Susan Tennant v. Peaks & Valleys, Inc., and Toni Staples (mem. dec.) ( 2018 )

MEMORANDUM DECISION
Pursuant to Ind. Appellate Rule 65(D),
this Memorandum Decision shall not be FILED
regarded as precedent or cited before any Jul 06 2018, 8:39 am
court except for the purpose of establishing
CLERK
the defense of res judicata, collateral Indiana Supreme Court
Court of Appeals
estoppel, or the law of the case. and Tax Court
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT ATTORNEY FOR APPELLEES
Nathan D. Hoggatt Dawn M. Boyd
Fort Wayne, Indiana Law Office of Dawn M. Boyd
Columbia City, Indiana
IN THE
COURT OF APPEALS OF INDIANA
Susan Tennant, July 6, 2018
Appellant-Defendant/Counter-Plaintiff, Court of Appeals Case No.
92A04-1710-CC-2474
v. Appeal from the Whitley Circuit
Court
Peaks & Valleys, Inc., and The Honorable Matthew J.
Toni Staples, Rentschler, Judge
Appellees-Plaintiffs/Counter- Trial Court Cause No.
Defendants 92C01-1505-CC-201
Baker, Judge.
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[1] Susan Tennant hired Peaks & Valleys, Inc. (P&V), to construct a pole building
on her property. As the construction was nearing completion, Tennant fired
P&V and refused to pay for its work. P&V filed a complaint against Tennant,
and Tennant filed a counterclaim against P&V. A bench trial took place, and
now both parties appeal. Tennant argues that the trial court erred in its
application of the Home Improvement Contracts Act (HICA);1 P&V argues that
the trial court erred by denying its motion for prejudgment interest; and both
parties argue that the trial court erred in its attorney’s fee award to P&V.
Finding that the trial court did not err in its application of HICA or in its
attorney’s fee award, but that the trial court erred by denying P&V’s request for
prejudgment interest, we affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand.
Facts 23
The Project
1
Ind. Code § 24-5-11-1 et. seq.
2
We commend and thank the trial court for its thorough order.
3
The purpose of our appellate rules, especially Indiana Appellate Rule 46, is to aid and expedite review and
to relieve the appellate court of the burden of searching the record and briefing the case. Thacker v. Wentzel,
797 N.E.2d 342, 345 (Ind. Ct. App. 2003). The briefs in this case violate several provisions of our appellate
rules, which impedes our ability to expeditiously consider the issues.
First, the briefs for both parties violate Rule 46(A)(5) by omitting some citations in their statements of the
case. Second, Tennant’s brief violates Rule 46(A)(6)(a), (b), and (c) because many facts in the statement of
facts are unsupported by citations, the facts are not stated in accordance with the appropriate standard of
review, and the statement is at times argumentative, rather than in a narrative form. P&V’s brief similarly
fails to include citations for certain facts. Third, Tennant’s brief violates Rule 46(A)(8)(a) because the brief
contains contentions that are not supported by cogent reasoning or by citations to the authorities. Fourth,
although Rule 46(D)(3) provides that the “appellant’s reply brief shall address the arguments raised on cross-
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[2] Tennant owns a farm in Whitley County. P&V is a roofing and construction
company. Its owner, sole shareholder, and president is Toni Staples.
Sometime in May 2014, Tennant told P&V that she wanted a pole building
constructed on her property (the Project) and some land cleared. On or around
May 15, 2014, P&V presented Tennant with a written estimate of $33,812 for
the Project and the land clearing. The estimate was based on the pole building
as a basic structure—a frame, metal siding, a roof, a cement slab, three garage
doors, and a regular door—with an unfinished interior and no plumbing or
electricity. Tennant understood and agreed to the terms of the estimate.
Tennant did not sign the estimate, nor did the parties put their agreement in a
written, signed contract.
[3] P&V spent ten days clearing the land. On or around August 22, 2014, P&V
began the Project. P&V purchased supplies on credit from a third-party
business (the Supplier), expecting to repay the Supplier once Tennant paid for
the Project. On August 26, 2014, Tennant paid P&V $6,000 for the clearing
work.
[4] By early September, P&V was ready to prepare and pour the concrete slab for
the Project. Around this time, Tennant requested certain modifications and
upgrades—including relocating the Project and adding water and electric
lines—to the Project, which resulted in increased material and labor costs and
appeal,” (emphasis added), Tennant’s reply brief fails to mention any of the issues that P&V raises on its
cross-appeal. Instead, the reply brief is a near-verbatim reiteration of sections of her initial brief.
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delayed the Project. P&V informed Tennant that the requested changes would
increase the Project’s cost and timeline; Tennant verbally agreed to pay for the
additional costs. P&V made changes and incurred expenses based on these
requests.
[5] Around the middle of October 2014, P&V once again began to prepare the
concrete site. Tennant then told P&V that she wanted to increase the depth of
the concrete slab from four to six inches. This change required P&V to adjust
the building frame. On October 23, 2014, the stone fill for the concrete was
delivered. On October 24, 2014, P&V’s concrete subcontractor placed the stone
fill in the building frame and graded it. Meanwhile, Tennant and P&V
mutually agreed to allow Tennant to have a different contractor lay the
concrete, and on October 24, 2014, Tennant began contacting other contractors.
She hired Barry Myers and Roger Conrad to pour the building’s concrete slab
by separate agreement.
[6] By early November, P&V had completed most of the work for the Project.
When Myers and Conrad worked on the concrete, they chose to remove and
replace the concrete fill that P&V had installed because it was saturated and
muddy. P&V was not permitted to work on the Project while the concrete was
being poured. On November 11, 2014, Tennant called Staples and fired P&V
from the Project. When P&V’s subcontractors returned to the Project to finish
the few remaining tasks, Tennant told them they were fired and ordered them
to leave her property. Tennant refused to pay P&V for the Project. As a result,
P&V was unable to repay the Supplier and accrued interest on its debt to the
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Supplier; P&V then took out a loan at a lower interest rate to mitigate its
damages.
Procedural History
[7] On December 4, 2014, P&V filed a mechanic’s lien on the Project for
$33,511.39. At some point, P&V admitted to an error in the amount and
excluded certain materials, reducing the amount of the lien to $26,511.39. On
May 13, 2015, P&V and Staples filed a complaint against Tennant, alleging
breach of contract and other claims. P&V also sought to foreclose on its
mechanic’s lien. On July 20, 2015, Tennant filed counterclaims against P&V,
alleging breach of contract, slander of title, and other claims. On March 30,
2016, Tennant amended her counterclaims, adding an allegation of failure to
comply with HICA. On June 12, 2017, P&V amended its complaint, adding an
allegation of abuse of process. On June 28, 2017, Tennant filed a motion for
discovery sanctions. During the pleading stage, both parties requested
attorney’s fees.
[8] A bench trial took place on July 18-21, 2017. On August 10, 2017, the trial
court issued its findings of fact and conclusions of law. Its findings of fact
included the following:
12. The Court finds that the parties intended that the clearing
work—and only the clearing work—was paid in full by
[Tennant’s] $6000.00 payment.
***
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29. On Tuesday, November 11, 2014, Mrs. Tennant fired Peaks
& Valleys via telephone call to Toni Staples.
30. Mrs. Tennant disputes that she fired Peaks & Valleys.
31. Subcontractors of Peaks & Valleys returned to finish the roof
and siding on or about November 12, 2014 when Mrs. Tennant
approached them and ordered them to leave her property.
32. Mrs. Tennant disputes that she ordered anyone associated
with Peaks & Valleys to leave the property.
***
37. Peaks & Valleys spent 16.5 days working on the pole barn
project.
38. Peaks & Valleys filed its Notice of Intent to Hold Mechanic’s
Lien on December 4, 2014 for $33,511.39.
39. Peaks & Valleys admits to an error in the Mechanic’s Lien
. . . which inflated the lien by $4000.00.
40. Mrs. Tennant brought other contractors in to finish the
building and make improvements not contemplated by her
dealings with Peaks & Valleys. . . .
41. Mrs. Tennant refused to pay Peaks & Valleys for the services
and materials rendered to erect the pole building. While there
was negotiation and mediation between the parties, Mrs.
Tennant refused to pay any of the money—even the thousands of
dollars she acknowledged she owed for material that Peaks &
Valleys had purchased and incorporated into her building.
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***
43. Due to Mrs. Tennant’s non-payment, Peaks & Valleys lost its
line of credit with its local supplier, . . . and incurred substantial
interest on materials provided to Mrs. Tennant.
44. The undisputed value of materials provided by Peaks &
Valleys to Mrs. Tennant is $13,328.29.
45. Labor costs owed in this case are difficult to calculate for
many reasons. First, the Court is cognizant that Peaks &
Valleys—like any small business—is required to make a profit[]
for its owner (Toni Staples), but cannot label it as such in their
estimate. Thus, a contractor inflates certain items in their
estimate and utilizes this inflation to realize their profit.
Therefore, it is difficult to assess an appropriate measurement of
labor cost and profit from the estimate in this case.
46. It is even more difficult in this case to assess labor and profit
because there were changes and additions to the project which
increased the amount of labor from what was expected in the
estimate. Of course, there was also an early exit for Peaks &
Valleys that saved them a couple of days of additional labor.
47. At trial, Peaks & Valleys presented evidence that 16.5 days
were expended on putting up the pole barn and that each day,
Peaks & Valleys endeavors to earn $1,000.00 per day. Ipso facto,
Peaks & Valleys claims that they are due $16,500.00. The
$1,000.00 per day figure is not convincing, however, as the Court
interprets this figure as the business’ goal which is not always
achieved. . . .
48. During those 16.5 days, Peaks & Valleys had on average
three subcontractor laborers working on the project. There was
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testimony that Peaks & Valleys paid their laborers at least
$100.00 per day . . . .
49. Mrs. Tennant saw fit to pay Peaks & Valleys $6000 for the
clearing project which took at most 10 days to complete. If
Peaks and Valleys utilized three laborers and presumed that the
business would pay its owner at least as much as the laborers, we
can calculate that the laborers and Toni Staples were paid at least
$150.00 per person per day ($6000/10 = $600 per day; $600.00/4
wages = $150.00 per person per day.)
50. This Court determines based upon the acceptable rate of pay
on the clearing project that a fair rate of pay for the laborers on
this project is $150.00 per day. Thus, labor costs were $450.00
per day for 16.5 days for a total of $7,425.00. The Court finds
that Peaks & Valleys is also entitled to $150.00 per day in
“profit” for owner Toni Staples for coordinating and supervising
the project for a total of $2,475.00. The total that Peaks &
Valleys is therefore due for labor and profit is $9,900.00.
51. In addition to these damages, Peaks & Valleys suffered the
loss of ability to pay off their line of credit with [the Supplier].
As a direct result of Mrs. Tennant’s refusal to pay, Peaks &
Valleys paid 18% interest on the outstanding balance it carried
with [the Supplier]. Peaks & Valleys paid a total of $8,900.00 in
interest to [the Supplier] beginning in December of 2014. Peaks
& Valleys eventually mitigated its losses by undertaking [a loan
with a lower interest rate to pay off the Supplier]. Peaks &
Valleys contends the interest paid (a total of $10,777.92) is
damage attributable to Mrs. Tennant’s failure to pay for her pole
barn.
Appealed Order p. 2-8.
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[9] On P&V’s breach of contract claim and its mechanic’s lien, the trial court
concluded that:
• An oral agreement based on the estimate existed between P&V and
Tennant, and Tennant terminated that agreement when she was no
longer willing to accept work from P&V.
• The agreement was not unenforceable just because it did not completely
comply with HICA.
• P&V is entitled to recover damages for labor and materials, totaling
$23,228.29; P&V is entitled to prejudgment interest totaling “roughly
$5,000.00,” id. at 9; and P&V is entitled to interest costs of $10,777.92 for
money it borrowed to cover its losses, a proximately caused damage.
• Awarding prejudgment interest and proximately caused interest costs
would constitute unfair double-dipping. P&V is entitled to only the
greater of the two; hence, P&V is entitled to $10,777.92 but not the
$5,000 of prejudgment interest.
• Thus, P&V could enforce its mechanic’s lien for a total of $34,006.21.
As for P&V’s abuse of process claim, the trial court gave Tennant “the benefit
of doubt and finds insufficient basis for an abuse of process claim. Most of Mrs.
Tennant’s legal claims are ultimately without merit, but this Court stops short
of finding that the filings were so lacking in a legal foundation that they amount
to abuse of the legal process.” Id. at 10-11.
[10] On Tennant’s claims, the trial court concluded as follows:
• The trial court denied Tennant’s breach of contract claim, concluding
that P&V did not breach its contract “and only left the project unfinished
when they were not welcome to return.” Id. at 11.
• The trial court denied Tennant’s slander of title claim, concluding that
she did not quantify any loss as the result of P&V’s overstatement of its
claim on its mechanic’s lien.
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• On Tennant’s claim under HICA, the trial court concluded that Tennant
prevailed because P&V operated contrary to HICA when it did not
reduce their agreement to writing; that Tennant suffered no perceptible
damages because of P&V’s failure to comply with HICA; and that “[i]f
the original estimate had been reduced to a contract, and if each
modification had been further reduced to writing, it is unlikely—or at
least highly speculative—that any events would have happened
differently.” Id. at 12. The trial court awarded Tennant the minimum
statutory award of $500.
• The trial court denied Tennant’s motion for discovery sanctions, finding
no proof that any discovery violations occurred.
[11] Regarding attorney’s fees, the trial court found that P&V incurred more than
$80,000 in attorney’s fees, and Tennant more than $112,000; that P&V’s request
for attorney’s fees carried more weight than Tennant’s because the mechanic’s
lien statute entitles a plaintiff who recovers a judgment to attorney’s fees; and
that a “reasonable attorney fee for pursuing a roughly $34,000.00 mechanic’s
lien is $10,000.00.” Id. at 14.
[12] On September 6, 2017, P&V filed a motion to correct error, arguing that the
trial court erred by denying P&V prejudgment interest, its abuse of process
claim, and its full request for attorney’s fees; and by awarding Tennant $500
under HICA. On October 5, 2017, the trial court issued an order affirming its
judgment regarding the prejudgment interest and the abuse of process claim.
The trial court reversed its judgment on Tennant’s $500 award under HICA,
finding that she was not entitled to an award because P&V did not act with
intent to defraud or mislead and because Tennant did not provide sufficient and
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timely notice about P&V’s noncompliance as required by the statute. As for the
attorney’s fees, the trial court found as follows:
14. This Court is likewise concerned with a property owner’s
ability to contest a mechanic’s lien when, as in this case, the
ultimate cost in terms of labor and materials for an interrupted
project are legitimately in dispute. Forcing Tennant to pay 100%
of Peaks & Valleys’ legal costs in addition to Tennant’s own
would be an excessive systemic discouragement to property
owners facing a mechanic’s lien for an amount with which they
did not agree and whose disagreement proves to have some
merit.
***
19. This Court acknowledges that its’ [sic] original $10,000.00
attorney fee award was an arbitrary figure based upon the relative
merits of Peaks & Valleys’ litigation . . . and the size of Peaks &
Valleys’ potential (roughly $40,000) and actual ($34,006.21)
award. This Court’s $10,000.00 award was mainly reactionary to
the incongruity between the award and the legal costs, and it was
contrary to the law and logic of [caselaw].
20. To hunt and peck through Peaks & Valleys’ fee statement to
determine which charges were reasonably necessary to the
litigation—and which were not—is an impossible task. Which
charges relate to the mechanics’ lien error? Do we allow the
billable hours during which counsel pursued claims where she
was ultimately successful and disallow billable hours when she
was arguing claims where she was unsuccessful? Which hours
relate to claims where Tennant did not prevail, but did have a
reasonable dispute? Accounting for “reasonable” and
“reasonably necessary” charges is too subjective and
insufficiently quantified to lend itself to itemization on the record
available to this Court.
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21. . . . [I]n light of the law and logic of [caselaw], and with
consideration given to avoiding unnecessary discouragement of
legitimate litigation, and given the Court’s assessment that 60%
of Peaks & Valleys’ attorney fees were reasonably necessary to
the litigation and/or responsive to unsuccessful counterclaims or
litigation tactics on the part of Tennant, the Court . . . now
awards 60% of Peaks & Valleys [sic] requested award:
$82,236.86 x .60 = $49,342.11.
Appellant’s App. Vol. V p. 135-37. Tennant and P&V now appeal.
Discussion and Decision
[13] Tennant raises multiple issues on appeal, which we consolidate and restate as
whether the trial court erred in its application of HICA.4 On cross-appeal, P&V
4
Tennant’s other issues are not supported by cogent argument or appropriate authority. Tennant argues that
the trial court erred by determining that P&V’s mechanic’s lien was a valid lien on which it could foreclose.
On appeal, she argues that the lien is invalid because Staples, in her individual capacity, rather than P&V,
filed it; however, she argued to the trial court that the lien was invalid because P&V overstated the amount of
its claim. An argument raised for the first time on appeal is waived. E.g., Troxel v. Troxel, 737 N.E.2d 745,
752 (Ind. 2000). Therefore, we will not consider this argument.
Tennant also contends that the trial court erred by denying her claim of slander of title. The trial court found
that Tennant failed to quantify any loss because of P&V’s overstatement of its claim on the mechanic’s lien.
To demonstrate slander of title, one must prove “false statements were made, with malice, and that the
plaintiff sustained pecuniary loss as a necessary and proximate consequence of the slanderous statements.”
Bixeman v. Hunter’s Run Homeowners Ass’n of St. John, Inc., 36 N.E.3d 1074, 1078 (Ind. Ct. App. 2015) (citation
omitted). On appeal, Tennant does not argue that P&V made false statements with malice or that she
sustained any financial loss as a result of any statement. Her argument is unavailing.
Tennant then challenges the trial court’s award of damages to P&V. We employ a limited standard of review
when addressing challenges to a trial court’s calculation and award of damages. Prime Mortg. USA, Inc. v.
Nichols, 885 N.E.2d 628, 656 (Ind. Ct. App. 2008). We do not require mathematical certainty in awarding
damages as long as the amount awarded is supported by evidence in the record. Id. First, Tennant argues
that no award of consequential damages is warranted in this case but she offers no statutory authority or
caselaw to support her position. Tennant then argues that the trial court failed to consider three invoices
when calculating damages; the trial court denied their admission under Indiana Rule of Evidence 408, which
prohibits the admission of compromise offers and negotiations, and Tennant does not present a cogent
argument that the trial court erred by excluding them as evidence. Lastly, Tennant argues that the trial court
erred when calculating damages for labor, but again, she provides no statutory authority or caselaw to
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argues that the trial court erred by denying P&V prejudgment interest.5 In
addition, both parties contest the trial court’s award of attorney’s fees.
I. Standard of Review
[14] When the trial court enters findings of fact and conclusions of law, we will
apply a two-tier standard of review, first determining whether the evidence
supports the findings, and second, whether the findings support the judgment.
Millikan v. Eifrid, 968 N.E.2d 243, 251 (Ind. Ct. App. 2012). The trial court’s
specific findings will be set aside only where they are clearly erroneous, that is,
when there are no facts or inferences drawn therefrom to support them. Id.Only the evidence favorable to the judgment and all reasonable inferences
flowing therefrom is considered, and the evidence is not reweighed, nor is the
credibility of witnesses assessed. Id.support this argument. The trial court provided clear reasoning to show why and how it calculated P&V’s
damages award, and we find no error with its calculation.
Finally, Tennant asserts that the trial court erred by denying her motion for sanctions for discovery
violations. According to Tennant, during discovery, P&V misstated the Project’s start date, was unclear
about whether it purchased garage doors for the Project, misstated the number of documents it presented to
Tennant, and withheld material evidence. Despite a lengthy discussion, however, Tennant provides no
statutory authority or caselaw to support her claims that any of these allegations constitute discovery
violations. It is well settled that we will not consider an appellant’s assertion on appeal when she fails to
present cogent argument supported by authority. E.g., Thacker, 797 N.E.2d at 345. Moreover, Tennant does
not identify any prejudice she suffered because of these perceived violations. We find no error on this basis.
5
P&V also argues that the trial court erred by denying its claim of abuse of process. Although the trial court
found that “[m]ost of Mrs. Tennant’s legal claims are ultimately without merit,” the trial court “stop[ped]
short of finding that the filings were so lacking in a legal foundation that they amount to abuse of the legal
process.” Appealed Order p. 10-11. P&V asserts that the trial court applied the wrong legal standard when it
made this finding, but is unclear about how the trial court’s legal standard was wrong. The trial court
declined to find that P&V met its burden to show that Tennant misused the legal process. We decline to
second-guess the trial court’s judgment on this issue.
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II. Tennant’s Appeal
[15] Tennant argues that the trial court erred by finding that P&V’s noncompliance
with HICA did not make their contract unenforceable and by denying Tennant
an award under the Act.
A. The Act
[16] The purpose of HICA
is to protect consumers by placing specific minimum
requirements on the contents of [real property] improvement
contracts . . . [because] few consumers are knowledgeable about
the [real property] improvement industry or of the techniques
that must be employed to produce a sound structure. The
consumer’s reliance on the contractor coupled with well-known
abuses found in the [real property] improvement industry, served
as an impetus for the passage of [HICA], and contractors are
therefore held to a strict standard.
Imperial Ins. Restoration & Remodeling, Inc. v. Costello, 965 N.E.2d 723, 727 (Ind.
Ct. App. 2012). HICA requires real property improvement suppliers6
performing any alteration, repair, or modification to residential real property—
which includes all fixtures to, structures on, and improvements to the real
property—of a consumer7 for an amount greater than $150 to provide the
6
A “real property improvement supplier” is “a person who engages in or solicits real property improvement
contracts whether or not the person deals directly with the consumer.” I.C. § 24-5-11-6. P&V does not
dispute on appeal that it is a real property improvement supplier subject to HICA.
7
A “consumer” is a person who owns, leases, or rents the residential real property that is the subject of a real
property improvement contract. I.C. § 24-5-11-2. P&V does not dispute that Tennant is a consumer.
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consumer with a written home improvement contract. I.C. §§ 24-5-11-1, -3, -4,
-10(a). The home improvement contract must contain certain information
before it is signed by the consumer, including the consumer’s name, the address
of the real property that is the subject of the real property improvement, a
reasonably detailed description of the proposed real property improvements,
approximate starting and completion dates, a statement of any contingencies
that would materially change the approximate completion date, and the
contract price. I.C. § 24-5-11-10(a).
[17] A real property improvement supplier who violates HICA commits a
“deceptive act” that is actionable by a consumer and subject to the remedies
and penalties available to victims of deceptive consumer sales. I.C. § 24-5-11-
14. Specifically, “[a] person relying upon an uncured or incurable deceptive act
may bring an action for the damages actually suffered as a consumer as a result
of the deceptive act or five hundred dollars ($500), whichever is greater.”8 I.C.
§ 24-5-0.5-4(a). “[T]he court may void or limit the application of contracts or
clauses resulting from deceptive acts . . . .” I.C. § 24-5-0.5-4(d). The statute
then limits its application, stating that:
No action may be brought under this chapter, . . . unless (1) the
deceptive act is incurable or (2) the consumer bringing the action
8
An “uncured deceptive act” is a deceptive act of which the consumer gave proper notice to the supplier and
either the supplier made no offer to cure within thirty days, or the act has not been cured within a reasonable
time after the consumer’s acceptance of the offer to cure. I.C. § 24-5-0.5-2(a)(7). An “incurable deceptive
act” is a deceptive act done by a supplier as part of a scheme, artifice, or device with intent to defraud or
mislead. I.C. § 24-5-0.5-2(a)(8).
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shall have given notice in writing to the supplier within the sooner of
(i) six (6) months after the initial discovery of the deceptive act,
(ii) one (1) year following such consumer transaction, or (iii) any
time limitation, not less than thirty (30) days, of any period of
warranty applicable to the transaction, which notice shall state fully
the nature of the alleged deceptive act and the actual damage suffered
therefrom, and unless such deceptive act shall have become an
uncured deceptive act.
Ind. Code § 24-5-0.5-5(a) (emphases added).
[18] This Court has concluded that the General Assembly did not intend that every
contract that violates HICA is automatically void. Costello, 965 N.E.2d at 729.
Instead, we apply a balancing approach and examine the factors that courts use
to determine whether a contract contravenes declared public policy. Id. The
considerations to be balanced are (1) the nature of the subject matter of the
contract, (2) the strength of the public policy underlying the statute, (3) the
likelihood that refusal to enforce the bargain or term will further that policy, (4)
how serious or deserved would be the forfeiture suffered by the party attempting
to enforce the bargain, and (5) the parties’ relative bargaining power and
freedom to contract. Id.B. Application
[19] Tennant argues that P&V did not comply with HICA because no formal written
contract existed between the parties. In the alternative, Tennant asserts that
P&V’s “failure to adhere to legislative mandates has caused Tennant so much
time, money, and emotional grief” that their agreement must be declared void.
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Appellant’s Br. p. 28. P&V concedes that the written estimate did not conform
to HICA’s requirements, but asserts that because the omissions were not
intentional and did not prejudice Tennant, their agreement should not be found
unenforceable.
[20] Here, Tennant suggests that no contract existed between the parties because
their agreement was not reduced to writing. The trial court found that the
estimate served as a written contract in that it “outlined the terms and
parameters of the project to which Mrs. Tennant orally agreed and upon which
Peaks & Valleys proceeded. The estimate establishes generally what both
parties agreed to be reasonable terms and expectations.” Appealed Order p. 8.
In other words, the trial court found that a contract existed because the essential
elements of a contract were present. See, e.g., Jernas v. Gumz, 53 N.E.3d 434,
445 (Ind. Ct. App. 2016), trans. denied (“The basic requirements for a contract
are offer, acceptance, consideration, and a meeting of the minds between the
contracting parties on all essential elements or terms of the transaction.”).
Tennant does not refute the trial court’s finding beyond a general statement that
no written agreement evinces the meeting of the minds. The trial court did not
err by finding that a written contract existed.
[21] To find this contract unenforceable against Tennant would leave P&V suffering
“a serious and undeserved forfeiture outweighing the other factors.” Costello,
956 N.E.2d at 729. P&V provided services to Tennant at her request and
accommodated her modification requests during the Project. The Project was
near completion when Tennant fired P&V. Tennant acknowledged that she
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received the benefit of P&V’s services and that she owes P&V for its work. Tr.
Vol. III p. 239-40; Appellant’s App. Vol. II p. 153, 158, 160-61.
