Groundwater in Oregon legislative summary 2007
The 2007 Oregon State Legislature adopted new requirements for contractors who construct new residential structures to provide the first purchaser, or owner, a recommended maintenance schedule. Groundwater problems have become main stream for new housing in Oregon.
The maintenance schedule must include the following minimum information, as per House Bill 2654.
1. Definitions of moisture intrusion and water damage.
2. An explanation of how moisture damage and intrusion can occur.
3. A description and recommended schedule for maintenance to prevent moisture intrusion.
4. Advice on how to recognize water damage.
5. Appropriate steps to take when water damage is discovered.
The construction contractors board shall make the information developed under this section available without charge to contractors who construct new residential structures or zero lot line dwellings.
Good job CCB!
This legislation is overdue in the construction business. Now we need a state required home sales addendum to the earnest money agreement that gives the same drainage information and maintenance schedule to new purchasers of existing dwellings.
The person selling the home should be required to provide the disclosure information on drainage to the new purchasers, on or before the date of the sale agreement being completed, just like the asbestos disclosures required currently for homes built prior to the mid 80’s.
I have been advocating this type of state required real estate legislation for years with respect to home drainage systems and their necessity.