A subcontractor sued the general contractor for breach of contract after flooring work on a hospital project became impossible due to defects in the underlying sub-floor structure.
The subcontractor alleged the contractor failed to provide a stable and properly prepared substrate, causing telegraphing and other failures in installed sheet vinyl flooring.
The contractor counterclaimed for completion costs after terminating the subcontractor and hiring a replacement.
The court held that a contractor has an implied obligation to provide a site capable of receiving the subcontractor’s work and found the sub-floor defects, including structural movement and improper preparation, prevented successful installation.
The subcontractor did not abandon the contract; rather, the contractor breached by failing to remedy known defects and insisting the work proceed.
Damages were awarded to the subcontractor with limited set‑off for specific materials.
