HGTV has become a destination for home and garden enthusiasts. A typical scene on the network typically involves hosts having passionate conversations with homeowners as their facial expressions betray the agony of trying to sell a client on a home design vision they can’t see. These tense moments are often followed by the weepy, sentimental scenes of a couple who can’t contain how overjoyed they are to see the transformation of their home. It’s a formula, and it works…
For the stars of the network, however, it’s been quite the career. With expertise in home improvement and landscaping, these hosts have become some of the most recognizable characters in all of television. As they continue to cash in on lucrative paychecks, the folklore surrounding these faces has grown. They’ve been tied to controversies with everything from bar altercations to the idea that their “reality” shows are staged. These days, stars of these series spend time not only fighting with former guests who disagree with the outcomes or disgruntled employees from past failed ventures but with LAPD and even the Environmental Protection Agency.
As for these televised home renovations, the focus is typically always on the perfect outcome to protect the reputation of the show and to not lose a sponsor, but the fact is that bad repairs and mistakes occur at a clip that might not seem possible based on the magic of skilled editing. These bad renovations have even led to a few lawsuits for stars following the completion of a renovation gone awry.
Windy City Rehab stars were sued over leaks and dangerous construction
HGTV renovation shows often end in a dramatic dream home reveal in the final act, and the couple standing there in awe of the house they now get to binge-watch the rest of “The Office” in aren’t usually called “irresponsible.” For one couple who saw their house on Windy City Rehab, checks were written, tears were shed and the dream home was just a nightmare. Or at least, that’s what they’re claiming.
While on the first season of “Windy City Rehab” in 2019, Anna and James Morrissey bought a $1.36 million home in Illinois. The home was renovated by hosts Alison Victoria Gramenos and Donovan Eckhardt, but liability issues soon developed. The Morisseys sued at the end of 2019 and alleged that the home leaked from the windows, walls, and ceilings and that the upstairs shower leaked into the kitchen. They also said they had issues with the garage, front door, and exterior masonry that was deteriorating. “Windy City Rehab” is currently in its second season.
Both parties have laid relatively low since then. Gramenos released a statement saying she initially intended to create an exceptional home in an “amazing” neighborhood and she was grateful everyone was able to resolve the issues amicably. Eckhardt said he hoped to move forward with future projects and said, “Without a shadow, I am looking forward to another spectacular project with Alison and Donovan.”