Boone Services, LLC (formerly Boone Services, Inc.) v. Clark Homes, Inc. ( 2023 )


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  •                             STATE OF LOUISIANA
    COURT OF APPEAL
    FIRST CIRCUIT
    2023 CA 0299
    BOONE SERVICES, LLC (FORMERLY BOONE SERVICES, INC.)
    VERSUS
    CLARK HOMES, INC.
    Judgment Rendered      OCT 18 2023
    On Appeal from the 19th Judicial District Court
    In and for the Parish of East Baton Rouge
    State of Louisiana
    Trial Court Docket Number C696631, Sec. 24
    Hon. Donald R. Johnson, Judge Presiding
    Teresa D. Cop                               Counsel for Plaintiff/Appellant,
    Craig L. Kaster                             Boone Services, LLC
    Zachary, Louisiana
    Peter T. Dudley                             Counsel for Defendant/Appellee,
    Baton Rouge, Louisiana                      Clark Homes, Inc.
    BEFORE: THERIOT, PENZATO, AND GREENE, JJ.
    PENZATO, J.
    Plaintiff/appellant, Boone Services, LLC, appeals a judgment rendered by the
    trial court on July 18, 2022 following a bench trial. The judgment awarded Boone
    21, 005. 84 but also awarded $ 90, 000. 00 to defendant/ appellee, Clark Homes, Inc.,
    as liquidated damages, to be applied as an offset or compensation against the amount
    owed to Boone.
    We amend the trial court' s judgment, which erroneously identified Boone
    Services, Inc. as the plaintiff and rendered judgment in favor of and against Boone
    Services, Inc., to identify Boone Services, LLC as the plaintiff.          For the following
    reasons, the judgment, as amended, is affirmed in part, reversed in part, and amended
    in part, and we render judgment accordingly.
    FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
    This dispute arises out of a December 19, 2012 contract between Clark
    Homes, owner of the project ( Twin Lakes Estates                 Subdivision), and Boone,
    contractor.   Boone filed suit against Clark Homes on June 3, 2020, alleging that it
    was owed $    169, 485. 01 for work performed during phase 1 of the project pursuant
    to the December 2012 contract.'         Boone sought payment of this amount, plus 12%
    contractual interest.    Clark Homes answered Boone' s suit, denying any sums were
    owed to Boone. Clark Homes further asserted that it was entitled to $ 300. 00 per day
    in liquidated damages, as provided in the contract, due to Boone' s failure to complete
    the work within the time specified in the contract. Thus, Clark Homes asserted, as
    an affirmative defense, that it was entitled to an offset from any amount found to be
    owed to Boone.
    1 The Twin Lakes Estates Subdivision project was divided into two filings or phases. Boone
    asserted claims arising out of both phases, which were disposed of in the judgment on appeal.
    Boone does not assign error to the trial court' s judgment concerning the second phase. Thus, we
    address only Boone' s claims concerning the first phase.
    2
    A bench trial was held on May 10 and 13, 2022. The trial court took the matter
    under advisement and instructed the parties to file proposed factual findings and
    conclusions of law as well as a proposed judgment. In a written judgment, signed
    on July 18, 2022, the trial court overruled Boone' s evidentiary objection, asserted at
    trial,   to the admissibility of evidence offered by Clark Homes to support its
    affirmative defense of compensation or offset for liquidated damages. The trial court
    rendered judgment in favor of Boone and against Clark Homes in the amount of
    21, 005. 84 and rendered judgment in favor of Clark Homes and against Boone in
    the amount of $90,000. 00 in liquidated damages, to be applied as an offset against
    the amount owed to Boone.        The trial court also issued written reasons for ruling,
    discussed more fully below. This suspensive appeal by Boone followed.
    AMENDMENT OF THE JUDGMENT
    As an initial matter, we note that the trial court' s judgment, particularly the
    decretal language, erroneously identifies Boone Services, Inc. as the plaintiff and
    renders judgment in favor of and against Boone Services, Inc. However, the petition
    identifies the plaintiff as `` Boone Services, LLC ( formerly Boone Services, Inc.)."
    Although the contract identifies `` Boone Services, Inc." as the contractor, Tracey
    Boone signed the contract as CEO of Boone Services, LLC.             The parties do not
    dispute that Boone Services, LLC was the contractor and is the proper party plaintiff.
    The identity of the plaintiff organization was not an issue raised at trial. Notably,
    the introduction of the judgment identifies Boone Services, LLC as the plaintiff, who
    participated at trial.   It is evident that any reference to Boone Services, Inc. in the
    judgment was made in error.
    Pursuant to La. Code Civ. P. art. 2164, an appellate court shall " render any
    judgment which is just, legal and proper upon the record on appeal."         The record
    before us is complete, and we deem it just, legal, and proper to amend the trial court' s
    July 18, 2022 judgment to identify Boone Services, LLC as the proper party plaintiff.
    3
    See Fagan v. LeBlanc, 2005- 1845 ( La. App. 1st Cir. 2110106), 
    928 So. 2d 576
    , 584-
    585, wherein this court amended the trial court' s original judgment to identify " Sue
    LeBlanc, D.D.S."     as the proper party defendant.           In Fagan, the original judgment
    erroneously identified the defendant as " Sue C. Clark, D. D.S."           This court found it
    just, legal, and proper upon the record on appeal to revise the judgment pursuant to
    La. C. C. P. art. 2164.    Fagan, 928 So. 2d at 585.          Similarly, see Lewis v. Temple
    Inland, 2011- 0729 ( La. App. 1 st Cir. 1119111),        
    80 So. 3d 52
    , 65, wherein judgment
    was entered against two non-parties, and this court amended the judgment to add the
    proper defendant as the party cast in judgment. Pursuant to La. C. C. P. art. 2002, if
    a judgment is rendered against a defendant who has not been served and has not
    entered a general appearance, like Boone Services, Inc., that judgment is an absolute
    nullity.   When the appellate court notices an absolute nullity, the court is likewise
    empowered to vacate or correct the judgment on its own motion. La. C. C. P. art.
    2164; Lewis, 
    80 So. 3d at
    65 n.9. Therefore, we amend the trial court' s July 18, 2022
    judgment to identify Boone Services, LLC, rather than Boone Services, Inc., as the
    proper party plaintiff.
