Blackhall v. Duthie-Strachan

This is an action of contract to recover compensation for services as architects in the alteration or remodeling of the defendant’s dwelling house. The case was referred to an auditor, who found that “the plaintiffs firm was employed by the defendant as architects for the work on the basis of ten per cent of the cost to the owner,” and awarded them the full amount claimed. At the trial to the jury the defendant offered evidence which tended to show that as part of the parol contract of employment the plaintiffs agreed that the cost of the work should not exceed $18,000, and contended that as…