Homeowners accused by home elevation company of canceling contract after receiving grant funds

GRETNA – A local construction company is suing a homeowner claiming breach of contract.

Robert Wolfe Construction Inc. filed suit against Vincent and Maryann Mercedel Wilson  in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 11.

Robert Wolfe Construction Inc. claims it entered into a construction contract with the Wilsons on Nov. 23, 2010 in the amount of $157,000 to elevate their home. The plaintiff alleges they interacted with the State of Louisiana Road Home Mitigation Program (HMGP) to procure grant funds for the home elevation on behalf of the defendants. Robert Wolfe Construction asserts it did all of the groundwork to perform the elevation including securing HMGP funding, conducting assessment and paying for an elevation certificate.  However, the plaintiff claims that after the defendants received grant funds for the home elevation, the defendants refused to go through with the contract and would not respond to the plaintiff’s attempts to contact them.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract and unjust enrichment.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for at least 25 percent of the contract amount plus attorney’s fees and court costs.

Robert Wolfe Construction is represented by Lauren E. Checki of New Orleans-based Varadi, Hair & Checki LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division O Judge Ross P. LaDart.

Case no. 735-425.