    DISCUSSION
    In six of seven assignments of error, Boone asserts that the trial court failed to
    properly interpret the parties' contract and, in doing so, erred by failing to award
    damages to Boone in the full amount of its demand and erred by applying an offset
    in favor of Clark Homes.        To the extent we must interpret the parties' contract, we
    2 In Fagan, the trial court signed an amended judgment to correct the error. However, because the
    amended judgment was contrary to La. C. C. P. art. 1951, this court vacated the amended judgment
    and reinstated the original judgment before revising the original judgment to identify the proper
    party defendant. Fagan, 928 So. 2d at 580, 584- 585.
    During opening remarks, Boone asserted that its claim on the first phase was $ 168, 237. 68
    1, 247.33 less than the demand asserted in the petition).
    4
    apply the de novo standard of review.' See Lonesome Development, LLC v. Town of
    Abita Springs, 2021- 1463 ( La. App. 1st Cir. 6/ 29/ 22), 
    343 So. 3d 831
    , 839, writ
    denied, 2022- 01158 ( La. 1111/ 22), 
    349 So.3d 3
     ( An appellate court applies the de
    novo standard of review to contract interpretation.) Conversely, where no contract
    provision applies or where factual findings are pertinent to the interpretation of the
    contract,   we    apply the       manifest     error    standard     of   review.    See Lonesome
    Development, LLC, 343 So. 3d at 839.
    In the remaining assignment of error, Boone challenges the trial court' s
    evidentiary ruling, which we review using the highly deferential abuse of discretion
    standard.   Landry a City ofMandeville, 2021- 1362 ( La. App. 1st Cir. 4127/ 22), 
    342 So. 3d 337
    , 346, writ denied, 2022- 00828 ( La. 9/ 27122), 
    347 So. 3d 155
    . An abuse of
    discretion generally results from a conclusion reached capriciously or in an arbitrary
    manner, which means the absence of a rational basis for the action taken. Thus, a
    trial court' s discretionary action will not be disturbed on review if reasonable people
    could differ as to the propriety of the trial court' s action. Landry, 342 So.3d at 346-
    47.
    We address this evidentiary assignment of error first since a finding of error
    may affect the applicable standard of review. See Wright v. Bennett, 2004- 1944 ( La.
    App. 1st Cir. 9/ 28/ 05), 
    924 So. 2d 178
    , 182.
    Evidence and Liquidated Damages5
    In related assignments in error, Boone contends that the trial court erred by
    admitting evidence offered by Clark Homes to support its entitlement to liquidated
    damages, erred by failing to find that Clark Homes waived its right to liquidated
    4 In each assignment of error, Boone cites a contract provision, which it asserts is applicable to the
    issue raised. After reviewing the contract, the evidence admitted at trial, and each issue presented,
    we find some of the contract provisions cited by Boone are inapplicable. However, where a
    contract provision applies or is otherwise pertinent to the issue raised, it is discussed in this opinion.
    5 These issues are raised in Boone' s first ( waiver), fourth ( additional contract days), and fifth
    evidence) assignments of error.
    5
    damages by making the final payment under the contract, and erred by finding that
    Boone was not entitled to additional contract days, which would have reduced or
    eliminated delay damages. Concerning contract days, Boone asserts that it was
    entitled to additional time for weather delays.    Boone also contends that the trial
    court used an incorrect start date and completion date when computing the amount
    of time it took Boone to complete the work.
    Evidence
    During trial, Boone objected as opposing counsel questioned Jim Clark
    owner/president of Clark Homes) concerning Clark Homes' s claim for $90, 000. 00
    in liquidated damages. Boone asserted that "[ tjhis claim has never been brought."
    The trial court allowed Boone to lodge an objection " on the area of testimony
    involving an assertion of delay damages"       and stated that it would rule on the
    testimony' s admissibility after trial. As noted, the trial court subsequently overruled
    the objection in the July 18, 2022 judgment. The court' s written reasons do not
    address this ruling.
    Although Clark Homes did not assert a reconventional demand for liquidated
    damages, it properly raised the affirmative defense of compensation prior to trial.
    See La. C. C. art. 1893. In its answer, Clark Homes raised the affirmative defense of
    compensation and specifically pled that, upon information and belief, Boone
    failed to complete the contract work in the time specified and the
    contract provides for liquidated damages of $300. 00 per day for each
    day beyond the specified completion date; therefore, Clark Homes, Inc.
    is entitled to an offset from any amount found to be owed for the
    liquidated damages provided by the contract.
    In the pretrial order, Clark Homes asserted that it was entitled to an award of
    liquidated damages against Boone for its failure to timely complete the work.
    Additionally, Boone submitted testimony and documentary evidence at trial
    concerning weather delays, as well as the contract start and completion dates — the
    same facts that were central to the determination of whether Clark Homes was
    M
    entitled to an offset for delay damages.               Therefore, Boone cannot show that the
    admission of duplicative testimony on these issues, offered by Clark Homes, had a
    substantial effect on the outcome of the case. See La. C.E. art. 103( A) ("Error may
    not be predicated upon a ruling which admits or excludes evidence unless a
    substantial right of the party is affected.") See also Wright, 924 So. 2d at 183 ( The
    proper inquiry for determining whether a party was prejudiced by a trial court' s
    alleged erroneous ruling on the admission or denial of evidence is whether the
    alleged error, when compared to the entire record, had a substantial effect on the
    outcome of the case.        If the effect on the outcome of the case is not substantial,
    reversal is not warranted.)       Boone failed to satisfy its burden of proving prejudice
    caused by the trial court' s evidentiary ruling.           See Wright, 924 So. 2d at 183 ( The
    party alleging prejudice by the evidentiary ruling of the trial court bears the burden
    of proof.)'   We find no error in the admission of the challenged evidence.
    Waiver
    Boone argues that Clark Homes waived its rights against Boone when Clark
    Homes made a payment of $3, 097. 15 to Boone in August 2014, which Boone
    maintains was the final payment on the phase 1 contract. Although the trial court' s
    written reasons do not expressly address Boone' s waiver argument, the trial court
    implicitly rejected this assertion by awarding Clark Homes $ 90, 000. 00 in liquidated
    damages for 300 delay days.
    Boone relies on Article 90 of the general conditions of the contract, which
    states, in part, " The making and acceptance of the final payment shall constitute a
    b Boone raises new arguments on appeal concerning the propriety of Clark Homes' s affirmative
    defense of compensation, including Boone' s assertion that compensation was improper because
    Clark Homes' s claim was not a liquidated debt. See La. C. C. art. 1893. Boone did not raise these
    issues before the trial court; therefore, we decline to consider them on appeal. See Fontenot v.
