Legal Question in Consumer Law in Massachusetts

Mechanics Lien in Massachusetts

I hired a''Handyman to fix up my house ro sell, including painting,sanding staining wood work &odds and ends.His quote was $3800.which I thought was too high & said I couldn't hire him. He came back w/ $3000 said he wanted the job and said that he could do most everyhing, except for things that may not show ie-closets. Made the mistake of signing an empty contract as he didn't list the items. The main problem is the woodwork is ruined(never sanded...stain plopped on it); did not paint some ceilings and charged me extra for paint, did not do priority items ie. fixing molding on front door.He was asked ot fix woodwork and ceiling.Said he did.He Did not.I have pictures.He e-mailed & said this is the ''Final Time'' we are coming back ...allwork was not fixed or done.Harassed me and said he gave me a better price, so what did I expect. I didn't expect shabby work.Had to clean up paint of mirrors, woodwork and walls, replace ruined toilet seat (too much paint on it), He took about 3 weeks had promised 1 week, started late, had to put my house on the market 1 month later than planned. Paid him half the money in good faith halfway through the job. $1500.I refuse to pay more and want $1000. back.threateing me w/mech. lien house on marke


Asked on 5/08/09, 7:56 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Craig J. Tiedemann Kajko, Weisman & Colasanti, LLP

Re: Mechanics Lien in Massachusetts

Go to the Mass Attorney General's website; consumer section; home and housing; then Home Improvement. There is a comprehensive guide there for dealing with problems with home improvement contractors. There is a special law that applies and give you significant leverage under that law over this home improvement contractor. Sounds like he violated the statute by, among other ways, not identifying the agreed scope of work. Probably several other statutory violations as well.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagoterminal&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Consumer+Protection&L2=Home+%26+Housing&L3=Home+Improvement&sid=Cago&b=terminalcontent&f=consumer_agsguide_homeimprovement&csid=Cago

Here's the link (if it goes thru):

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Answered on 5/08/09, 9:36 pm
Craig J. Tiedemann Kajko, Weisman & Colasanti, LLP

Re: Mechanics Lien in Massachusetts

Also, if he does file a mechanics lien, call me. I have lots of experience with that statute.

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Answered on 5/08/09, 9:37 pm


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