Fair is Fair
Click the Image to Listen on Spotify - Image: The Legend of Billie Jean - 1985
Hello and welcome back to "The Looking Glass," where I'm excited to share my reflections on the latest episode of The Rabbit Whole Podcast. In this episode, Marty and I talked a bit about the world of construction contracts and licenses, exploring the challenges faced by homeowners like you and me and emphasizing the urgent need for industry reforms.
We included the speech from the 1985 movie "The Legend of Billie Jean." because I was a little girl when that movie came out and it is one of those 80’s concepts that stuck with my generation. Fair is Fair! We have a strong need for fairness, but we can’t achieve that in a world where lobbyists are allowed and funded to petition for looser regulations that only consider the developer’s bottom line and omit the regulation that protects the safety of the consumer.
As Marty and I guided you through our story, we shared just a taste of the nonsense excuses given by those entrusted with regulation that perpetuate 'business as usual' instead of the pursuit of justice. The frustration surrounding our situation is palpable because we understand the devastating effects of shoddy construction and that we are not alone. There is a desperate need for accountability and transparency in construction practices.
Destructive Implications on Homeowners:
In the latter part of the episode, we explored how contractors can circumvent the laws that prevent unlicensed contractors and substandard construction practices. Here in Virginia we once had codes that prevented the use of unlicensed subcontractors for any jobs over $5,000. Small jobs like that are more easily fixed than say a $20 thousand dollar HVAC. For some reason, the new administration in our state added a new director to DPOR (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation) and changed the regulatory threshold to $25 thousand dollars. So to clarify what that means, contractors in Virginia can pull a permit under their own license, have an unlicensed subcontractor perform the work, and even if they are caught there is no penalty. Imagine the implications on quality and safety. I asked Governor Youngkin in my state about that issue on social media and he blocked me. Not surprised. It seems like the last thing anyone in my state wants is a common sense discussion about regulation.
We touched a bit on the severe health impacts on individuals forced to live in homes that do not meet the necessary standards. I don’t think people understand that an acquired asthma from mold can land you children in the hospital. It does bother me that the legal system has allowed us to be stuck in a perpetual battle while my youngest has gone from a healthy 4 year old to a seven year old receiving fluids in hospital to keep her little heart beating at the right rhythm. IV’s and blood draws, heart tests and asthma should not be a part of her childhood, but they are now because of shoddy construction. We’d love nothing more than to move, but without repairs and floating the steep costs of a legal battle that is constantly delayed, how can we?
A Call to Action:
Marty and I passionately encouraged you and our listeners to share your own stories, bringing to light the harsh realities faced by homeowners. By challenging the status quo, we emphasized the potential for industry-wide reforms that prioritize the well-being and safety of individuals and families. It’s extremely isolating speaking out. It scares people to go against the establishment and they fear retaliation. All I can say is that the truth is still legal in the United States. You have the right to stand in the gap on behalf of your family and others and share your story without fear of reprisal. But of course there is always more momentum when you create community, so I ask you directly: If not us then who?
The Ripple Effect:
The episode concluded with a stern reminder of the potential domino effect caused by the tolerance of malpractices within regulatory bodies. We expressed concern that overlooking such issues could lead to widespread victimization of entire communities. Production builds or “planned communities” that allow looser regulation are potentially hazardous. This podcast serves as a clarion call to socially conscious listeners and homeowners alike, sparking conversations around transparency, accountability, and the pressing need for systemic changes within the construction industry.
Join the Conversation:
At "The Looking Glass," it is our mission to incite dialogues for change. I invite you to join me on this journey as we navigate the convoluted maze of institutional negligence and work towards revolutionizing the construction industry for the well-being of our homes and families.
In the spirit of the Rabbit Whole Podcast, let's continue exploring these crucial topics, bringing them into the spotlight, and fostering a community dedicated to positive change. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions as we journey together through "The Looking Glass."
Let us know in the comments what else we should look out for as new construction buyers!