Not every file in Northeast COMBAT’s archive requires active participation by our mediation volunteers to help out a wronged consumer.

Sometimes people simply want to know how to go about soliciting a contractor, renting an apartment or making a purchase. In these cases, we provide the necessary direction.

At other times, people provide us with information about their experiences with the instruction, “I think you should be aware of ….” We file these as “formal complaints” with no action requested.

That was the case with Ms. L of Bangor as she prepared to dig out her wallet to reshingle the roof of her home.

This was no small project, and Ms. L was prepared to take her time to find the right contractor for the job. Her first step was to obtain a quote from a local roofing contractor (Contractor A). Being a savvy consumer, she wisely decided to confirm that the quote was reasonable by obtaining two additional estimates. To her surprise, the second quote (Contractor B) was a stunning additional $5,000 – two and a half times the quote from Contractor A.

And the third quote (Contractor C)? An additional $8,400 – almost four times the estimate from Contractor A.

Ms. L became suspicious and viewed each itemized quote more closely to account for such major differences between the three estimates. Smart. There were several discrepancies.

Contractor B reported that the roof was 3,400 square feet. The roof’s true measure is only 1,400 square feet.

Contractor C told her that new shingles would not be warranted unless the old shingles were first removed, accounting for the additional expense. The consumer smelled a rat, and did not take anything for granted.

She called the manufacturer of the shingles herself and learned that Contractor C’s statement was not true.

Despite their additional costs, both B and C had even neglected to include the installation of two roof vents our wise client had requested.

What was going on?

Ms. L lived alone at the time of this project, and her reason for contacting COMBAT was that she questioned whether Contractors B and C thought her an easy target for price-gouging.

This is a legitimate concern for seniors and single women. And for this reason, Ms. L’s situation is a good example to other consumers like her.

Through patience and diligence, Ms. L saved herself thousands of dollars. She was not going to let these “professionals” take her for a ride. She started out on the right foot by obtaining several quotes. Second, she closely reviewed each written contract. She found omissions regarding work that she asked for, a report from one contractor that said her roof was more than two times its actual size, and a flagrant misrepresentation by one contractor regarding the warranty on the materials.

Contractor A was the lucky recipient of Ms. L’s business. Not merely because he quoted the least expensive job, but because he appeared to be the most legitimate in terms of honesty and fundamental math skills.

This exercise put Ms. L’s business sense and consumer prowess to the test. But she handled it like a pro and we applaud her. We also appreciate her alerting COMBAT to her experience.

Is there something you feel we should be alerted to? Don’t hesitate to write us and tell us your story.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT-Maine Center for the Public Interest, Maine’s membership-funded nonprofit consumer organization. For help and information write: Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, PO Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329.