The NAHB called on the Trump administration to protect consumers against pricing gouging–particularly involving lumber–as they recover from Hurricane Harvey.
The call issued Aug. 30 by NAHB Chairman Granger MacDonald follows several calls by the association for the federal government to find ways to keep lumber prices under control. The cost of framing lumber and sheet goods have risen markedly in the past year, partly through supply issues and partly because of the imposition of tariffs and penalties on softwood lumber from Canada.
“A reliable supply of reasonably priced construction materials will be essential to getting people back into their homes in the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey and to maintaining housing affordability nationwide” MacDonald said in a press statement. “That’s why the National Association of Home Builders today is urging U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to closely monitor the effects of the catastrophe on the cost of essential building materials, particularly lumber, and to act swiftly and decisively to prevent exploitative pricing.”
Earlier this week, MacDonald urged the administration to reach an agreement with Canada on a new Softwood Lumber Agreement, saying “This is important because tariffs–basically just a tax on consumers–will be felt most harshly by families trying to rebuild.”
The association is calling on consumers to be aware of potential price gouging and contact the U.S. Attorney General’s office if they believe building materials prices are being unfairly manipulated.
