BECKLEY – A Raleigh County couple who recently purchased a home is suing the former owner, as well as a home inspection service, claiming they misled them about the home’s condition.
Douglas Cipoletti and Shannon Cipoletti filed a lawsuit May 16 in Raleigh Circuit Court against Rochelle Cook, the property’s previous owner, and Lombardo Home Inspection Service Inc., doing business as Southern WV Inspections, alleging fraudulent misrepresentation and concealment of material facts.
According to the complaint, the Cipolettis purchased their home from Cook in April of 2015 for $310,000. While making improvements to the home in June, the Cipolettis say they found a leak in the attic and hired a firm to inspect the house. The inspection uncovered damage to the roof and flashing around the chimney, issues that had not been mentioned in Cook’s disclosure statement nor in Southern WV Inspection’s report. The cost to repair the roof and chimney flashing is estimated at $23,050, the suit says.
The Cipolettis seek a jury trial, compensatory damages and litigation costs. They are represented by attorney Gene W. Bailey II of Hendrickson & Long PLLC in Charleston. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge H.L. Kirkpatrick III.
Raleigh Circuit Court Case number 16-C-305-K