HGTV's "Windy City Rehab" hosts have been sued by a couple who claim they coughed up $1.4 million on a Chicago home that began falling apart as soon as the cameras were packed.
James and Anna Morrissey allege that Alison Gramenos (Alison Victoria) and Donovan Eckhardt are guilty of breach of contract, breach of warranty, defective and shoddy work and consumer fraud.
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According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Morrisseys are asking for a reversal of the sale of the home and to be reimbursed $80,000 for "upgrades and landscaping" as well as a substantial amount for emotional distress and punitive damages.
They said that the shower in the upper floor leaked "gallons" of water to the kitchen ceiling below it just one day after they closed on the house.
LEAKY HOUSE
The couple also lists several other issues that have taken place in the 4000 sq ft home since moving into 2308 W. Giddings St., Lincoln Square, Chicago.
Apparently the family was promised a new roof that was never installed, adding that "leaks and water penetration" exist in the walls, windows, ceilings, and stonework.
The master bathroom and closet were affected by water that came through the windows and leaked into the surrounding structure, masonry, and interior walls.
WALLS ARE 'CRUMBLING'
The couple alleged that "nearly every window" was not installed properly and accused the HGTV hosts of installing a "crooked" front door.
The suit also claims that three of the bedroom windows began leaking with water and "large areas of masonry and mortar are crumbling."
The home is approximately 4,000 square feet in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.
The court filing comes only six months after the city of Chicago suspended the construction permit privileges of the HGTV hosts.
HEALTH AND SAFETY NIGHTMARE
A notice for Victoria's LLCs listed allegations such as performing or directing work without proper permits, making false statements on permit applications, and performing or directing "work that poses an immediate or imminent threat to the health and safety of workers or the public."
The hosts were suspended for four months and only returned to work in November.
The Morrisey's filed their suit with Cook County only a month later and also named Greymark Development Group, Alison Victoria Interiors Inc. and contractor Ermin Pajazetovic.
The HGTV flipping series was one of the network's top-rated shows in 2019.
Neither host has formally responded to media requests for comment.
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