I agree, we should have had a written contract and I will never do a project again like this without one. But isn't it the contractor who is supposed to write up the contract?? And why would someone say they hope I am sued. The plumber did a crappy job and all I want is a meaningful reduction of the bill to reflect that.
As I suggested earlier, get yourself to a MASSACHUSETTS attorney who is familiar with MASSACHUSETTS contractor laws and MASSACHUSETTS consumer protection laws.
None of the self proclaimed experts have indicated any knowledge of the applicable laws.