The People Behind HGTV Fixer for Fabulous are at the forefront of an ongoing process. The HGTV reality series follows a couple, Dave and Jenny Marrs, who renovate homes in their hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas. Dave specializes in drafting and hiring, while Jenny focuses on creating welcoming interiors. Debuting in 2019, Fixer for FabulousThe success of launched a spinoff, Fixative for Fabulous: Italianand the Marrs also star in another HGTV show, Shake the block. However, the outcome of the case against the Marrs could impact Fixer for Fabulous.
It's important to note that the lawsuit does not directly name the reality show, nor Dave or Jenny Marr. However, it names Jupiter Rentals and Marrs Construction, both owned by Dave Marr, as defendants. Despite media coverage, The Marrs have not yet publicly commented on the lawsuitand (through Collider). However, Fixer for Fabulous is preparing to air its sixth season in early 2025, when the Marrs will be in court. Before Season 6 begins, the Marrs will likely need to resolve the lawsuit so they can tell their side of the story and potentially set the record straight.
How the reparative process for the fabulous began
The complaints started on the HGTV show
The action arose from a couple whose house appeared in Fixative for Fabulous. The plaintiffs, Matthew and Sarah McGrath allege Marr's companies breached their contract when building a house with a “critical safety issue” regarding its deck and refusing to complete further repairs.
The home is located in Bentonville, Arkansas, and the trial is scheduled to take place in Benton County Circuit Court in 2025. Both parties have been trying to reach a settlement for months through court mediation. But so far, no agreement has been reached. The Marrs claim that the McGraths would not allow them to make necessary repairs to their home despite their efforts (via Yahoo!).
The McGraths claim Marr's companies violated their contract by building a home with a “critical safety issue” on their home's deck and refusing to complete other repairs.
A 2022 report went into more detail about the problems found at the McGraths' home. According to professionals who inspected the property, the house was in violation of more than 20 security codes. The report also found issues with the roof structure, main floor structure, wall structure and wind protection, deck foundations, deck floor modifications and attachment to the house, grading, and drainage issues (via Fox16).
The process increases
More damage is found at the McGraths' home
When the McGraths moved into their home, they found even more problems with the property than initially described in the report. In addition to security concerns on your property, the couple alleges that Jupiter Rentals and Marrs Construction did not complete more than $10,000 in repairs to his home.
Repairs included adding hardwood floors, installing a different kitchen sink, adding stairs and a railing from the back deck to the backyard, and adding windows to a garage panel. In a court report, the McGraths say that if repairs are not made, it will have long-term repercussions on their home (via Fox 24).
However, $10,000 seems low for the amount of money needed to repair the McGrath home. In 2023, new details came to light. A letter on behalf of the McGraths and a report outlining additional damage to their home were submitted to the court. The McGraths paid to have the damage examined so they could list exactly what needed to be fixed.
In the January 2023 letter, professionals estimated McGrath's worth house needed almost $100,000 in repairs. Specifically, repairs to sidewalks and walkways would cost $38,740, and installing a French drain for landscaping would cost $47,863. However, the estimates do not include the nearly $1,900 the McGraths paid an Arkansas-based contractor to discover the extent of the damage. (through PennLive).
Tornado delays process
The test is now scheduled for January 2025
During Memorial Day weekend 2024, tornadoes devastated Benton County, Arkansas, where the McGraths' home is located. Because contractors in the area were busy cleaning up the destruction, they were unable to properly assess the extent of the damage to the home.
On June 4th, the McGraths filed a motion to an extension of the trial date because of damage caused by the tornadoes. The Marrs protested the motion to extend the trial date. In court documents, the Marrs claim the McGraths “will be dramatically prejudiced to the point of being potentially unable to present the merits of their case” if the McGraths cannot supplement their claims (via Yahoo!).
The motion was eventually granted and the case was postponed until September 2024. In August 2024, the trial date was postponed until next year, set for start January 27, 2025.
Possible results of lawsuits
The Marrs could be in danger for big money
In short, the McGraths want the Marrs to pay for all repairs and problems on their property, in addition to litigation fees. This lawsuit is not the first time the Marrs have been sued. In 2018, Tyler and Dana Craddock were approached by Marrs Construction with a deal to renovate their home for the show. In 2021, the Craddocks claimed that the construction company was unable to complete work on their home. The case ended up being archived in 2022 (via Fox 24).
If the Marrs lose their case against the McGraths, they could be at risk of making a lot of money. As for Fixer for Fabulous, the show's fate remains uncertain. Of course, a lawsuit won't be good for the show's publicity. However, the money used to pay for the lawsuit will likely not harm the show's production. The Marrs have a combined net worth of two million to five million dollars (through Closer weekly). Since the McGraths are seeking nearly $100,000 in damages plus litigation costs, the Marrs won't be left penniless if they lose the case.
Fixer for Fabulous
Fixer to Fabulous is an HGTV television series that began airing in 2019. The show features Dave and Jenny Marrs as they renovate historic homes in their hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas. With a focus on modern amenities and preserving original character, the Marrs transform outdated properties into beautifully restored family homes. The series highlights his experience in design, construction and real estate.
- Release date
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October 22, 2019
- Cast
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Dave Marrs, Jenny Marrs
- Seasons
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5