remediation contractors, including matters related to warranties. You also may want to discuss the matter with a private attorney.
WORKING WITH REMODELING PROFESSIONALS
Before work begins, ask your remodeling contractor what inconveniences may occur while the project is under way and plan for them accordingly. Be sure your contractor is aware of your family’s vacations or special events so he or she may schedule their jobsite time appropriately.
Following are other points to consider:
— Determining the Scope of the Project
Depending on your needs and the size or complexity of your intended remodeling project, there are several different options to explore before finalizing your plans.
Building a home involves many different skilled professionals. As you learn about the process, it’s important to know the roles that key professionals play. Here is a brief summary of job titles and descriptions in the homebuilding process.
Architects represent the most highly educated and trained category of designers. The title requires a college degree and state certification. Architects are able to translate your ideas into detailed plans and list material specifications. They also can oversee your project while it is in progress and are an excellent resource for other professionals since they already have established a pool of designers and general contractors with whom they have worked in the past.
Designers are skilled in the design and building process, but they are not licensed or regulated in most states. If you’re planning to work with a designer, be sure to verify his or her experience and professionalism. You’ll want to review the designer’s portfolio and look for design degrees from accredited universities and membership and/or certification from professional organizations, such as the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD), the National Council of Building Designer Certification (NCBDC), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). These organizations help ensure professional standards of education, field experience and adherence to a code of ethics.
Residential Designers (Space Planners) are trained to use space most efficiently and tend to focus on floor-plan design, detailed lifestyle evaluation and design functionality. If you’re considering a floor plan, a family room, bathroom or kitchen, you may wish to consult a residential or interior specialist. This specialist can spend additional time and attention on specific areas of the home that are especially important to you and your family. Often residential designers’ expertise can overlap with an interior designers’ because they both offer advice about the latest trends and products.
Structural Engineers need to be consulted if your project requires any structural alterations to the existing building. The role complements the work of architects, who are the spatial and aesthetic experts of building design and construction. A structural engineer can provide advice on any strengthening required and the design of new lintels, beams, walls or foundations that may be needed. Structural engineers also can perform a site inspection to establish the nature of the ground and design suitable foundations for the building.
Remediators must keep a record of all jobs they did in the last three years. This record must include before-and-after photos of the contamination scene, the written contract for remediation and all job-related invoices. The remediator is required to give the homeowner a copy of all photos included in the project record.
Property owners should keep copies of the mold assessment, remediation contract, remediation certificate, photos and other related materials on file. If the owner sells the property, he or she must give the buyer a copy of each remediation certificate issued on the property.
The rules do not apply to the following actions when not done specifically as part of a mold assessment or remediation:
- Routine cleaning
- Real estate inspections
- Repair or replacement of plumbing, ventilation, heating and air conditioning, electrical systems, air ducts or appliances
- Use of construction materials during the building phase of raising a structure
If you have questions or complaints about the license status of a mold assessor or remediator, contact DSHS. Call (800) 293-0753 for more information.
The Texas Attorney General’s office also accepts complaints against mold assessors and mold remediation contractors, including matters related to warranties. You also may want to discuss the matter with a private attorney.
WORKING WITH REMODELING PROFESSIONALS
Before work begins, ask your remodeling contractor what inconveniences may occur while the project is under way and plan for them accordingly. Be sure your contractor is aware of your family’s vacations or special events so he or she may schedule their jobsite time appropriately.
Following are other points to consider:
- Consider moving personal property from construction areas and declare work zones off-limits to kids and pets.
- Be sure to put all changes in writing if your remodeling project is modified while work is being done. Both parties should sign the amendment.
- Keep a job file that includes contract, plans, specifications, invoices, change orders and all correspondence with the contractor.
- Request that a contractor’s Affidavit of Final Release be provided to you at the time you make final payment as well as a final Waiver of Mechanic’s Lien. This is your assurance that you will not be liable for any third-party claims for nonpayment of materials or subcontractors.
— Determining the Scope of the Project
Depending on your needs and the size or complexity of your intended remodeling project, there are several different options to explore before finalizing your plans.
Building a home involves many different skilled professionals. As you learn about the process, it’s important to know the roles that key professionals play. Here is a brief summary of job titles and descriptions in the homebuilding process.
Architects represent the most highly educated and trained category of designers. The title requires a college degree and state certification. Architects are able to translate your ideas into detailed plans and list material specifications. They also can oversee your project while it is in progress and are an excellent resource for other professionals since they already have established a pool of designers and general contractors with whom they have worked in the past.
Designers are skilled in the design and building process, but they are not licensed or regulated in most states. If you’re planning to work with a designer, be sure to verify his or her experience and professionalism. You’ll want to review the designer’s portfolio and look for design degrees from accredited universities and membership and/or certification from professional organizations, such as the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD), the National Council of Building Designer Certification (NCBDC), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). These organizations help ensure professional standards of education, field experience and adherence to a code of ethics.
Residential Designers (Space Planners) are trained to use space most efficiently and tend to focus on floor-plan design, detailed lifestyle evaluation and design functionality. If you’re considering a floor plan, a family room, bathroom or kitchen, you may wish to consult a residential or interior specialist. This specialist can spend additional time and attention on specific areas of the home that are especially important to you and your family. Often residential designers’ expertise can overlap with an interior designers’ because they both offer advice about the latest trends and products.
Structural Engineers need to be consulted if your project requires any structural alterations to the existing building. The role complements the work of architects, who are the spatial and aesthetic experts of building design and construction. A structural engineer can provide advice on any strengthening required and the design of new lintels, beams, walls or foundations that may be needed. Structural engineers also can perform a site inspection to establish the nature of the ground and design suitable foundations for the building.
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