    Louisiana Department of'Pubiic Safety & Corrections, 2021- 1213 ( La. App. 1st Cir. 418122), 
    342 So. 3d 28
    , 35 ( As a general rule, an appellate court will not consider issues that were not raised in
    the pleadings, were not addressed by the trial court, or are raised for the first time on appeal.)   We
    also note that these arguments concern the merits of Clark Homes' s claim, not the admissibility of
    the evidence at issue.
    7
    waiver of all claims by the Owner...."'          Boone introduced email exchanges from
    August 2014 between Ferris Engineering & Surveying, LLC, the engineer on the
    project, Boone, and Clark Homes, which state that the " remaining balance" owed to
    Boone was $ 3, 097. 15.     Boone also introduced evidence of the payment made by
    Clark Homes, which includes a memo stating, " I" Filing completed to date balance."
    Although no payments were made by Clark Homes to Boone after August
    2014, the trial record reflects that this was not the last payment to be made by Clark
    Homes to Boone on this phase of the project. Mr. Clark explained that, at the time
    the check was issued, there were ongoing disputes between Clark Homes and Boone,
    and he contemplated additional payments may be due to Boone. The language used
    in the memo, " to date balance,"          supports this assertion.          Additional evidence
    submitted at trial reflects that, in July 2014, the parties disagreed regarding the
    number of penalty days to be assessed against Boone for purposes of delay damages
    and the amount owed to Boone for additional excavation work —the same disputes
    at issue in this litigation. Therefore, we find no manifest error in the trial court' s
    factual conclusion that Clark Homes did not make a final payment such that it
    waived its rights pursuant to Article 90.
    Additional Contract Da s
    Ferris determined that work began on the project on December 19, 2012 and
    was completed on April 14, 2014.          Boone argues that the trial court erred by using
    these dates to calculate the total time it took Boone to complete the work. Again,
    the trial court' s written reasons do not expressly set forth this factual finding, but it
    is implicit in the trial court' s conclusion that Boone took a total of 480 days to
    complete the project, 300 days over the 180 -day period provided in the contract.
    The general conditions of the contract were incorporated into and made a part of the contract.
    Final payment" is not defined in the contract or the general conditions.
    The contract states that the contractor, Boone, shall commence work under
    the contract within seven calendar days of a written notice to proceed. Article 70 of
    the general conditions of the contract provides that computation of contract time
    shall commence on the seventh day following the date of the notice to proceed and
    every calendar day following shall be counted in the contract time.                Boone
    established at trial that it did not receive a written notice to proceed.   On February
    27, 2013, Ferris asked Boone to provide the date it started work.           According to
    Boone' s interoffice emails, Boone started work on January 21, 2013.           However,
    these emails do not reflect that Boone advised Ferris of this purported start date.
    To establish the start date, Boone also relied on testimony from Dustin Bowie,
    Boone' s project manager, who simply confirmed Boone' s " position" that work
    began on January 21, 2013 according to the email. Boone offered no other evidence
    to dispute the December 19, 2012 start date used by Ferris and accepted by the trial
    court.
    Boone also maintains that contract time, and, therefore, delay damages, ended
    on November 8, 2013.        Tracey Boone, managing member of Boone Services, and
    Mr. Bowie testified that Boone' s work was substantially complete by November 8,
    2013, meaning that Clark Homes was able to use the project for its intended purpose
    a   residential   subdivision).    However,   as noted by Clark Homes, the contract
    provision that provides for liquidated damages discusses work that is " complete,"
    not " substantially    complete."    Specifically, the contract states that the contractor
    agrees to pay the owner $ 300. 00 per day, " which amount shall be considered as
    liquidated damages due the Owner by reason of the Contractor' s failure to complete
    the Contract within the specified time." ( Emphasis added.) Article 91 of the general
    E
    conditions of the contract states, " The Contract will be considered complete when
    S
    all work has been finished... "
    Communication between the parties, introduced into evidence at trial, reflects
    that Boone' s work on this phase of the project was not complete on November 8,
    2013.     Instead, work continued through the spring of 2014. Photographs of the site
    taken by Mr. Boone in March 2014 support a finding that Boone' s work was not
    complete at that time.     Additionally, Mr. Clark testified that Boone' s work was not
    complete on November 8, 2013.
    Most significantly, in May 2014, Mr. Boone emailed Ferris and Clark Homes,
    using December 17, 2012 and April 15, 2014 as the contract start/ end dates in his
    explanation for why Boone should not be assessed with penalty days.9 Mr. Boone
    testified that he used these dates, assigned by Ferris, to show that Boone should not
    be charged liquidated damages, even if the " wrong dates" were used. However, Mr.
    Boone acknowledged that his email did not state that he disagreed with the dates
    assigned by Ferris. To the extent the trial court reconciled Mr. Boone' s testimony
    with his email by making a credibility determination, the manifest error standard
    requires that we give great deference to this determination. See Hebert v. Rapides
    Parish Police Jury, 2006- 2001 ( La. 4/ 11107), 
    974 So. 2d 635
    , 654, on rehearing
    1/ 16/ 08). Thus, we find the record supports the trial court' s conclusion that Boone' s
    work began on December 19, 2012 and ended April 14, 2014, and we find no
    manifest error in this factual finding. See Lonesome Development, LLC, 343 So. 3d
    at 839.
    S Article 91 also states that the contract will be considered complete when final inspection is made
    by the engineer, the project is accepted in writing by the owner, and the owner is furnished with a
    Clear Lien and Preferential Certificate. There is no evidence in the record to demonstrate if or
    when these things occurred, particularly on or before November 8, 2013.
    9 It is unclear why Mr. Boone used December 17, 2012 and April 15, 2014, rather than the dates
    used by Ferris, December 19, 2012 and April 14, 2014.
    10
    Finally, Boone argues that the trial court erred by failing to grant Boone an
    extension of contract time due to precipitation or wet conditions. This argument has
    merit.   The contract provides, in the Time Limit section:
    A request by the Contractor for an extension of the contract time will
    be considered only if, in support of the request, the Contractor shall
    allege delay in the performance of the work by either or all of the
    following causes:
    C) Precipitation or wet conditions in excess of normal amounts or
    times for the location of the project or the time of year. The
    Engineer shall make the determination of validity of claims for
    delays of the type and said decision shall be binding on the
    Owner and Contractor. ( Emphasis added.)
    Boone requested that the contract time be extended by 255 days due to
    precipitation or wet conditions.    Ferris, the engineer, determined that Boone was
    entitled to 212 adverse weather days.    On July 17, 2014, Ferris emailed Boone and
    Clark Homes with its recommendations for the resolution of the dispute concerning
    the delay days. Ferris noted that the time of construction went well beyond the 180
    days allowed by the contract, explaining, " It is a well- known and documented fact
    that weather played a critical part of this situation."
    A contract between the parties is the law between them, and the courts are
    obligated to give legal effect to such contracts according to the true intent of the
    parties.    Waterworks District No. 1 of Desoto Parish v. Louisiana Department of
    Public Safety and Corrections, 2016- 0744 ( La. App. 1st Cir. 2117117), 
    214 So. 3d 1
    ,
    5, writ denied, 2017- 0470 ( La. 5/ 12/ 17), 
    219 So. 3d 1103
    .   In the contract, Clark
    Homes and Boone gave Ferris the authority to determine the validity of weather
    delay claims and expressly agreed that the engineer' s decision " shall be binding" on
    both parties.    The trial court erred when it failed to enforce this provision of the
    contract.   Thus, we find that, pursuant to Ferris' s binding determination, Boone was
    entitled to extend the contract time by 212 days due to precipitation or wet
    conditions.     We reduce the number of additional contract days ( in excess of 180
    days) from 300, assigned by the trial court, to 88 to account for the 212 weather days
    determined by Ferris. We find that Clark Homes is entitled to liquidated damages
    in the amount of $26,400. 00, to be applied to offset the amount owed to Boone
    pursuant to La. C. C. art. 189VO
    The Ponds'
    Pursuant to the contract, Boone was to excavate two ponds, a total of 140, 000
    cubic yards, at a unit price of $2. 68.       This line item included excavating, spreading,
    and compacting the dirt on the subdivision lots. The original plans specified that the
    ponds would be dug to hold five feet of water.
    In June 2013, after excavation began, Boone was instructed to dig the ponds
    to hold at least eight feet of water above debris, stumps, and logs that were to be
    relocated to the bottom of the ponds.            Clinton Kennerly, chief engineer for Ferris
    involved in this project,         testified that putting the stumps into the ponds and
    excavating to hold eight feet of water changed the scope of work that Boone agreed
    to undertake pursuant to the original project plans. This additional excavation plan
    was made during a meeting attended by Ferris, Mr. Boone, and Mr. Clark. Ferris
    confirmed this decision in an email recapping the parties' meeting, addressed to Mr.
    Clark and Mr. Boone. Mr. Clark responded, " Agreed."                 The parties never signed a
    written contract amendment or change order concerning the additional pond
    excavation.
    The dispute arising out of this additional work on the pond concerns three
    issues. First, Boone maintains that the parties agreed to a price of $3. 32 per cubic
    yard for the additional dirt excavated pursuant to the June 2013 directive to increase
    the depth of the pond.          Conversely, Clark Homes asserts that no agreement was
    10
    Eighty-eight days past the 180 -day contract time multiplied by $300 per day equals $ 26,400. 00
    liquidated damages.
    1 These pond -related issues are raised in Boone' s second ( price), third ( quantity), and fourth
    additional contract days) assignments of error.
    12
    reached; therefore, the original contract per unit price applied to any additional dirt
    excavated and moved by Boone. The trial court made the factual determination that
    Clark Homes never agreed to increase the unit price to $ 3. 32 for dirt excavated in
    excess of 140, 000 cubic yards, the original contract quantity.
    Second, the parties dispute the quantity of dirt excavated by Boone in excess
    of 140, 000 cubic yards.   Boone maintains that the trial court erred by finding that it
    only excavated an additional 7, 838 cubic yards, rather than 49, 624 cubic yards as
    determined by Ferris.
    Finally, Boone contends that the trial court erred by finding that Boone was
    not entitled to additional contract days and, instead, should have granted Boone 50
    contract days to complete the additional excavation work.
    Price
    Article 84( E) of the general contract conditions states,
    If the unit prices are stated in the Contract Documents..., and if the
    quantities originally contemplated are so changed in a proposed Change
    Order that application of the agreed unit prices to the quantities of work
    proposed will create a hardship on the Owner or the Contractor, the
    applicable unit prices shall be equitably adjusted to prevent such
    hardship.
    Boone asserts that the change in quantity of dirt to be excavated from the
    ponds created a hardship, which required an adjustment of the unit price.            On
    September 11, 2013, Boone emailed Ferris, stating that the price to lower the ponds
    to the new depth was $ 3. 32 per cubic yard.    Mr. Clark was included on this email
    but did not respond. Boone asserts that, through Mr. Clark' s silence, Clark Homes
    agreed to the modification of the price increase.
    A contract may be modified by mutual consent.        While modification can be
    presumed by silence, inaction, or implication, one person may not change the terms
    unilaterally.   Cajun Constructors, Inc. v. Fleming Construction Co., 2005- 2003 ( La.
    App. 1 st Cir. 11115106), 
    951 So.2d 208
    , 214, writ denied, 2007- 0420 ( La. 415107),
    13
    
    954 So. 2d 146
    .        Written contracts for construction may be modified by oral contracts
    and by the conduct of the parties.           This is true even when the written contract
    contains the provision that an owner is liable only if the change orders are in writing.
    It is a question of fact, therefore, as to whether there were oral agreements that
    modified the      written contract.      Further, the party asserting modification of an
    obligation must prove by a preponderance of the evidence facts or acts giving rise to
    the modification.        La. C. C. art. 1831; Cajun Constructors, 951 So. 2d at 214.
    The trial court made the factual determination that Clark Homes did not agree
    to increase the price per cubic yard to $ 3. 32.        The record supports this finding.
    Particularly, after Boone advised Ferris and Clark Homes of the proposed new per
    unit price, Boone repeatedly tried to confirm that Mr. Clark accepted this price,
    evidencing Boone' s understanding that the parties had not reached an agreement on
    this issue.    On September 25, 2013, Boone followed up on its September 11th " Twin
    Lakes Pond Depth" email, asking, "[ H] ow do we go about getting an agreement on
    paper ( or email) from [Mr. Clark] about the price?" On November 22, 2013, Boone
    emailed       Ferris    and   Mr.   Clark   concerning the   additional   pond   excavation.
    Pertinently, Boone explained, " The issue that Boone Services has is that the price to
    go deeper than plan grade in the ponds has a different unit price associated with it
    than what is established in the original contract. Can we set up a meeting Monday
    to sit and talk this through?"       There is no evidence a meeting took place.
