How to report price gouging in wake of winter storm disaster

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People will be looking to get work done and there are some tips they can follow to avoid getting ripped off.

(KHOU-11) – Busted pipes are forcing people out of their homes across the Houston area. Repairs could take months as contractors race to keep up with demand.

“I think this damage will be … maybe not from a dollar standpoint per house as high as Harvey where you had $70,000, $80,000, $90,000 dollars of damage. These might be $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, but it’s going to be so widespread,” said Jeff Hunt, a Houston-area home builder and GHBA member.

When you’re picking contractors, Hunt advises you to watch out for the price gouging he saw after Harvey. “I saw bids that were astronomically high, I mean 10, 15, 20 times what the real price should be,” he said.


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To make sure you hire the right contractor, you can search for one on the Greater Houston Builders Association’s website. Look-up the license for the plumber you hire on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Also, check with the Harris County District Clerk to see if any lawsuits have been filed against the plumber you’re considering.

If you see price gouging, local and state officials want you to report it. You can do that by contacting the Harris County Attorney’s Office or the Texas Attorney General.

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