House flippers pushed out

There are fewer houses being flipped now because of a 2007 change in the law limiting to licensed and bonded contractors the right to flip houses. The new law flushed out many people; many who were quite talented in remodeling.

An article published back on Sept. 3 stated that this was done to protect consumers from shoddy renovations and to ensure improvements comply with the building codes. Building Code enforcement is fully enforced now as it was before the law changed in 2007. In other words, the change in the law had nothing to do with the quality of the work to protect the consumer.

The real reason for the change in the law was to reduce the competition to the licensed and bonded contractors promoted and pushed through legislation by the Home Builders Association. It’s too bad the HBA was allowed to use its power to push its unfair legislation through.

With the law changed back, the added competition would be buying more remodeling materials, appliances, etc., from local merchants, and more houses would be for sale, adding much needed revenue and taxes to our community.

Craig Sleeth

Spokane Valley