I'm pretty pissed on behalf of OP.

Just call them and tell them you’re upset that your bill has gone up so much with no change in service, after talking to a few people they’ll throw ya a $20 discount for a year. It’s the only way I’ve found to resolve it. An aggravating hour of your life but worth the time

But failing to do so would only be caught on inspection. And that would mean an inspector saw the underlay before the membrane covered it up -- assuming the inspector climbed up on the roof at all.

Here's the thing, once the contractor decided to violate their contract, they lost whatever leverage they acted like they had over you. Now they have none.

In over 30 years as a home inspector and P.E. my father has done expert witness testimony and inspections/reports on dozens of cases where homeowners were scammed, taken advantage of a defrauded of their money. Coincidentally, he used to run a roofing company that specialized in torch-down, flat roofs (mostly commercial because they were located in where there are few residential flat roofs). So when we bought a home with a torch-down flat roof he was really concerned and helpful and gave me a lot of information and things to look for. Also, one of my best friends runs a roofing company. So when we bought our row home I had the privilege of some really helpful people like your uncle.

From your write up it appears Kelbie Roofing ripped you off and possibly perpetrated a breach of contract and potentially fraud. Specifying materials to be used in a contract, and then not using those materials is a breach. If they did that willingly and attempted to conceal it, they potentially defrauded you. If those materials do not meet code, they are in violation of the permit they supposedly pulled.

I don't want this to be misconstrued as I'm wagging a finger at you so please don't take it that way. I understand how these experiences can make you feel humiliated and extorted; that is because you were humiliated and extorted. And this is NOT a reflection on you, it is a reflection on Kelbie Roofing's dubious business practices. You absolutely deserve the proper roof that matches what you paid for and is installed completely to code. And you have the power to make that happen. Regardless of how little leverage they made you feel like you had.

To anyone else reading this; this may be typical of unethical businesses, but it is not and should not be typical of a home improvement/repair contractor.

OSB or particle board is not appropriate for roofing underlayment. But specifically, it's not in your contract.

Other people have pointed you towards Maryland's Home Improvement Commission and I encourage you to talk to them. Before we bought I read the cases involving the GC who did the work on our house. They are there to assist you, the homeowner. Using the improper (and not to code) roof underlayment could mean you or a potentially new owner, will have to replace that roof much sooner. Worse, if you know you have the wrong underlayment you now have to disclose that upon the sale of your home. And that could mean a new buyer requests you replace the entire roof (again) to bring it up to code.

Again, I'm not trying to make you feel worse. You did nothing wrong here. The roofing contractor is in the wrong. It is absolutely worth fighting them over this. Because your new $40,000 roof could end up being $53,000 roof prematurely. I know it all sounds like a giant pain in your ass, but it is well worth it.

Sorry if I went off a bit here but in addition to growing up with a father "in the business" and friends in the business and a BIL in the business of home repair and improvement I've also spent several years doing work for a few different larger home foundation repair contractors with very good reputations. So I understand that good companies doing good work and doing right by their customers are out there. But over the last few decades I've also seen way too many contractors take advantage of decent people by getting them to pour their money into dubious home repairs and improvements. Too often people don't have something like MHIC or they just let it slide. This is definitely worth you taking to the Commission.

Good thought.

Worth noting I tried this a while back and they politely told me to get fucked, basically. Threatening to quit only works if you have genuine alternatives.

He made the same comment to me after the roof he installed caused a huge leak in my house the day after installation. Especially bad because my girlfriend at the time was Mexican and standing right next to me. He also got mad at me for being upset that the new completed roof already caused a worse leak than my old one ever did only one day after it was completed. Thankfully, I haven't had leaks in awhile but it took a long time to have peace of mind. Would love to learn about some roofers who aren't slimeballs. Seems pretty rare.

OSB is not fine for a roof.

I have my own Verizon modem that I use. When I call to complain, they will drop the price to $125 or so for a month or two, and then it's right back up. Actually getting in touch with a rep is like a 40-minute phone ordeal, at least in my experience.

I'm just waiting for Verizon 5g to become available in my neighborhood. The moment that happens, I'm going to immediately drop Comcast.

Verizon isn’t any better! Jerks!

It's annoying too because I can't figure out how to access that god damn pedestrian bridge across Pratt from the parking garage below it. I just want to take visiting family to the harbor without them having to cross an eight-lane road

Fair enough. I'm on a list to be emailed if and when Verizon offers anything but DSL in my neighborhood so I'll be on the lookout. I'm still pretty certain they've given up on my area though.

I honestly needed that reassurance. I bought my house last year, then soon discovered tens of thousands in damage that was intentionally hidden from me, and have had a score of other problems on top of that. I'm glad to know roofs are not always this much of a headache.

OP is likely referring to the Verizon 5G Home Internet Service. I switched close to ~6 months ago and it's been great. My cost is ~35 dollars a month (no-contract) with it bundled on my cell plan.

People stop paying attention past the low number. And are subsequently taken by surprise when that low number is actually temporary and/or they have to pay to break a contract. Despite all of it being spelled out.

Which is a fun place to go if you have a boat or friends with a boat.

You’re doing it really wrong. This is 100% on you not making any effort to navigate the system. I think the 1.2 G package without any promotions is like $100-110/month, plus taxes/fees. You need to buy your own equipment.

Yeah, Keith is great. After getting a couple quotes that recommended full roof replacement after experiencing a leak, Keith said, "nah, you just need to fix up the downspouts to improve drainage and wrap the chimneys for leaks, roof itself is fine." Ended up spending only $2500 instead of the $10K I was being quoted, and a year later still no leaks.

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lmk how it goes

Damn you fast!

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Thanks! I'm not sure all the parents of my students agree because I've been abused by a couple of them this year. I work hard, though, and I wish more people felt like you.

I used beltrands contractors inc (just looked it up) and this was 2019. I’m still in shock over their price and they went to multiple people for quotes. I think I went with this company because they did a few of my neighbors.

Thank you!