Opinion ID: 2063689
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: substantially impaired value to the buyer

Text: Homera's second contention is that the condition did not substantially impair the mobile home's value. Section 41-02-71, N.D.C.C., provides that the buyer may revoke when the product's non-conformity substantially impairs its value to him. This is a factual determination to be made by the trier of fact. Schumaker v. Ivers, 90 S.D. 75, 238 N.W.2d 284, 287 (1976). Homera argues that the determination of substantial impairment is a legal conclusion. It relies on Durfee v. Rod Baxter Imports, Inc., 262 N.W.2d 349 (Minn.1977). Minnesota appears to be among a minority of jurisdictions which deem substantial impairment to be a conclusion of law. We believe that the better view is that substantial impairment is a question of fact for the trier of fact. Graulich Caterer, Inc. v. Hans Holterbosch, Inc., 101 N.J.Super. 61, 243 A.2d 253, 262 (1968) (what amounts to substantial impairment presents a question of fact); McGilbray v. Scholfield Winnebago, Inc., 221 Kan. 605, 561 P.2d 832, 837 (1977) (substantial impairment is a factual determination to be made by the trier of fact); Dehahn v. Innes, 356 A.2d 711, 720 (Me.1976) (substantial impairment is a question of fact); Countryside Mobile Homes, Etc. v. Schade, 204 Neb. 209, 281 N.W.2d 756 (1979); Murray v. Holiday Rambler, Inc., 83 Wis.2d 406, 265 N.W.2d 513, 521 (1978); Schumaker v. Ivers, supra, 238 N.W.2d at 287. In this case, the Erlings purchased their trailer home as their sole residence. The record shows that the defects in the home were not discoverable prior to their acceptance of the home. These defects were not cured by the seller. Mr. Erling had to repair the windows himself. He was reimbursed, however, for his labor and materials. The siding panels became so warped that Masonite Corporation agreed to replace at least three of the panels if the moisture problem was remedied. After one and one-half years of complaints and attempts to correct the problem, there was still condensation which, on occasions in the spring and fall, required placing pots and pans to catch dripping water. Considering this was a new mobile home, this must have been very aggravating. Under these circumstances, we cannot say that the trial court's determination that the value of the mobile home to the Erlings was substantially impaired was a clearly erroneous finding. Homera also contends that it should have been allowed to make further efforts to repair the defect. After notice of revocation was given to Homera and Carlson, the Erlings refused to permit further efforts to correct the problem. Specifically, they refused the installation of an electrically-powered ventilator. Homera admitted that it could not guarantee that the ventilator would solve the moisture problem. The offer to install the electrically-powered ventilator came after one and one-half years of dissatisfaction on the part of the Erlings, after only minimal attempts on behalf of Homera and others to remedy the problem, and not until after notice of revocation. A seller does not have an unlimited amount of time to cure the defects. Jorgensen v. Pressnall, 274 Or. 285, 545 P.2d 1382, 1385 (1976). Therefore, the refusal by the Erlings to allow any further attempts at repair after their revocation was not improper.