The Season 4 champion of HGTV’s “Design Star” reality show is being sued by a consumer who alleges he was overcharged for improvements done on his home and that the work was negligently performed.
Sam Maydew filed the lawsuit Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court against Antonio Ballatore. He seeks a refund of $186,600 he paid Ballatore as well as compensatory damages from G’ Bros LLC, which performed the work on the home under Ballatore’s supervision.
A representative for Ballatore could not be immediately reached.
According to the lawsuit, Maydew contacted Ballatore last August about the improvements. Ballatore gave him a written estimate of $70,140, the suit states.
“Almost immediately after commencing construction of the improvements, Ballatore began making changes to the scope of the work” the suit alleges.
Although Maydew approved some of the changes, Ballatore did not tell him that the extra costs would be beyond what the plaintiff could afford, the suit states
“Other changes were made without prior approval from (Maydew),” according to the complaint.
Ballatore is a licensed contractor in New York, but not California, the suit alleges. He has worked as a set designer in New York City and Los Angeles and has built and designed homes, night clubs and restaurants in both cities, the suit states.
The work done by G’ Bros was performed “negligently, carelessly and defectively,” the suit states.
“Design Star” premiered on HGTV in July 2006 and has completed seven seasons.
