Opinion ID: 403737
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Course of Conduct

Text: 15 First, the course of conduct of the parties to this suit negates the idea that they proceeded on the Falcon project solely under the terms of the contract. It was not until nearly three months after construction of the hangar began that the contract was even signed by George King, the first party to sign it. The contract was undated, and presumably was prepared by Falcon. 16 In addition, King, by virtue of his participation in the building of hangars three and four, was aware that, contrary to provisions in the contract which supposedly governed that project, oral change orders were routinely given by Falcon and followed by the job coordinator. Upon the completion of hangars three and four, Falcon had a reconciliation meeting with the general contractor at which it was agreed that Falcon would pay an amount over and above the contract price as compensation for those oral changes. Mr. King had reason to believe that he would be compensated for expenses incurred in executing oral change orders as well. 17 Furthermore, the two written change orders which were executed for the hangar number five project incorporated, for the most part, changes which had been completed prior to the signing of the orders by any Falcon employee. This was done, with the parties' knowledge, in spite of the specific contract provision governing changes which required that no changes be made in the work or material except upon prior written order of the Owner. See ante at n.1 (emphasis added). This is the very provision which Falcon relies so heavily on in arguing its case against King.