TRCC issues its first lifetime ban to builder

For the first time in its history, the Texas Residential Construction Commission has issued a lifetime ban to a home builder.

The commission Wednesday permanently banned Affiliates LLC, which did business as First Home. The builder has no San Antonio ties, but built in the Central Texas cities of Jarrell, Taylor and Belton.

The lifetime ban also applies to the company's agent, Pete Stucky, who now is prohibited from participating in any home-building-related ventures in Texas.

“This has been a big deal not only for us, but for the community generally,” said Duane Waddill, executive director of the TRCC. “It's important that builders know we're serious, and we're not going to let people get away with defrauding homeowners and not treating people fairly.”

The commission began investigating the company in September 2008 after more than 100 homeowners logged complaints about the company and shoddy construction. Stucky built about 150 homes total.

The TRCC banned the company for not making repairs on defective products still under warranty, claiming properties were free of liens when they were not and for doing business as First Home, a name not registered with the commission.


By Creighton A. Welch - Express-News