Winnetka property owners bring fraud claims over HVAC installation

A group of business owners are facing suit over claims they failed to properly install a HVAC system.

Paul G. Kalpake and Senya M. Kalpake filed a lawsuit April 18 in the Cook County Circuit Court against John Paul Regas, individually and doing business as JP Regas & Associates Ltd.; Cornell Gorman, individually and doing business as A Custom Climate; Daniel Hanches, individually and doing business as Startstone Construction' and Fiorino Architects LLC.

They allege common law fraud, fraudulent misrepresentations, violation of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act, breach of implied warranty and breach of express warranty.

According to the complaint, the Kalpakes have a legal interest in property on Lamson Drive in Winnetka, and engaged JP Regas & Associates to assist in property renovations.

The renovations began Oct. 23, 2010 and included installation of a new HVAC system, which Regas allegedly supervised. The plaintiffs claim they experienced various heating issues and cooling issues 2011 and 2012.

They accuse the defendants of failing to ensure proper installation of the HVAC system, as well as refusing to repair of replace the system.

The Kalpakes are seeking an undisclosed amount in damages and are being represented in the case by David R. Centracchio of Gordon & Centracchio LLC.

Cook County Circuit Court Case No. 2014L004390.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed in the Cook County Circuit Court. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.