Couple blames contractor for poor kitchen remodel

WHEELING -- A couple is suing an interior design company and a contractor hired to remodel their kitchen after the defendants failed to remodel the kitchen in a satisfactory manner.

Albert and Melissa Delatore filed a lawsuit July 23 in Ohio Circuit Court against John James Inc., doing business as Budget Interiors, and Randall "Randy" J. Dlesk, citing breach of contract, negligence, breach of implied warranty of fitness, workmanlike quality and/or habitability and property damage.

The plaintiffs say the defendants breached the contract to remodel their kitchen by hiring individuals to perform the remodel who were unskilled in the required tasks or who did not have the required knowledge to complete the tasks. The lawsuit says because the defendants were negligent in hiring knowledgeable contractors, they have suffered economic loss, property damage, anguish, aggravation and inconvenience in hiring another contractor to complete the work.

The plaintiffs allege the defendants acted with intent to inflict emotional distress or acted recklessly, knowing that it would cause distress. The lawsuit also says the defendants damaged existing appliances and fixtures and left the floors, walls and cabinets, drawers and other items not in working order.

The plaintiffs ask for a judgment against the defendants and an award in excess of the jurisdictional minimums, along with pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and attorney's fees.

They are represented by David A. Jividen and Chad D. Haught of Jividen Law Offices P.L.L.C in Wheeling. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Ronald E. Wilson.

Ohio Circuit Court Case 14-C-215