    The next communication on this issue occurred on January 24, 2014, when
    Mr. Clark stated in an email to Boone and Ferris that he had a " problem with the
    additional charge for another 50, 000 yards of dirt." No evidence was admitted to
    prove that an oral agreement was reached after Mr. Clark sent this email. Mr. Boone
    testified that there was no agreement in writing from Clark Homes ( Mr. Clark) on
    the increased price proposed by Boone. To the contrary, the record reflects that
    Ferris advised Boone on July 21, 2014 that, " In the absence of any evidence to the
    14
    contrary, I have no alternative except to presume that the contract price is still valid
    for the remainder of material removed from the ponds."
    The trial court' s factual conclusion on this issue also required credibility
    determinations.     Mr. Boone testified that Mr. Clark verbally assured him that Boone
    would be paid the " accelerated costs."          Conversely, Mr. Clark testified that he never
    agreed to the increased unit price of $3. 32.            According to Mr. Clark, the idea was
    bandied back and forth but there was never a meeting of the minds" on this issue.
    We find no manifest error in the trial court' s decision to credit Mr. Clark' s
    testimony. 12 See Blake v. City ofPort Allen, 2014- 0528 ( La. App. 1 st Cir. 11 / 20/ 1. 4),
    
    167 So. 3d 781
    , 790 ( Where there are two permissible views of the evidence, the
    factfinder' s choice between them cannot be manifestly erroneous.)
    Quantity
    Boone relies on surveys and determinations made by Ferris to support its
    assertion that it moved 49, 624 cubic yards in connection with the additional pond
    excavation.
    On July 17, 2014, Ferris advised Boone and Clark Homes that it
    determined that Boone moved a total of 189, 624 cubic yards ( 140, 000 cubic yards
    as originally contemplated by the contract plus an additional 49, 624 cubic yards).
    In this section of its brief, Boone cites a contract provision, which states, in
    The quantities specified in the " Schedule of Items," attached hereto
    under the date September 05, 2012, though determined in advance with
    as much accuracy as possible, are approximate only and are used herein
    solely for the purpose of determining the total shown of said Schedule
    of Items. The amount to be paid the Contractor shall be determined by
    the actual quantities as determined by the Engineer at the unit prices
    agreed to in said Schedule of Items. ( Emphasis original.)
    12 Boone did not ask the trial court or this court to equitably adjust the price if a finding was made
    that there was no agreement between the parties on the increased price. Because we bind no error
    in the trial court' s factual finding that the parties did not agree to increase the unit price, we do not
    address Boone' s argument that the additional excavation created a hardship pursuant to Article
    84( E) of the general conditions of the contract.
    15
    Boone' s reliance on this language is misplaced. 13 This provision concerns the
    schedule of items, which set forth the original scope of work, and ensures that all
    parties are aware and agree that adjustments may be made to the original estimates.
    However, the additional pond excavation was undisputedly a change in the original
    scope, not merely an adjustment to the original quantity estimated in the schedule of
    items. See Clovelly Oil Co., LLC v. Midstates Petroleum Co., LLC, 2012- 2055 ( La.
    3/ 19/ 13), 
    112 So. 3d 187
    , 192 ( A contract must be interpreted in a common- sense
    fashion, according to the words ofthe contract their common and usual significance.)
    Additionally, unlike the contract provision concerning the validity of claims
    for delays for wet conditions, this contract provision does not state that the
    engineer' s decision is binding on the owner and the contractor. The same is true
    regarding Article 30 of the general conditions of the contract, which states, in part,
    A. The Engineer will be, in the first instance, the interpreter of the
    requirements of the Contract Documents and the judge of the
    performance thereunder by both the Owner and Contractor. The
    Engineer      will,    within    a        reasonable   time,     render   such
    interpretations       as he   may deem necessary               for the proper
    execution or progress of the work.
    B. Claims, disputes and other matters in question between the
    Contractor and the Owner relating to the execution or progress
    of the work or the interpretation of the Contract Documents shall
    be referred initially to the Engineer for decision, which decision
    he will render in writing within a reasonable time.
    The evidence also suggests that Ferris understood that its determination was
    not binding on Boone and Clark Homes.                       In its July 17, 2014 email, Ferris
    acknowledged its contractual responsibility to resolve disputes but recognized that
    an agreement must be reached between the parties. Since neither the parties nor the
    trial court were bound to accept Ferris' s calculations, the trial court made a factual
    determination concerning the quantity of dirt excavated by Boone in excess of
    13
    Notably, application of this provision is contrary to Boone' s argument that the additional
    quantity of dirt moved should be paid at an increased price, since this provision states that the
    contractor will be paid the unit prices stated in the schedule of items.
    16
    140, 000 cubic yards stated in the schedule of items. This required the trial court to
    choose to credit one expert over another.
    Boone relied on testimony from Mr. Kennerly, who was accepted as an expert
    in the fields of civil engineering and civil site work. According to Mr. Kennerly,
    Ferris concluded that Boone moved a total of 189, 624 cubic yards during pond
    excavation using a topographical survey of the fill material ( dirt) removed and
    applying a 30% compaction factor. Mr. Kennerly explained that Ferris compared
    the elevation before digging and the elevation of the area outside of the ponds after
    work was complete.     This provided an estimate of the amount of dirt removed from
    the ponds.
    On cross examination, Mr. Kennerly acknowledged that the elevations used
    for the topographical survey may be influenced by various factors, including hauling
    in additional dirt from areas other than the ponds. Mr. Clark testified that he owned
    the 60 -acre tract of land, which would become Twin Lakes Estates Subdivision, for
    several years before Boone began work on the project.              Prior to   Boone' s
    involvement, Mr. Clark hired another company to dig out a silted -up cattle pond and
    spread the dirt to raise the level of the area.
    Clark Homes offered testimony from Charles St. Romaine, who was accepted
    by the trial court as an expert in civil surveying. By measuring the size or volume
    of the interior of the ponds, Mr. St. Romaine determined that Boone moved a total
    of 147, 838 cubic yards, with a 10% rate of error.   Mr. Kennerly acknowledged that
    the type of survey performed by Mr. St. Romaine, a hydrographic survey, was a valid
    method for determining the amount of dirt excavated from the ponds.
