Construction Disputes

With land relatively scarce in the Boston metropolitan area, many people opt to renovate their existing homes or knock down a home and start from scratch.  Unfortunately, sometimes, the construction does not go smoothly.  At Tanowitz Law Office, P.C., we represent homeowners whose contractor has breached the contract.  Sometimes the case relates to poor workmanship or a failure to follow the plans and specifications.  Other times, contractors fail to pay for labor or materials, even after you have paid, which results in a mechanic’s lien being recorded in your home.  Under many circumstances, home renovations are controlled by Mass.Gen.L. ch. 142A which provides protections for homeowners against unscrupulous contractors and automatically includes the provisions of Chapter 93A, the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Statute.  Chapter 93A provides for an award of reasonable attorney’s fees and, in some cases, multiple damages to successful plaintiffs.  The Commonwealth provides an arbitration program that allows homeowners and contractors to have their dispute heard in non-binding arbitration in a cost-effective manner.  Tanowitz Law Office, P.C. has tried more than a dozen cases through this arbitration process.  We have successfully litigated numerous cases in court and of course, reached favorable settlements for our clients.

Here are some of our successes:

• Brought successfully tried or arbitrated numerous cases, including securing awards of double damages under Chapter 93A and attorney’s fees
• Settled various claims for poor construction at client’s residence – both new construction and renovation – including some for damages, plus attorney’s fees
• Assisted clients with drafting and reviewing home improvement contracts prior to the commencement of work