Legal Question in Consumer Law in Massachusetts

Unfair bill sent on home repair

I needed a small roof over the cellar repaired. I called my roofer whom I used before and was given a verbal quote of 700.00 for new shingles and plywood under them. This was after they inspected.

They did the job and took the plywood back because the boards were ok.

I received the bill with (replace plywood and shingles}.for 700.00

I called and all they will do is come down 40.00 for the wood.

I am upset about this. What can I do?

This is a big roofing co. and I am really surprised.


Asked on 10/14/05, 6:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Raymond P. Bilodeau Law Office of Raymond P. Bilodeau

Re: Unfair bill sent on home repair

If you assume the price for the job as quoted was fair, and the fact that they did not use the plywood made the cost of the job unfair because of the savings in material and time, there are some things you can do:

- send the company a letter "pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 93A" stating your problem and what you want them to do about it, certified return receipt. They have 30 days to send you a written response and if they do not respond or the response is not adequate, you can sue them and ask for double or treble damages and attorney's fees (if you use an attorney). Small claims will be about $20.

- you can see if the Attorney General's office has had other complaints and is interested in the case.

- you can see if they are a member of the Better Business Bureau and have access to their arbitration system.

- you may decide it's not worth losing a good company for what may amount to $100 or so.

- you can make a big sign and walk with it in front of the company (on public property).

- you can call one of the consumer help lines at a newspaper or TV and see if they can help you.

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Answered on 10/14/05, 10:29 pm


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