Home construction bill approved by panel

The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on Friday sent the proposal to the Senate after a last-minute compromise was reached on it. Both sides praised the compromise, saying it contains many safeguards for homeowners.

In addition, several provisions that would have been harmful to homeowners were dropped from the bill, said Scott Canepa of the Nevada Trial Lawyers Association.

"In the end, I think it turned out to be a very consumer-friendly bill," he said.

But Jim Wadhams, an attorney who represents the Southern Nevada Homebuilders Association, said the bill also gives builders a better opportunity to fix a home rather than face a lawsuit.

Among other things, the bill would require builders to fix defects in new homes under a one-year warranty within 45 days or face disciplinary action from the state.

The bill also would require builders to inform a buyer if a new home is built on adverse soil conditions.

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