Dave and Jenny Marrs Sued again: Judge Orders Jury Trial for Lawsuit Against HGTV stars.

The picturesque town of Bentonville, Arkansas, has become the backdrop to a burgeoning legal saga, pitting popular HGTV personalities Dave and Jenny Marrs against two disgruntled clients. As the dispute escalates, the stakes have been raised with a recent court decision. Court documents, obtained through diligent investigation, reveal that a pivotal five-day jury trial is slated to commence on September 23, 2024, right within the hallowed walls of the Benton County Courthouse. The impending trial looms ominously, signaling a high-stakes showdown, unless a resolution is found in the interim.

The controversy first sprang to life on February 7, 2023, when Matthew and Sarah McGrath unleashed a legal storm, filing a lawsuit targeting two of the companies linked to the dynamic duo behind the HGTV hit show “Fixer to Fabulous” – namely, Jupiter Rentals and Marrs Construction.

The McGraths make the assertion that they had entered into direct dealings with Dave Marrs, a transaction orchestrated for the acquisition of a newly minted residential gem. However, their narrative takes a sharp turn, as they claim that the very individual who should have been their ‘fixer’ has seemingly ‘refused’ to uphold promises for home updates.

Moreover, a litany of essential repairs essential to the property’s integrity, as alleged by the plaintiffs, languish unaddressed. Intriguingly, the court documents from March portray Dave Marrs as a refuter, contesting the majority of the allegations proffered by the aggrieved McGraths.

The anticipated trial, though scheduled a year in advance, is steeped in anticipation and suspense. Judge Christine Horwart, in a judicial directive issued on July 20, emphasizes a pathway toward possible resolution. This directive mandates that the involved parties engage in a mediation process, a forum aimed at finding common ground and an elusive consensus. A stern yet measured ultimatum accompanies this directive – the results of the mediation are to be promptly reported back to the court no later than September 29.

As the legal curtains draw open on this high-profile drama, Bentonville’s tranquil streets serve as a striking juxtaposition to the storm that brews within the confines of the courthouse. The verdict remains unknown, as the enigmatic countdown towards the September trial ticks away, holding in its grasp the hopes and fears of all those embroiled in this riveting legal clash.

Arkansas Couple Says New House They Bought From Dave & Jenny Marrs’ Company Has ‘Serious Defects’

Marrs Developing’s website reveals that since 2004, HGTV’s notable personalities have overseen the construction of around 30 homes annually in Northwest Arkansas. As per the lawsuit filed by the McGraths and carefully examined by Heavy, the couple details their acquisition of one such newly built residence from Marrs Developing in May 2022, making an initial payment of $15,000 on the $559,000 price tag.

The residence, a 2650-square-foot abode featuring three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a three-car garage, is described on Realtor.com. Notably, the McGraths were slated to finalize their home purchase on July 28, 2022, with a commitment from Jupiter, managed by Dave Marrs, to provide a one-year seller’s warranty from the completion date, aimed at addressing any necessary repairs.

The lawsuit contends that on June 16, Marrs agreed to carry out property upgrades, outlined in a digitally-signed addendum, encompassing hardwood floor extension, a kitchen sink replacement, installation of stairs and a handrail, and the addition of windows to a garage panel.

The McGraths reportedly paid over $10,000 for these enhancements, which were never executed. Furthermore, they allege that a home inspector revealed significant construction defects in the new house, which both Defendants refused to remedy. Seeking resolution, the McGraths are seeking damages, reimbursement, and relief through a jury trial for breach of contract.

In response, the legal team representing Jupiter Rentals and Marrs Construction, through a written answer reviewed by Heavy, emphasizes that the contract’s terms are self-explanatory and asserts that the McGraths’ property restricted access to the companies’ agents or subcontractors for necessary repair work.

Marrs couples were sued before

Adding to their legal challenges, the Marrs find themselves embroiled in another lawsuit, as highlighted by CBS42. In 2021, Dana and Tyler Craddock, an Arkansas couple, filed a lawsuit against Marrs Developing and Marrs Construction. The lawsuit claims that the companies operated without a valid Arkansas Contractor’s License and failed to secure necessary construction-related permits from Benton County for a home remodel project.

It’s noted that the Marrs had extended an offer to the Craddocks to renovate their residence for their HGTV show, with the caveat that the homeowners wouldn’t be privy to the renovation process due to the show’s surprise reveal format.

The lawsuit alleges that the Craddocks and a Benton County inspector were explicitly informed that no structural alterations would be undertaken, negating the need for construction permits. However, upon the unveiling during filming, unexpected changes became apparent. New balconies had been added, “noncompliant vents” were found in the kitchen, and alterations were made to electrical, water, and plumbing circuits, all contrary to the initial understanding.

This lawsuit marks another legal challenge in a series of recent disputes, underscoring the complexities faced by the Marrs and their construction endeavors.

The Craddocks filed a lawsuit seeking $75,000 in damages, but as per KNWA, the case was resolved in March 2022 through a settlement agreement between the Marrs and the Craddocks. Judge Xollie Duncan officially acknowledged that the plaintiffs had settled their claims and released the defendants from any potential claims.

Amidst their legal engagements, the Marrs have been notably occupied. They’ve spent a significant portion of the summer in Italy, filming a spinoff series titled “Fixer to Fabulous: Italiano,” set to debut in 2024. Concurrently, HGTV has announced the forthcoming fifth season of the original show, “Fixer to Fabulous,” slated for a 2024 release as well.