Texas Homeowners Beware of Fraud by Unlicensed Contractors

News provided by

Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical

Sep 14, 2017, 08:45 ET

HOUSTON, Sept. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As Houston residents return home to begin the long process of cleaning up from Hurricane Harvey's aftermath, Houston has another threat looming over the city; bad contractors who operate fly-by-night companies that descend upon storm-ravaged areas to take advantage of those in need.

Longtime local companies like ABACUS Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Electric are inundated with calls around the clock from people in need of all kinds of help since Harvey hit Houston.

Alan O'Neill, CEO of Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical in Houston, stated, "As part of the Houston community, our hearts and prayers are with all Houstonians during this challenging time, and we are very proud of all the volunteers at our own company as well as the entire city of Houston who are stepping up to this tremendous challenge of rebuilding. But one thing we want to make clear to Texas and Houston homeowners and business alike is don't be taken advantage of by unethical contractors who are not local or licensed in Texas. We constantly see firsthand the result of faulty contractors who take homeowners money and leave them with a huge mess, often with serious property damage or in physical harm's way."

Alan O'Neill said "It's not hard to take extra precautions when selecting a contractor, especially now, as hundreds 'contractors' try to take advantage of their situation."

ABACUS suggests the following:
First, only work with a licensed company who can provide written estimates along with valid, current Texas contractor or plumbing licenses you can check. This will reduce your risk significantly.

For Texas HVAC, Electrical, and most other Contractors you can search here:
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

For Texas plumbers, you can search here:
Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Second, according to Dan Parsons, BBB Houston President, "We strongly urge you check with the BBB first before hiring a business to do repairs on your property. Go to and search for a business category or a specific business. We also strongly urge you to hire a BBB Accredited Business first. Accredited Businesses have gone through extra levels of scrutiny and background checks." You can search the Houston BBB website here: The Better Business Bureau

Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical is a full service residential contractor that has been serving the greater Houston area since 2003. Abacus is a member of the Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce and has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau of Houston. Abacus is licensed and insured and offers 24/7 emergency service. To learn more about Abacus Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, visit www.abacusplumbing.net or call (713) 812-7070. License Numbers: ALAN O'NEILL M-20628 | TACLB 49330E | TECL 30557

Media Contact
Michelle Lamont
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SOURCE Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical