Crawford v. Schneider
Crawford v. Schneider
Opinion of the Court
The complainant was the owner of a land contract made by one James S. Goodrich, covering a lot situated at the south-east corner of Seventh and Irving streets, in Detroit. After the purchase, she made improvements upon the lot and a dwelling house standing on the rear of the lot, facing on Trving street, so that the lot and improvements were worth $2,000 to $3,000; and there remained unpaid on the purchase price $784.
There is no pretense that the house which was constructed corresponded in all respects to. the house provided for in the specifications and contract between complainant and Myers. On the contrary, the circuit judge found that the departures from the contract were so great, both in the quality and size of the timbers and materials used, and in the quality of the workmanship, that the house cannot be made to comply with the specifications without the practical destruction of the building. This finding is amply supported by the testimony. The joists throughout the house are two inches narrower than specified. The rafters are two by four instead of
It is alleged that the decree which the court entered is not justified by the pleadings. The bill set out all the facts, and asked the court to undertake the specific performance of the contract. It also contained a prayer for general relief. The decree of the court provided that defendant Schneider should cause the mortgage to be canceled and discharged of record; that he should remove the house from the premises, and restore the premises to their former condition, within 60 days from the date of the decree; that an accounting should be taken of the unpaid balance of the purchase price of the premises, and of all sums expended for taxes, paving assessments, etc.; and that complainant should pay to Schneider this sum, upon his executing to her a deed of the premises. It also gave an option to defendant to retain the premises upon which the house is located, which will be hereinafter referred to. It is contended that there is no basis for that part of the decree requiring the removal of the house. The situation of the parties to this case is peculiar. If the complainant had had no previous title or ownership in the property, it might be that, when it is ascertained that the contract as contemplated cannot be specifically performed, the complainant might be left to her remedy at law to recover damages. But in this case it was not intended to vest title in either Myers or Schneider, except as trustees, and for the purpose of securing payment by complainant of the purchase price of the lot and the agreed price of the building, when com
Complainant „ offered below, and still continues the offer, to accept a conveyance of the rear end of the lot, with her house upon it, and permit defendant to retain title to the front portion, in payment iof the amount remaining unpaid upon the original purchase price; and a provision was inserted in the decree giving to defendant the option to accept such proposition within 30 days from the date of the decree. The decree in this court will continue the same option. The causé will be remanded to the court below for further proceedings under the decree, if the same shall become necessary. Complainant will recover costs.
Reference
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- CRAWFORD v. SCHNEIDER
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- Published