Division 3: The Work Was "Complete" Enough to Merit Full Payment
Another chapter in the story of what happens when good folks use bad contracts.
Owner contracted with electrical contractor to upgrade service in a 5 unit apartment. The Contract stated: "Payment in full at time of completion."
The electrical contractor sued when Owner refused to make payment in full. And in fact the electrician did not obtain a final inspection from the City of Walla Walla until the time of trial. Based on that fact, the Owner claimed the work was not complete until the time of trial and thus full payment was not previously due.
Not so fast, said the Court. The Contract only said the work had to be complete and therefore substantial completion will suffice to trigger full payment, relying on an 1895 case.
Copy of opinion also available here Download file