Handyman Leaves Leaky Roof Behind

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Betty Watson lives by herself. She says she's almost 70 years old and tries to make the right decision in all she does.

Last October, she hired Michael Frailey, a handyman, to fix her roof.

"He was recommended by a friend," says Watson. The job cost Watson $2,000. Living on a fixed income, she says it took a lot to save the money.

Watson says, "I saved up so I can do what needs to be done."

Watson says since October, she has called Frailey several times to fix the leaks in her new roof.

"Now the ceiling tiles are getting wet and he refuses to fix it," says Watson.

When contacted, Frailey said, "I stand behind everything I do."

He added, "The work was done correctly; the roof I put on does not leak."

Frailey said he was willing to go back and resolve the problem, but decided not to do so. As for permits, Frailey said he didn't pull one because it is not required since it was less than $2,500.

City officials say Frailey is wrong. Officials say anyone repairing or replacing a roof needs to have a professional license and needs to pull a permit. Pulling a permit means the job will be inspected.

There is no evidence that Frailey had any kind of license.

Watson sued Frailey and won a judgment, but doubts she will ever collect. All she wants is the roof repaired. Where it leaks is a nursery for her grandchildren, and she says it is off limits until she has the money to hire someone to stop the leaks.

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