New Lenox New Home From Hell: Lawsuit

NEW LENOX, IL - Richard and Christina Harang thought they purchased a slice of Americana when they bought their new home in New Lenox's upscale Bristol Park subdivision. "You will love this open concept home with (a) giant kitchen equipped with two islands, plenty of cabinet space, walk-in pantry, stainless appliances and quartz countertops," the former real estate listing on Stapleton Road proclaims. But ever since the Harangs moved into 2018 Stapleton Road during the summer of 2016, this two-story has been nothing but trouble, they contend.

The New Lenox couple recently filed a civil lawsuit against DRH Cambridge Homes and D.R. Horton, alleging defective construction and fraudulent conduct. The lawsuit summons was issued on Jan. 17. So far, the defendants, whose offices are on Chicago's LaSalle Street, have not filed a response to the lawsuit at the Will County Courthouse.

The New Lenox home at the center of the lawsuit was purchased for approximately $395,000 in the summer of 2016, according to a real estate listing on Realtor.com. The plaintiffs learned the single-family home was built in October 2015. Before the couple moved in, the home sat vacant for roughly nine-and-a-half months, their lawsuit contends.

"During the period the residence remained vacant, defendant did not install a humidifier during the winter months or a dehumidifier during the spring and first half of the summer," their lawsuit states.

"Plaintiffs were not advised of these facts until after they had moved into the residence and began experiencing the problems complained of as hereinafter set forth."

Richard and Christina Harang are suing DRH Cambridge Homes

The civil suit against DRH Cambridge Homes and D.R. Horton alleges the following defects:

1. Improper construction of basement wall
2. Improper construction and installation of basement floor joists
3. Improper construction and installation of the subfloor
4. Improper installation of the hardwood flooring
5. Cracked basement floor
6. Cracked and bowed ceilings throughout the home
7. Sinking driveway
8. Improper installation of tile
9. Water infiltration in multiple locations on the second floor
10. Improper construction of exterior brick walls
11. Failure to install a humidifier and dehumidifier and maintain an adequate and appropriate moisture level in the house.
12. Improper construction and installation of siding and gutters.

The suit against Cambridge Homes accuses the company of fraud.

The lawsuit alleges the defendants "purported to provide cosmetic 'fixes' which did not address the aforementioned design and construction defects and problems. The cosmetic 'fixes' by defendant did not correct the issues, but instead aggravated and made worse the aforementioned design and construction defects and problems," the plaintiff's lawyer argued.

Moreover, "On information and belief, prior to May 3, 2016, numerous other residences within the Bristol Park Subdivision have identical or substantially similar conditions and defects, which were known to the defendant, but not disclosed to plaintiffs," stated attorney Robert Shipley of Chicago's Shipley Law Group, the firm representing the Harangs.

"Plaintiffs have hired contractors that have inspected the premises, who have identified the conditions and defects complained of. Defendant's representatives, including Tom Tuhy, also identified defects in the work that had been performed," Shipley stated in his lawsuit.

The lawsuit explains that the defendant was the developer and seller of homes in the Bristol Park subdivision including the home the plaintiffs bought.

The D.R. Horton website notes it has built homes since 1978, proclaiming, "Our New Lenox, IL homes for sale are a reflection of our experience and great quality ... It is possible to get the house of your dreams at an affordable price in our New Lenox communities."

The plaintiffs allege "numerous other residences" have similar defects as well.

Images via Realtor.com