Landscape work was shoddy; suit seeks $100K
2/2/2011 6:17 PM By Andrea Dearden
A Smithton couple says shoddy work by a St. Louis landscaper could cost them more than $25,000 in repairs.
Lisa and Gary Schanz filed a lawsuit against Derek Onstott, DAO Leasing Limited and Artistic Group Inc. Dec. 30 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
The Schanzes say they hired Onstott in October 2009 to install an in-ground pool along with several landscape amenities associated with the pool at their home in Smithton. The Schanzes allege Onstott promised his company, Artistic Group, would do all the work under his direct supervision.
However, in the Spring of 2010, the couple says they found out nearly all the work on their Willow Oak Lane home was being done by subcontractors. They say Artistic Group was a fake business name for another company called DAO Leasing Limited. The Schanzes say the work completed was so poorly done that it would cost more than $25,000 to fix the mistakes.
The Schanzes are suing for breach of contract, consumer fraud and violations of llinois' Home Repair and Remodeling Act. They are asking for more than $100,000 in damages along with court costs.
Attorney Timothy J. Bates of Belleville is representing the Schanzes.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case No. 10-L-680
