The original Common-Law rule required a strict and literal performance as a condition precedent to recovery. The modern rule permits recovery without a strict and literal performance if there has been a substantial performance and the contractor has attempted in good faith to perform the contract.1 If a contract has been performed substantially and deviations from the contract have been made, but not wilfully or in bad faith, the party so performing can recover the contract price, less the amount of damages caused by such deviation.2 The amount of such damages is usually the expense of completion according to the contract.3

17 Electric Lighting Co. v. Elder, 115 Ala. 138; 21 So. 983.

18 Sigworth v. Holcomb (la.), 79 N. W. 364.

19 Curwen v. Quill, 165 Mass. 373; 43 N. E. 203; Thompson Mfg. Co. v. Gunderson, 106 Wis. 449; 49 L. R. A. 859; 82 N. W. 299.

20 Perkins v. Roberge, 69 N. H. 171; 39 Atl. 583; Gantt v. Cox & Sons Co., 199 Pa. St. 208; 48 Atl. 992.

21 Morse v. Puffer, 182 Mass. 423; 65 N. E. 804.

22 Muckle v. Payne, 198 Pa. St. 444; 48 Atl. 413.

23 Dodsworth v. Iron Works, 66 Fed. 483; 13 C. C. A. 552.

24 Gubbins v. Lautenschlager, 74 Fed. 160.

25 Haskin Wood-Vulcanizing Co. v. Shipbuilding Co., 94 Va. 439; 26 S. E. 878.

26 City, etc., Ry. v. Basshar, 82 Md. 397; 33 Atl. 635.

27 Evans v. Mfg. Co., 118 Mo. 548; 24 S. W. 175.