    Confronted with two expert opinions, two permissible views of the evidence,
    the trial court chose to credit the testimony, opinions, and calculations provided by
    Mr. St. Romaine.      Where there are two permissible views of the evidence, the
    factfinder' s choice between them cannot be manifestly erroneous. Similarly, where
    17
    the factfinder' s determination is based on its decision to credit the testimony of one
    of two or more witnesses, that finding can virtually never be manifestly erroneous.
    This rule applies equally to the evaluation of expert testimony, including the
    evaluation and resolution of conflicts in expert testimony. Adams v. Rhodia, Inc.,
    2007- 2110 ( La. 5121108), 
    983 So. 2d 798
    , 806- 07.             Therefore, we find no manifest
    error in the trial court' s factual finding that Boone excavated 7, 838 cubic yards of
    dirt in excess of 140, 000 cubic yards.
    DUs
    The final issue, as it relates to the ponds, is whether Boone should have been
    awarded 50 contract days to complete this work, which would reduce the number of
    penalty days assessed against it for failing to complete the contract within 180 days.
    In Ferris' s July 17, 2014 email to Boone and Clark Homes, wherein Ferris
    acknowledged its responsibility to resolve disputes, Ferris stated that there was an
    informal extension of time for removal of additional soil from the ponds.                       Ferris
    determined that Boone should be granted 25 days to account for this additional work.
    As with its determination regarding the quantity of dirt actually excavated, Ferris
    recognized that the parties must reach an agreement on this issue. Its determination
    was not binding.
    Consequently,       the   trial   court   was    again    required     to   make     a   factual
    determination concerning whether Boone was entitled to additional days for pond
    excavation."      We find the record reasonably supports the trial court' s finding that
    no additional days were owed, particularly considering the trial court' s conclusion
    that Boone excavated an additional 7, 838 cubic yards of dirt, rather than 49, 624 as
    is Article 30( C) states that the engineer will exercise his best efforts to insure faithful performance
    by both the owner and the contractor and will not show partiality to either.        Boone argues that
    Ferris showed partiality to Clark Homes by finding that Boone was entitled to 25 days, as
    suggested by Clark Homes, rather than 50 Clays requested by Boone. Because we find Ferris' s
    decision was not binding on the trial court and is, therefore, immaterial, we do not address this
    argument.
    18
    claimed by Boone. Mr. Bowie testified that 50 additional days for moving an
    additional 50, 000 cubic yards of dirt was reasonable. However, Boone offered no
    evidence to establish that it actually took 50 days to complete the additional pond
    work. Mr. Clark testified that he never agreed to an extension of the contract time.
    If the factual findings are reasonable in light of the record reviewed in its
    entirety, a reviewing court may not reverse even though convinced that had it been
    sitting as the trier of fact, even if it would have weighed the evidence differently.
    Adams, 
    983 So. 2d at 806
    .
    Seed and Fertilize Line Item"
    The contract schedule of items includes " seed and fertilize R/ W 15' servitude"
    for a total price of $3, 486. 00.     Boone first included this work in its request for
    payment no. 11 for the period ending January 25, 2014.          Boone requested a total
    payment of $164, 609. 84, which included charges for the additional pond excavation.
    Since the parties continued to dispute the amount owed for the additional work,
    Ferris recommended that Clark Homes pay for current billing items only in the
    amount of $30, 149. 84, which included the seed and fertilize work. Clark Homes
    paid $   23, 779. 64 to Boone in connection with request for payment no. 11.
    Mr. Boone testified at trial that Clark Homes did not provide an explanation
    for why it paid $ 6, 370. 20 less than Ferris recommended. However, Mr. Boone also
    testified that Clark Homes did not pay the seed and fertilize line item and explained
    that Clark Homes disputed this charge, because Clark Homes maintained that it
    performed the work, not Boone. Mr. Boone explained that work of this nature, i.e.,
    seeding and fertilizing, was often done multiple times throughout a project. " It' s
    just a constant maintenance item, seed and fertilizing, as you disturb grass you' ve
    got to replant, replant, replant."
    This issue is raised in Boone' s sixth assignment of error.
    19
    Boone again included " seed and fertilize" as a line item on its request for
    payment no. 12, dated July 7, 2014, listed as an amount incurred and included in its
    total due to date. On August 6, 2014, Ferris emailed Clark Homes with a summation
    of the payment discrepancies with Boone, particularly concerning Boone' s request
    for payment no. 12. Ferris noted that " seed and fertilize" was included as a line item
    charge on request for payment no. 12, but that Clark Homes deducted this item from
    Boone' s work, because Clark Homes maintained that it performed the work, not
    Boone. This resulted in a difference of $3, 486.00.
    In an email on August 15, 2014 concerning the payment discrepancies, Mr.
    Boone stated that Mr. Clark agreed that Boone would be paid for the " seeding item
    because]      we dressed the pond banks up several times for him."                Mr. Clark was
    shown this email at trial and identified his initials written on Mr. Boone' s August
    15, 2014 email. Mr. Clark was asked, " And isn' t it correct that when you executed
    this and signed your initials you were agreeing that Boone would be paid for the
    seeding and fertilizing?" He responded, " Yes."             Clark Homes offered no evidence
    to establish that Boone did not perform the work and was not owed the full contract
    amount for this line item.
    Neither the judgment nor the trial court' s written reasons address Boone' s
    demand for payment for the seed and fertilize line item.                  Instead, the judgment
    dismisses Boone' s remaining claims with prejudice."                    Generally, silence in a
    16 We note that the judgment lacks clarity concerning which claims by Boone were dismissed. The
    judgment awards Boone $21, 005. 84 against Clark Homes, finds that Clark Homes is entitled to an
    offset in the amount of $90,000. 00, then overrules Boone' s evidentiary objection. Following this,
    the judgment states, " IT IS FURTHER HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED
    that all claims of the Plaintiff, Boone Services, [ LLC], be dismissed with prejudice, at Plaintiff' s
    costs." (   Emphasis original.)   It is evident from the record that this paragraph was intended to
    dismiss the remaining claims asserted by Boone, which were not otherwise addressed in the
    preceding paragraphs set forth in the judgment. However, we decline to amend this portion of the
    judgment, under the authority provided by La. C. C. P. art. 2164, because, for reasons discussed in
    this opinion, we reverse the dismissal of Boone' s claims for payment for the seed and fertilize line
    item, for interest on late payments made on requests for payment nos. 1 through 6, and for interest
    on all sums found to be due, and render judgment in favor of Boone on these claims. We affirm
    the dismissal of Boone' s claim for interest in connection with requests for payment nos. 7, 10, 11,
    and 12.
