Court Opinion

ID: 9773874
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-29 18:01:48.355779+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:31:58.651629
License: Public Domain

OPINION ON MOTION FOR REHEARING
MASSEY, Chief Justice.
In the opinion we stated that the record was devoid of evidence concerning the cost of removing the improvements from Lot 5. *231It is further stated therein that there was no evidence which we might consider as proof upon the measure of damages for which the parties contracted; i.e. proof of the amount reasonably necessary to complete the improvements contracted to be erected upon the owner’s Lot 4.
These statements were erroneously made. The parties stipulated that the cost of relocation of the improvements, so that they would be in compliance with the parties’ contract, would be between the amount of $3,500.00 and $6,000.00. Said cost would be that reasonably necessary to complete the improvements so that they would rest on the owner’s Lot 4, in accordance with the contract. Therefore, we are of the opinion that the owner’s pleadings alleged those damages which the contract provided in the event of the builder’s breach. Therein it was claimed that the owner was entitled to an offset for the cost of removing the improvements, if possible to be done without their destruction, alleged to cost $6,800.00.
The judgment of the trial court was for debt and foreclosure of the lien provided as security therefor, under pleadings and proof which supported that decree. The judgment should by way of credit and set-off, have awarded the owner the amount of $3,500.00 as damages to which he was entitled under the pleadings and stipulations.
Trial was before the court, without a jury, and there was no Motion for New Trial and no Assignments of Error to the trial court. We review the Points of Error presented to this appellate court in the determination of whether the owner has complained because the trial court failed to allow him his damages in at least the sum of $3,500.00, by way of set-off, etc. If the owner has done so the judgment in the case should be reversed, because of the failure in such respect.
But we have concluded that the owner has not made the necessary complaint; and since he has not we overrule the Motion for Rehearing.
The only Point of Error presented which approaches such a complaint is the owner’s Third Point, reading as follows: “The Court erred in holding that the Appellee was entitled to judgment for $7,425.39 against Appellant, when the stipulated facts show the Appellee failed to substantially perform its contract and negligently placed the improvements upon the wrong property.”
In the statement and argument in the owner’s brief, under his Third Point, we find a total absence of any complaint relative to “amount” the owner should be found entitled (if entitled to anything at all under the circumstances of the case) either by way of a reduction of the builder’s award or otherwise. The object of a “point” in the brief, as provided for in Rule 418, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, is to call the Court’s attention to the questions raised and discussed in the brief. A “point” is sufficient if it directs the Court’s attention to the matter complained of, and, in the determination of the “matter complained of” the Court will look to the “point” and the statement and argument thereunder to determine the question of reversible error. Fambrough v. Wagley, 140 Tex. 577, 169 S.W.2d 478 (1943). On the analogous question of sufficiency of assignments of error in a complainant’s Motion.for New Trial, see Wagner v. Foster, 161 Tex. 333, 341 S.W.2d 887 (1960).
As indicated, our conclusion is that the owner has failed to present the material complaint requisite to a reversal by means of an appropriate Point of Error. In view thereof we hold his right to make such complaint was waived.
The motion for rehearing is overruled.