Another painful reminder that you should read what you sign before you sign it, and don’t let yourself be rushed.

Carol and John Drescher bought a patio door from the Home Depot and had it installed. It was defective, and after much wrangling, a contractor came out and jammed a piece of cardboard near the hinge. That’s kwality konstruction.

The installer gave the homeowners a slip of paper to sign, which they did. And so they lost their rights.

“This was not done in a way that a reasonable person would be satisfied with,” the judge said. “I don’t think anybody would be satisfied to have this in their home. I have a hard time understanding how anybody who does installation for a reputable business like Home Depot could think this is satisfactory to begin with.”

Nevertheless, the Dreschers lost the case. Seems that slip of paper John had signed in June 2004 was a release, relieving “all parties” from further responsibility for the defective door.

The homeowners are appealing. That “all parties” release is rather sweeping, with questionable legality. It would seemingly preclude manufacturing defects, too. Any lawyerly advice for the owners? — MARK ASHLEY

Christine Young: Home Depot closed the door on couple [Times Herald-Record]
(Photo: Karen Apricot New Orleans and the ugly Home Depot door photostream)

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