    20
    judgment of the trial court as to any issue, claim, or demand placed before the court
    is deemed a rejection of the claim and the relief sought is presumed to be denied.
    See Unisys Corporation v. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Through Hodges,
    2018- 0556 ( La. App. 1st. Cir. 12128118), 
    270 So. 3d 637
    , 654.                 On appeal, Boone
    argues that the trial court erred by failing to award payment of $3, 486. 00 for the seed
    and fertilize line item. Clark Homes did not address this assignment of error in its
    appellee brief.
    After reviewing the evidence, which establishes that Boone performed the
    work and Mr. Clark acknowledged that Boone was to be paid for this line item, we
    find a reasonable factual basis does not exist for the trial court' s finding that Boone
    is not entitled to payment for the seed and fertilize line item and the trial court' s
    finding to the contrary is manifestly erroneous.                 See Stobart v. State through
    Department of Transportation &             Development., 
    617 So. 2d 880
    , 882 ( La. 1993).
    Therefore, we find that Boone is entitled to an award of $3, 486. 00, plus 12% interest
    from the date payment was due 17 See La. C. C. art. 2000. The evidence reflects that
    Ferris approved this portion of Boone' s request for payment no. 11 on February 24,
    2014, making payment due 10 days later, on March 6, 2014. See Article 80 of the
    general conditions of the contract, set forth below.
    Interest on Late Payments and Sums Awarded'
    Article 80 of the general conditions of the contract states,
    A.  Should the Owner fail to pay an approved Request for Payment
    within ten ( 10) days from the date of approval by the Engineer or should
    he fail to inform the Engineer and the Contractor in writing of his
    reasons for withholding payment, the Owner shall pay the Contractor
    interest on the amount of the request for payment at the rate of twelve
    12%) percent per annum until payment is made.
    17 Boone seeks an award of interest on the sums owed to it "being sought through this lawsuit" in
    assignment of error no. 7.
    g This issue is raised in Boone' s seventh assignment of error. Although Boone' s petition does
    not clearly set forth a claim for interest on late payments, the parties expanded the pleadings
    pursuant to La. C. C. P. art. 1154, which pertinently states, " When issues not raised by the pleadings
    are tried by express or implied consent of the parties, they shall be treated in all respects as if they
    had been raised by the pleading."
    21
    Boone asserts that Clark Homes failed to pay requests for payment nos. 1
    through 7 and nos. 10 and 11 within 10 days from the date of approval by Ferris and
    also failed to inform Ferris and Boone in writing of the reasons for withholding full
    payment on requests for payment nos. 10, 11, and 12. Thus, Boone seeks an award
    of 12% interest on the late payments from the date Ferris approved the requests until
    each was paid.
    Again, neither the judgment nor the trial court' s written reasons address
    Boone' s demand for contractual interest. Therefore, this silence is deemed a denial
    of the claim. See Unisys Corporation, 270 So3d at 654.
    Interest on Requests for Payment Nos. 1 through 7
    Clark Homes maintains that Boone failed to prove when payment was made
    on requests for payment nos. 1 through 7 and, therefore, is not entitled to interest.
    However, Boone introduced Exhibit 4, which includes a chart or summation of all
    billings made and specifies the date each request for payment was submitted, the
    date each was approved by Ferris, and the date payment was received. Clark Homes
    offered no evidence to contradict this.
    Pertinently, Exhibit 4 sets forth the following:
    Request for payment no. 1 in the amount of $83, 569.31               was approved by
    Ferris on February 27, 2013, and submitted by Ferris to Clark Homes the same day.
    Boone received payment 12 days later, on March 11, 2013.               Thus, payment was 2
    days late. Boone established that it is entitled to an award of interest in the amount
    of $27.59 per day, for a total of $55. 18, due to CIark Homes' s failure to pay request
    for payment no. 1 within the contractually agreed upon time. 19
    19 The contract provides a 12% per annum interest rate, which calculates to a rate of .000329 per
    day (. 121365 = . 000329). To determine the interest due on each request for payment, the daily
    interest rate was multiplied by the total amount owed, which calculated the amount of interest
    owed per day. This figure was multiplied by the number of days the payment was late.
    22
    Request for payment no. 2 in the amount of $254, 583. 55 was approved by
    Ferris on March 26, 2013, and submitted by Ferris to Clark Homes the same day.
    Boone received payment 20 days later, on April 15, 2013. Thus, payment was 10
    days late. Boone established that it is entitled to an award of interest in the amount
    of $83. 76 per day, for a total of $837. 60, due to Clark Homes' s failure to pay request
    for payment no. 2 within the contractually agreed upon time.
    Request for payment no. 3 in the amount of $302, 313. 05 was approved by
    Ferris on May 2, 2013, and was submitted by Ferris to Clark Homes the same day.
    Boone received payment 15 days later, on May 17, 2013. Thus, payment was 5 days
    late.   Boone established that it is entitled to an award of interest in the amount of
    99. 46 per day, for a total of $497. 30, due to Clark Homes' s failure to pay request
    for payment no. 3 within the contractually agreed upon time.
    Request for payment no. 4 in the amount of $350,380. 55 was approved by
    Ferris on June 3, 2013, and was submitted by Ferris to Clark Homes the same day.
    Boone received payment 17 days later, on June 20, 2013. Thus, payment was 7 days
    late.   Boone established that it is entitled to an award of interest in the amount of
    115. 28 per day, for a total of $806. 96, due to Clark Homes' s failure to pay request
    for payment no. 4 within the contractually agreed upon time.
    Request for payment no. 5 in the amount of $87, 314. 71       was approved by
    Ferris on June 26, 2013, and was submitted by Ferris to Clark Homes the same day.
    Boone received payment 19 days later, on July 15, 2013. Thus, payment was 9 days
    late. Boone established that it is entitled to an award of interest in the amount of
    28. 73 per day, for a total of $258. 57, due to Clark Homes' s failure to pay request
    for payment no. 5 within the contractually agreed upon time.
    Request for payment no. 6 in the amount of $55, 281. 59 was approved by
    Ferris on July 29, 2013, and was submitted by Ferris to Clark Homes the same day.
    Boone received payment 18 days later, on August 16, 2013.         Thus, payment was 8
    23
    days late. Boone established that it is entitled to an award of interest in the amount
    of $18. 19 per day, for a total of $145. 52, due to Clark Homes' s failure to pay request
    for payment no. 6 within the contractually agreed upon time.
