Opinion ID: 1650238
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Construction Contract

Text: In December 1971, Thiel contracted to install, by April 1972, an underground electrical distribution system to service 33 buildings in a housing development at Cavalier. The contract recited a lump sum consideration of $13,861.00, but authorized partial payments for lineal feet, for quantity in place. The contract documents in the record do not show unit prices; however Thiel testified that the installation was completed before the contract completion date; that he submitted a bill showing unit bid prices; and that he was paid in full $15,077.97. He further testified that, without any additional contract or amendment, Thiel did other work that snowballed to approximately $100,000, approximately $20,000 has not been paid, and the matter is tied up in bankruptcy proceedings. The contract, which was on a preprinted form, among other things provided that: No payment on account shall operate as an approval and acceptance for the work done or materials furnished, or any part thereof. Another attached typewritten provision specified that the owner had the right to take possession of and use the completed portions of the work before the time for completion but that such taking possession and use shall not be deemed an acceptance of the work not completed in accordance with the Contract Documents.  [Emphasis added.] Also, as an attached, additional typewritten term is the requirement that Thiel shall warrant all equipment furnished and work performed by him for a period of one year from the date of written acceptance of the work.