[22] Moreover, Tennant fails to show that she was deceived by P&V’s
noncompliance with HICA. The trial court concluded that even if the original
estimate had been reduced to a formal written contract, it was speculative that
events would have happened differently. We find the trial court’s reasoning
sound. Even if P&V had complied with HICA, Tennant fails to show how the
Project would have proceeded differently. She does not argue that she would
have requested fewer or no modifications, or that she would have paid for the
work and materials P&V had expended before she fired it. In short, she fails to
show how P&V’s failure to comply with the statute led to any deception or
abuse of her as a consumer. “HICA aims to protect consumers from abuse, not
to provide an escape from legitimate contractual obligations.” Paul v. Stone
Artisans, Ltd., 20 N.E.3d 883, 889 (Ind. Ct. App. 2014). Not enforcing this
contract would not further the policy behind HICA and would simply allow
Tennant to enjoy a windfall. The trial court did not err by finding that a valid
contract existed between the parties despite P&V’s noncompliance with HICA.9
[23] As for damages, the trial court initially awarded Tennant $500, the minimum
award for a HICA violation. After P&V filed its motion to correct error, the
9
Tennant also contends that her oral modifications to the contract did not comply with HICA. Tennant
does not identify which modifications she is referencing. However, as the trial court did not make any
findings of fact or conclusions of law related to modifications under HICA, it appears that Tennant is raising
this issue for the first time on appeal. It is, therefore, waived. Troxel, 737 N.E.2d at 752.
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trial court reversed its judgment, finding that the deceptive act was not
incurable because P&V did not act with intent to defraud or mislead and that
“Tennant failed to provide sufficient and timely notice under the statute so that
she could later claim that she was the victim of an ‘uncured deceptive act[.]’”
Appellant’s App. Vol. V p. 133-34. Tennant now argues that she was entitled to
damages.
[24] We agree with the trial court’s finding. Indiana Code section 24-5-0.5-5(a)
states clearly that an action cannot be brought under HICA unless the deceptive
act is incurable (meaning that it was done by the real property improvement
supplier as part of a scheme, artifice, or device with intent to defraud or
mislead) or unless the consumer bringing the action gives written notice to the
real property improvement supplier within a certain timeframe that states the
nature of the alleged deceptive act and the actual damage suffered from it.
Tennant does not argue that the deceptive act was incurable. Instead, she
contends that she met the statutory requirement for notice because she called
P&V to address her concerns about the concrete portion of the Project.
However, not only does a phone call not comply with the statutory requirement
for written notice, a conversation about concrete is irrelevant to P&V’s
noncompliance with HICA. Tennant also fails to show any actual damage
suffered from P&V’s noncompliance. Simply put, Tennant did not comply with
her own obligations under HICA to receive damages. We find no error with
the trial court’s resolution of this issue.
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III. P&V’s Cross-Appeal 10
[25] P&V challenges the trial court’s elimination of prejudgment interest from its
total damages award. The trial court determined that although P&V is entitled
to prejudgment interest of approximately $5,000 and interest costs of $10,777.92
for money it borrowed to cover its losses, awarding both amounts would
constitute unfair double-dipping. The trial court concluded that P&V is entitled
to the greater of the two; hence, it awarded P&V $10,777.92 for interest and
denied it approximately $5,000 in prejudgment interest.
[26] Prejudgment interest is awarded to fully compensate an injured party for the
lost use of money. Song v. Iatarola, 76 N.E.3d 926, 939 (Ind. Ct. App. 2017),
trans. denied. In a breach of contract action, an award of prejudgment interest is
warranted if the amount of the claim rests upon a simple calculation and the
terms of the contract make such a claim ascertainable. Kopka, Landau & Pinkus
v. Hansen, 874 N.E.2d 1065, 1074 (Ind. Ct. App. 2007). “Prejudgment interest
is computed from the time the principal amount was demanded or due and is
allowable at the permissible statutory rate when no contractual provision
specifies the interest rate.” Fackler v. Powell, 923 N.E.2d 973, 977 (Ind. Ct. App.
2010). An award of prejudgment interest is generally not considered a matter of
10
Because Tennant’s reply brief did not address any of P&V’s claims raised on cross-appeal, we may reverse
if P&V presents a prima facie case of error. In re Riddle, 946 N.E.2d 61, 70 (Ind. Ct. App. 2011). “Prima
facie error is error at first sight, on first appearance, or on the face of it.” Sand Creek Country Club, Ltd. v. CSO
Architects, Inc., 582 N.E.2d 872, 876 (Ind. Ct. App. 1991) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted).