    Request for payment no. 7 in the amount of $32, 328. 93 was approved by
    Ferris in the amount of $30, 654. 13 on September 30, 2013, and was submitted by
    2'
    Ferris to Clark Homes the same day.                 Boone received payment 10 days later, on
    October 10, 2013. Thus, payment was not late, and no interest is owed.
    Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure art. 1921 provides that "[ t] he court shall
    award interest in the judgment as prayed for or as provided by law."             Since the word
    shall"
    is mandatory, courts lack discretion to deny interest if interest is prayed for
    or provided for by law. Unisys Corporation, 270 So. 3d at 654. Pursuant to La. C. C.
    art. 2000, when the object of the performance is a sum of money, damages for delay
    in performance are measured by the interest on that sum from the time it is due, at
    the rate agreed by the parties or, in the absence of agreement, at the rate of legal
    interest as fixed by La. R.S. 9: 3500. Therefore, the trial court erred by failing to
    award interest to Boone on all delinquent payments. We find that Boone is entitled
    to a total of $2, 601. 13 in interest for late payments made on requests for payment
    nos. 1 through 6.
    Interest on Requests for Pa ment No. 10
    Boone' s initial request for payment no.              10 was approved by Ferris on
    December 19, 2013 and included a request for payment of retainage in the amount
    of $108, 568. 34.    Boone revised request for payment no. 10 on December 25, 2013
    to request a retainage payment of $72, 423. 96.                There is no evidence that Ferris
    specifically approved the revised request. Additionally, it appears that Clark Homes
    was first notified of the revised amount requested on January 23, 2014. Boone was
    paid $    50, 000 on January 24, 2014 as a partial retainage payment.              There is no
    21 Ferris did not approve $ 1, 674. 80 of this request, which is not at issue.
    24
    evidence of when or if Boone received payment of the remainder of the retainage.
    For these reasons, Boone failed to establish that Article 80 applies to revised request
    for payment no. 10.
    Interest on Requests for Payment No. 11
    We have already determined that Boone is entitled to interest on the seed and
    fertilize line item on request for payment no. 11.     As noted, this request included
    costs for the additional excavation, which Ferris did not approve for payment.
    Additionally, by February 24, 2014, when Ferris approved a portion of this request,
    Mr. Clark had provided written notice of his disagreement concerning the additional
    excavation work.    We find Article 80 does not apply.
    Interest on Requests for Payment No. 12
    Finally, as Clark Homes points out, Ferris never approved Boone' s request for
    payment no. 12.    Article 80 does not apply to this request for payment.
    Interest on Sums Awarded
    Boone also argues that it is entitled to an award of interest on any amount
    awarded in this litigation. The trial court awarded $ 21, 005. 84 to Boone for 7, 838
    additional cubic yards of dirt excavated from the ponds ( at $ 2. 68 per cubic yard),
    but did not award interest on this sum. This was legal error. See La. C. C. P. 1921;
    La. C. C. art. 2000; Unisys Corporation, 270 So. 3d at 654.
    During trial, Mr. Boone testified that Boone sought 12% interest on the full
    amount of its demand from July 17, 2014, the date Ferris emailed the parties with a
    proposed resolution concerning delay days and the additional pond excavation.
    Therefore, this is the date Boone maintains that payment became due. We find that
    Boone is entitled to interest on the award of $21, 005. 84 from July 17, 2014.     We
    further find that Article 80, which provides 12%    per annum interest, does not apply
    to this award, which falls outside the scope of its provisions.          Therefore, the
    applicable interest rate is fixed by La. R. S. 9: 3500. See La. C. C. art. 2000.
    25
    DECREE
    We amend the trial court' s July 18, 2022 judgment to identify Boone Services,
    LLC, rather than Boone Services, Inc., as the proper party plaintiff.
    The trial court did not abuse its discretion by admitting evidence offered. by
    Clark Homes, Inc. to support its affirmative defense of liquidated damages.
    We find no manifest error in the trial court' s factual findings concerning the
    price per cubic yard, quantity of dirt, and contract days for the additional pond
    excavation performed by Boone Services, LLC. Therefore, we affirm the portion of
    the trial court' s July 18, 2022 judgment, which enters judgment in favor of Boone
    Services, LLC and against Clark Homes, Inc. in the amount of $21, 005. 84.
    However, we find the trial court erred by failing to award interest to Boone Services,
    LLC on this sum. Therefore, we amend this portion of the trial court' s July 18, 2022
    judgment and render judgment favor of Boone Services, LLC and against Clark
    Homes, Inc. to award legal interest to Boone Services, LLC on the sum of
    21, 005. 84 from July 17, 2014 at the rate fixed by La. R.S. 9: 3500.
    The trial court manifestly erred by determining that Boone was not entitled to
    payment for the seed and fertilize line item.    We reverse the portion of the trial
    court' s July 18, 2022 judgment that denied relief and dismissed this claim by Boone
    Services, LLC, with prejudice.     We render judgment in favor of Boone Services,
    LLC and against Clark Homes, Inc. in the amount of $3, 486. 00, plus 12% interest
    from March 6, 2014, the date payment was due.
    The trial court erred by failing to award interest to Boone Services, LLC on
    late payments made on requests for payments nos. 1 through 6, as provided by the
    contract.   Therefore,   we reverse this portion of the trial court' s July 18, 2022
    judgment and render judgment favor of Boone Services, LLC and against Clark
    Homes, Inc. to award interest to Boone Services, LLC in the amount of $2, 601. 10.
    26
    We affirm the trial court' s dismissal of Boone' s claim for interest related to requests
    for payment nos. 7, 10, 11, and 12.
    We find the trial court erred by awarding 300 additional contract days to Clark
    Homes, Inc. and by awarding $ 90, 000. 00 in liquidated damages as compensation
    pursuant to La. C. C. art. 1893 in favor of Clark Homes, Inc.      We find that Boone
    Services, LLC exceeded the contract time by 88 days.         Therefore, we amend this
    portion of the trial court' s July 18, 2022 judgment and render judgment in favor of
    Clark Homes, Inc. and against Boone Services, LLC in the amount of $26, 400. 00 as
    compensation pursuant to La. C. C.P. art. 1893.
    Costs of this appeal shall be divided equally between the parties.
    JUDGMENT AMENDED. AS AMENDED, JUDGMENT AFFIRMED
    IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AMENDED IN PART, AND RENDERED.
    27
    

Document Info

Docket Number: 2023CA0299

Filed Date: 10/18/2023

Precedential Status: Precedential

Modified Date: 10/19/2023