24/7 Emergency Service
A Chicago couple, Shane Jones and Samantha Mostaccio, say that their $1.3M home is now full of mold because HGTV show star Allison Gramenos and her contractors bungled a garage conversion project. They are suing Gramenos, contractors Donovan Eckhardt and Ermin Pajazetovic, and the HGTV Channel for fraud over work performed when their garage was being converted into a workout studio.
According to the lawsuit, the quoted $15,000 remodel bloomed to $37,000. Not only was the project not completed on time, it also allowed water to damage their home during the remodel. The delayed finish was caused, the couple state, because the proper permits were not obtained and the City issued a “stop-work” order.
During the stoppage, the roof remained open, allowing rainwater to do further damage. They say the garage door no longer works and gas lines rusted after prolonged exposure to the weather. They state that the gas lines were then painted over in an attempt to fool inspectors.
In addition, 10 days after they closed on the home, rainwater further damaged the home resulting in cracking concrete columns and mold. The couple is seeking reimbursement for repairs, attorney fees and $4,000 a month of loss income because Mostaccio, who is a personal trainer, says she was unable to use the workout studio while repairs were being done.
Apparently this lawsuit is not the only one surrounding Gramenos, Eckhardt, and HGTV. A Lincoln Park couple is also suing the trio over shoddy workmanship and leaks in their $1.36M home.
Chicago’s Department of Buildings is now keeping a close eye on other “Windy City Rehab” projects, issuing several other stop-work orders on different housing projects. The second season of the TV show is supposed to air in July. You have to wonder, will there be a season 3?
These homeowners needed to contact Water Mold Fire of Chicago as soon as any leaks were discovered. Taking quick corrective action, such as water extraction and structural drying, can prevent mold development. If you have a home in Chicago or any of its suburbs that has water leak or mold problems, contact us at (312) 574-3814. We will provide a free inspection and estimate to correct the problem and we are available 24/7.