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discretion. Town of New Ross v. Ferretti, 815 N.E.2d 162, 170 (Ind. Ct. App.
2004).
[27] The amount of P&V’s breach of contract damages is the amount of money that
P&V spent on labor and materials as well as its consequential damages
(including the interest it paid on the loan it obtained to mitigate its financial
losses). The monetary value of P&V’s labor, materials, and consequential
damages depends on a simple calculation and is ascertainable. Thus, P&V is
entitled to prejudgment interest on its award. The fact that P&V’s total
damages award includes interest it paid on a loan does not affect its entitlement
to prejudgment interest and does not constitute double-dipping.
[28] Because the damages resulting from the breach of contract were calculable and
ascertainable at the time of trial, the trial court did not have the discretion to
deny P&V prejudgment interest. Accordingly, we remand and order the trial
court to calculate the amount of prejudgment interest to which P&V is entitled.
IV. Attorney’s Fees
[29] P&V argues that the trial court erred by not awarding it the full amount of
attorney’s fees it requested.11 In an action to enforce a mechanic’s lien, “a
plaintiff or lienholder who recovers a judgment in any sum is entitled to recover
11
Tennant argues that P&V is not entitled to attorney’s fees, and states simply, without any discussion or
authority, that this Court should order attorney’s fees for her trial and appellate expenses. We decline to
consider this argument.
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reasonable attorney’s fees. The court shall enter the attorney’s fees as a part of
the judgment.” Ind. Code § 32-28-3-14(a). What constitutes a reasonable
attorney’s fee in an action to enforce a mechanic’s lien is a question of fact, the
computation of which may depend on a variety of factors, including the time
and effort required; the value of the interest involved; the experience,
reputation, and ability of the attorneys performing the services; and the results
secured at trial. Ponziano Constr. Servs. Inc. v. Quadri Enters., LLC, 980 N.E.2d
867, 876 (Ind. Ct. App. 2012). The trial court has discretion in determining
what constitutes a reasonable attorney’s fee, and we will reverse only if the trial
court’s decision is clearly against the logic and effect of the facts and
circumstances before the court. Id. The trial court may look at the
responsibility of the parties in incurring the attorney’s fees, and the trial judge
possesses personal expertise he or she may use when determining reasonable
attorney’s fees. Id. at 876-77.
[30] This Court has further explained that
The award of attorney’s fees in an action to foreclose on a
mechanic’s lien is not an attempt to compensate the attorney for
all the legal services performed in connection with the lien;
rather, the amount of the award is intended to reflect the amount
the lienholder reasonably had to expend to foreclose on the lien.
Such awards should be made with caution so that excessive
awards of attorney’s fees do not discourage property owners from
challenging defective workmanship on the part of lien holders.
The amount awarded as attorney’s fees therefore should be
reasonable in relation to the amount of the judgment secured.
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Id. at 877.
[31] Here, P&V’s counsel submitted an affidavit and itemized billing records to the
trial court after the trial regarding P&V’s attorney’s fees and expenses, which
totaled $82,326.86. P&V is entitled only to the attorney’s fees resulting from its
action to foreclose on its mechanic’s lien. Although the mechanic’s lien was
initially the primary issue between the parties, ultimately it was but one of
multiple issues that arose in this case. Further, the attorney’s fee must be
reasonable in relation to the amount of the lien secured. The judgment for P&V
was $34,006.21; excluding the damages for interest on its loan means P&V
recovered $23,228.29 on its mechanic’s lien. After the motion to correct error,
the trial court ordered Tennant to pay $49,342.11 toward P&V’s attorney’s fees.
[32] We find that the trial court’s award of attorney’s fees was not against the logic
and effect of the facts and circumstances before it. Initially, we note that it is
challenging to determine which charges relate specifically to the mechanic’s
lien. Second, the trial court was in accord with caselaw when it sought to avoid
an award amount that would discourage property owners from challenging
defective workmanship on the part of the lien holders. And finally, the award
was more than reasonable in relation to the amount of the lien secured—
indeed, the attorney’s fee was approximately $26,000 greater than the value of
the mechanic’s lien. See Ponziano Constr. Servs. Inc., 980 N.E.2d at 877 (finding
an attorney’s fee award of $8,000 “not inadequate” for recovery of a mechanic’s
lien worth approximately $45,500). We affirm the trial court’s decision to
award P&V $49,342.11 in attorney’s fees.
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[33] The judgment of the trial court affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded
for calculation and award of prejudgment interest.
Vaidik, C.J., and Barnes, S.J., concur.
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