Construction over budget, shoddy work, verbal contract

[Babs801]

What is the name of your state? Massachusetts

I hired a contractor to renovate. No contract in writing.
He has been slow all the way through the job. I kept
a detailed log of what happened when, which contrators
I spoke with, etc. Early on I had terrible trouble with the
roofing sub, and tried to find another contractor to take over. Because I live in a small town, no one wants to step
on anyone elses toes - so I was unsuccessful. I tried to
live with the whole mess and see it through, but progress
was painfully slow. I moved out for 4 months to encourage
them to get it done quickly. the house was a mess when i
returned - I've spent over $1000 just cleaning up construction mess. Now he sends me a bill for $300000 -
about 125000 over budget. I realize we may end up in court over this, but wondered if he could put a lein on
my house with no written contract.

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state? Massachusetts

I hired a contractor to renovate. No contract in writing. **A: why not?
******
He has been slow all the way through the job. I kept
a detailed log of what happened when, which contrators
I spoke with, etc. Early on I had terrible trouble with the
roofing sub, and tried to find another contractor to take over. Because I live in a small town, no one wants to step
on anyone elses toes - so I was unsuccessful. I tried to
live with the whole mess and see it through, but progress
was painfully slow. I moved out for 4 months to encourage
them to get it done quickly. the house was a mess when i
returned - I've spent over $1000 just cleaning up construction mess. Now he sends me a bill for $300000 -
about 125000 over budget. I realize we may end up in court over this, but wondered if he could put a lein on
my house with no written contract.

**A: yes, he can file a mechanics lien. Now where is your attorney that you needed before the work began.