EDWARDSVILLE – A Wood River couple is suing a contractor, alleging incomplete, shoddy or dangerous work when rebuilding their home.
David and Linda George filed a lawsuit Jan. 13 in Madison County Circuit Court against Metro Contracting & Design and Barry R. Ash, both of Wood River, the sole member and owner of Metro, alleging breach of contract, breach of warranty and fraud.
According to the complaint, on June 23, 2012, much of the plaintiffs' home at 551 N. Third St., Wood River was destroyed by fire. The Georges subsequently hired the Metro Contracting to serve as the general contractor for rebuilding their home.
Although the contract said the plaintiffs would pay the defendant approximately $208,000 to rebuild the home, the final price was in excess of $240,000, the suit says.
Even after the home was turned over to the plaintiffs in early 2013, work continued until that October, the lawsuit states.
After the plaintiffs retook possession of their home, they contacted the defendant with multiple concerns, the suit says. Among the issues, the lawsuit states, were a back-up generator the plaintiffs paid for but was never installed, improperly installed siding, including missing joint flashings underneath the siding, siding that was painted or caulked around windows and doors, the main beam of the home had not been installed, compromising the structural integrity of the home, and hardwood flooring was hastily installed.
In addition, the plaintiffs say the defendant failed to provide receipts, warranty information and owners' manuals for items purchased for the home.
David and Linda George seek at least $50,000 for each count, actual and punitive damages, attorney fees and court costs, and other relief the court deems just and proper. They are represented by attorney Andrew K. Carruthers of Heplerbroom LLC in Edwardsville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-48