Parker v. Eagle Fire Insurance

Thomas, J.

The defendants were to repair the buildings under the contract between the parties, made by the by-law. It was a contract to be performed upon the real estate of the plaintiff, and the usual rule as to labor and materials furnished upon real estate applies. The labor done and materials furnished in building, and in the repair of buildings, become incorporated with and additions to the real estate of the owner. If therefore the repairs were made with the purpose of comply*154ing with the by-law in good faith, and were of substantial benefit to the plaintiff, the defendants should have the advantage of them, though not so perfect as fully to make good the plaintiff’s loss. The difference between the value of the buildings as repaired in fact, and what the value would have been had the repairs been full and complete, is the measure of damages in the case.

It is to be observed that under the by-law one fourth of the expense of the repairs is to be borne by the insured. In a case where the repairs are imperfect, he should bear not one fourth of the cost of repairs, but of their value to the estate.

Exceptions sustained.