“We made the bill simple and honed it down to one page,” says Lisa Frenette, BAM's government affairs director, adding that putting the Camacho Provision in the NOR bill made a big difference.
Scott Andresen, the attorney who represented the Camachos, agrees that the NOR bill is a fair compromise for both sides.
“The law is good for builders because in those instances where reputable builders want a chance to fix these homes, then they have that opportunity,” says Andresen.
“It also helps the homeowner in that there's a provision in the law that says if a builder doesn't come out and inspect the house, the homeowner can get a court order requiring them to do so,” he says.
According to the NOR legislation, home builders are required to respond within 30 days of receiving a notice from a home buyer and make an offer to inspect the home and make a repair. If communication breaks down for one reason or another, the builder may request a third party to come in, make the inspection, and offer a repair.
The bill also extends by up to 180 days the statute of limitations for pursuing a warranty claim, the goal of which is to give the homeowner and builder ample time to resolve a complaint without involving lawyers and insurance companies.
SOURCE: BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA