United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132 (1918). · Go Syfert
United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132 (1918). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
1,942 citation events (625 in the last 25 years) across 123 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: MPG West, LLC (asbca, 2020-11-09)
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Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) MPG West, LLC (2×)
A.S.B.C.A. · 2020 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 2 verbatim quotes · confidence high
where one agrees to do, for a fixed sum, a thing possible to be performed, he will not be excused or become entitled to additional compensation, because unforeseen difficulties are encountered.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Edinburgh International
A.S.B.C.A. · 2016 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
where one agrees to do, for a fixed sum, a thing possible to be performed, he will not be excused or become entitled to additional compensation, because unforeseen difficulties are encountered.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Coghlin Electrical Contractors, Inc. v. Gilbane Building Co. (2×)
Mass. · 2015 · signal: see · quote attribution · 2 verbatim quotes · confidence high
general disclaimers requiring the contractor to check plans and determine project requirements do not overcome the implied warranty, and thus do not shift the risk of design flaws to contractors who follow the specifications
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) M.A. Mortenson Co. v. United States (6×) also: Cited as authority (rule), Cited "see", Cited "see, e.g."
Fed. Cl. · 1998 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
the duty to check plans did not impose the obligation to pass upon their adequacy to accomplish the purpose in view.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Hartford Fire Insurance v. Riefolo Construction Co. (6×) also: Cited as authority (quoted), Cited "see, e.g."
N.J. · 1980 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 4 verbatim quotes · confidence high
where one agrees to do, for a fixed sum, a thing possible to be performed, he will not be excused or become entitled to additional compensation because unforeseen difficulties are encountered.
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Equitrans Services, LLC v. Precision Pipeline, LLC (3×)
W.D. Pa. · 2015 · signal: see · quote attribution · 3 verbatim quotes · confidence high
f the contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specifications.
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Suntech of Connecticut, Inc. v. Lawrence Brunoli, Inc. (3×)
Conn. App. Ct. · 2013 · quote attribution · 3 verbatim quotes · confidence low
if the contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specifications
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Scoccolo Construction, Inc. v. City of Renton (3×)
Wash. Ct. App. · 2000 · quote attribution · 3 verbatim quotes · confidence low
here one agrees to do, for a fixed sum, a thing possible to be performed, he will not be excused or become entitled to additional compensation, because unforeseen difficulties are encountered.
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Scoccolo Const., Inc. v. City of Renton (3×)
Wash. Ct. App. · 2000 · quote attribution · 3 verbatim quotes · confidence low
here one agrees to do, for a fixed sum, a thing possible to be performed, he will not be excused or become entitled to additional compensation, because unforeseen difficulties are encountered.
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Olympus Corporation v. United States (3×)
Fed. Cir. · 1996 · signal: see · quote attribution · 3 verbatim quotes · confidence high
where one agrees to do, for a fixed sum, a thing possible to be performed, he will not be excused or become entitled to additional compensation, because unforeseen difficulties are encountered.
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Concrete Placing Co. v. United States (3×)
Ct. Cl. · 1992 · signal: see · quote attribution · 3 verbatim quotes · confidence high
f the contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specifications.
examined Cited as authority (quoted) L.K. Comstock & Company, Inc. v. United Engineers & Constructors Inc. (3×)
9th Cir. · 1989 · quote attribution · 3 verbatim quotes · confidence low
... if the contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specifications.
examined Cited as authority (quoted) L.K. Comstock & Co. v. United Engineers & Constructors Inc. (3×)
9th Cir. · 1989 · quote attribution · 3 verbatim quotes · confidence low
... if the contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specifications.
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Chaney Building Co. v. City of Tucson (3×)
Ariz. · 1986 · quote attribution · 3 verbatim quotes · confidence low
... if the contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specifications
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Balfour Beatty Construction, LLC v. Gsa
Fed. Cir. · 2025 · confidence medium
In United States v. Spearin, the Supreme Court held that “if the contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specifications.” 248 U.S. 132, 136 (1918) (in- ternal citations omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) David Boland, Inc.
A.S.B.C.A. · 2025 · confidence medium
Elements of a Defective Specification Claim The Spearin doctrine provides that “if the contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the [government], the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specifications.” United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132, 136 (1918); KiewitPhelps, ASBCA No. 61184 , 23-1 BCA ¶ 38,254 at 185,764-65.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Patricia I. Romero, Inc. dba Pacific West Builders
A.S.B.C.A. · 2024 · confidence medium
According to this doctrine, “if the contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specifications.” United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132, 136 (1918).
cited Cited as authority (rule) L.S. Black-Loeffel Civil Constructors JV
A.S.B.C.A. · 2023 · confidence medium
Cir. 2002) (citing United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132, 137 (1918)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Sheffield Korte Joint Venture (2×) also: Cited "see"
A.S.B.C.A. · 2023 · confidence medium
The Spearin doctrine provides that “if the contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specifications.” United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132, 136 (1918).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) BEI BEACH, LLC v. Mashburn Christman
S.C. Ct. App. · 2023 · confidence medium
But if the contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specifications. 248 U.S. 132, 136 (1918).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Yellowstone Electric Co. v. Crossharbor Capital Partners, LLC (2×)
D. Mont. · 2023 · confidence medium
(Doc. 31 at 3.) In United States v. Spearin, a contractor sought to recover the balance of payments for work already performed under a contract with the United States government and damages for the Government’s annulment of the contract. 248 U.S. 132, 133 (1918).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Ingham Regional Medical Center v. United States
Fed. Cl. · 2022 · confidence medium
United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132, 133 (1918).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Benchmark Construction Co., Inc. v. City of Lima, Ohio
N.D. Ohio · 2022 · confidence medium
Under the doctrine, “if the contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specifications.” United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132, 136 (1918).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Saft America, Inc. v. Precision Drawn Metals, Inc.
W.D. Wis. · 2022 · confidence medium
Precision cites United States v. Spearin for the following rule: “[I]f the contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specifications.” 248 U.S. 132, 136 (1918).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) D&J Machinery, Inc. (2×)
A.S.B.C.A. · 2022 · confidence medium
Moving to the applicable law and material facts specific to this appeal, “when the government provides a contractor with defective specifications, the government is deemed to have breached the implied warranty that satisfactory contract performance will result from adherence to the specifications, and the contractor is entitled to recover all of the costs proximately flowing from the breach.” Essex Electro Engineers, Inc. v. Danzig, 224 F.3d 1283, 1289 (1970) (See, e.g., United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132, 136 (1918); USA Petroleum Corp. v. United States, 821 F.2d 622, 624 (Fed.Cir.198…
cited Cited as authority (rule) BAE Systems Ordnance Systems, Inc. v. Fluor Federal Solutions, LLC
W.D. Va. · 2022 · confidence medium
United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132, 136 (1918).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Nova group/tutor-saliba v. United States
Fed. Cl. · 2022 · confidence medium
This stems from the longstanding principle that “if the contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specifications.” United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132, 136 (1918) (citations omitted); see also J.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Lighting Retrofit International, LLC v. Constellation Newenergy, Inc.
D. Maryland · 2022 · confidence medium
In United States v. Spearin, the Supreme Court held that when a “contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specification.” 248 U.S. 132, 136 (1918) (citations omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) BAKER v. RANGE RESOURCES-APPALACHIA, LLC
W.D. Pa. · 2021 · confidence medium
The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has explained: In Spearin, the [Supreme] Court held that a contractor is not liable for the consequences of defects in specifications provided by the owner. [United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132, 136 , 39 S.Ct. 59, 61 (1918)].
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Lake Hills Invs., LLC v. Rushforth Constr. Co., Inc. (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Wash. · 2021 · confidence medium
Id. at 136 (emphasis added) (citations omitted).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Brantley Construction Services, LLC
A.S.B.C.A. · 2021 · confidence medium
Cir. 2002) (citing United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132, 136 (1918)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Liberty Construction Company, LLC v. Peter H. Curry
Tenn. Ct. App. · 2020 · confidence medium
The facts of this case are more analogous to United States v. Spearin, where a contractor constructed a sewer in accordance with the plans and specifications provided by the government, and the Supreme Court wrote that, “if the contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specifications.” Spearin, 248 U.S. 132, 136 (1918).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) JW Fowler Company v. Ephraim Irrigation
D. Utah · 2020 · confidence medium
Co., 818 P.2d 1040, 1042 (Utah Ct. App. 1991). because unforeseen difficulties are encountered.”13 The Spearin doctrine is an exception to this general rule, which recognizes an implied warranty in certain contracts.14 The Spearin doctrine states that “if [a] contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specifications.”15 By “prescribing the character, dimensions and location” of a structure, the owner “import[s] a warranty that if the [plans and] spe…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) CGM Construction, Inc. v. Sydor
N.Y. App. Div. · 2016 · confidence medium
In other words, when there is a design specification contract, a contractor follows the architectural plans and specifications provided by an owner, and the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in such plans and specifications or be prevented from recovering contractually-agreed upon payments for work completed in compliance with them (see United States v Spearin, 248 US 132, 136 [1918]; MacKnight Flintic Stone Co. v Mayor of City of N.Y., 160 NY at 82 ; Larchmont Nurseries, Inc. v Daly, 33 AD3d 872, 874 [2006]; Fruin-Colnon Corp. v Niagara Frontier Transp.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) CGM Construction, Inc. v. Sydor
N.Y. App. Div. · 2016 · confidence medium
In other words, when there is a design specification contract, a contractor follows the architectural plans and specifications provided by an owner, and the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in such plans and specifications or be prevented from recovering contractually-agreed upon payments for work completed in compliance with them (see United States v Spearin, 248 US 132, 136 [1918]; MacKnight Flintic Stone Co. v Mayor of City of N.Y., 160 NY at 82 ; Larchmont Nurseries, Inc. v Daly, 33 AD3d 872, 874 [2006]; Fruin-Colnon Corp. v Niagara Frontier Transp.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Los Angeles Unified School District v. Great American Insurance (2×)
Cal. · 2010 · confidence medium
(United States v. Spearin (1918) 248 U.S. 132, 136 [ 63 L.Ed. 166, 54 , 39 S.Ct. 59 ]; Wunderlich v. State of California (1967) 65 Cal.2d 111, 782-783 [ 56 Cal.Rptr. 473 , 423 P.2d 545 ].) 2 But as we observed at the outset, it is also settled that “[a] contractor of public works who, acting reasonably, is misled by incorrect plans and specifications issued by the public authorities as the basis for bids and who, as a result, submits a bid which is lower than he would have otherwise made may recover in a contract action for extra work or expenses necessitated by the conditions being other th…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Modern Continental South v. Fairfax County Water Authority (2×)
Fairfax Cir. Ct. · 2006 · confidence medium
Id. at 136 , 39 S. Ct. at 61 (citations omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) ACE Constructors, Inc. v. United States
Fed. Cl. · 2006 · confidence medium
“When the government provides a contractor with defective specifications, the government is deemed to have breached the implied warranty that satisfactory contract performance will result from adherence to the specifications, and the contractor is entitled to recover all of the costs proximately flowing from the breach.” Essex Electro Engineers, Inc. v. Danzig, 224 F.3d 1283, 1289 (Fed.Cir.2000) (citing United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132, 136, 54 Ct.Cl. 187 , 39 S.Ct. 59 , 63 L.Ed. 166 (1918); USA Petroleum Corp. v. United States, 821 F.2d 622, 624 (Fed.Cir.1987); Ordnance Research, In…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Century Marine Inc v. United States
5th Cir. · 1998 · confidence medium
Christian, 312 F.2d at 423 (citing United States v. Behan, 110 U.S. 338, 346 (1884); United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132, 138 (1918); Broadbent Portable Laundry Corp. v. United States, 56 Ct. Cl. 128, 132 (1921)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Border States Paving, Inc. v. State Ex Rel. South Dakota Department of Transportation
S.D. · 1998 · confidence medium
Border States attempts to support its position with this Courts holding in Mooney’s, 482 N.W.2d at 44 , wherein we cited United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132, 136 , 39 S.Ct. 59, 61 , 63 L.Ed. 166, 169 (1918): Where one agrees to do, for a fixed sum, a thing possible to be performed, he will not be excused or become entitled to additional compensation, because unforeseen difficulties are encountered.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Willamette Crushing Co. v. State
Ariz. Ct. App. · 1997 · confidence medium
Id. at 135-37 , 39 S.Ct. at 61 (citations omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Aircraft Gear Corp. v. Kaman Aerospace Corp.
N.D. Ill. · 1994 · confidence medium
Aircraft essentially contends that when Kaman failed to provide specifications sufficient to fabricate the Pyrowear gears successfully (Complaint ¶¶ 7-8, 10-11,14-15), Aircraft was required to invest a large measure of additional work and outlays to finish the job (id. ¶¶ 14-18). 8 It is that extra expense ($1,831,375) for which the Complaint seeks recompense. 9 Aircraft’s Mem. 11 appears to shift gears 10 somewhat by asserting that Kaman breached an “implied warranty of specifications” (as to which the seminal decision in the field of government contracts is United States v. Spearin…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Brown Bros. Inc. v. Metropolitan Government
Tenn. Ct. App. · 1993 · confidence medium
In the case of United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132 , 39 S.Ct. 59 , 63 L.Ed. 166 *747 (1918), the Supreme Court stated the general contract rule for allocation of risk: “Where one agrees to do, for a fixed sum, a thing possible to be performed, he will not be excused or become entitled to additional compensation because unforeseen difficulties are encountered.” Spearin at 136 , 39 S.Ct. at 61 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Edward E. Gillen Company, a Wisconsin Corporation v. City of Lake Forest
7th Cir. · 1993 · confidence medium
When the government annulled the contract without justification, it became liable for all damages resulting from its breach. 248 U.S. at 137-38 , 39 S.Ct. at 61-62 (citations omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Fruin-Colnon Corp., Traylor Bros. v. Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (2×)
N.Y. App. Div. · 1992 · confidence medium
A contractor must follow a design specification without deviation and bears no responsibility if the design proves inadequate to achieve the intended result (see, United States v Spearin, 248 US 132, 136 ; Simmons Co. v United States, supra, at 1362; see also, MacKnight Flintic Stone Co. v Mayor of City of N. Y., supra, at 82-83).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Ruby-Collins, Inc. v. City of Charlotte (4×) also: Cited "see"
W.D.N.C. · 1990 · confidence medium
Id. at 136-37 , 39 S.Ct. at 61 (citations omitted).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Frank Briscoe Company, Inc. v. Clark County
9th Cir. · 1988 · confidence medium
Id. at 137 , 39 S.Ct. at 61 (footnotes omitted).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Midwest Dredging Co. v. McAninch Corp. (5×) also: Cited "see"
Iowa · 1988 · confidence medium
The Supreme Court said in Spearin , “Where one agrees to do for a fixed sum, a thing possible to be performed, he will not be excused or become entitled to additional compensation, because unforeseen difficulties are encountered.” 248 U.S. at 136 , 39 S.Ct. at 61 , 63 L.Ed. at 169 (emphasis added).
cited Cited as authority (rule) USA Petroleum Corporation v. The United States
Fed. Cir. · 1987 · confidence medium
Id. at 137, 39 S.Ct. at 61 (citations omitted).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Sanders Co. Plumbing & Heating, Inc. v. City of Independence (3×) also: Cited "see"
Mo. Ct. App. · 1985 · confidence medium
Otherwise, this innovative theory of recovery could never be reconciled with the well-established principle of contract law, finding clarity of expression in United States v. Spearin, 248 U.S. 132, 136 , 39 S.Ct. 59, 61 , 63 L.Ed. 166 *851 (1918), that when one agrees to do a thing possible of performance "he will not be excused or become entitled to additional compensation, because unforeseen difficulties are encountered." Extension of the theory of recovery identified with Ideker to the facts of this case dilutes the bidding process on public projects and makes it impossible for governmental…
United States
v.
Spearin; Spearin v. United States
44, 45.
Supreme Court of the United States.
Dec 9, 1918.
248 U.S. 132
Mr. Assistant Attorney General Thompson for the United States., Mr. Charles E. Hughes,' with whom Mr. Frank W. Hackett and Mr. Alfred S. Brown were on the brief, for Spearin.
Brandéis, McHeynolds.
Cited by 547 opinions  |  Published
7 passages pin-cited by 10 cases
Pinpoint authority: #4,471 of 633,719
Citer courts: Ninth Circuit (6) · Court of Appeals of Washington (6) · Arizona Supreme Court (3) · Federal Circuit (3) · Court of Claims (3) · Connecticut Appellate Court (3) · Supreme Court of New Jersey (3)
Mr. Justice Brandéis

delivered the opinion of the court,

Spearin brought this suit in the Court of Claims, demanding a balance alleged to be due for work done under a contract to construct a dry-doek and also damages for its annulment. Judgment was entered for him in the sum of $141,180.86;' (51 Ct. Clms. ,155) and both parties appealed to this court. The Government contends that Spearin is entitled to recover only $7,907.98. Spearin claims the additional sum of $63,658.70.

First. The decision to be made on the Government’s appeal depends upon whether or not it was entitled to annul the contract. The facts essential to a determination- of the-question are these:

Spearin contracted to build for $757,800 a dry-dock at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in accordance with plans and specifications which had been prepared by the. Government. The site selected by it was intersected by a 6-foot brick sewer; and it was necessary to divert and relocate a section thereof before the work of constructings the dry-dock could begin. The plans and specifications provided that the contractor should do the work and prescribed the dimensions, material, and location óf the section to be[*134] substituted. All the prescribed requirements were fully complied with by Spearin; and the substituted section was accepted by the Government as satisfactory. It was located about 37 to 50 feet from the proposed excavation for the dry-dock; but a large part of the new section was within the area set aside as space within which the contractor's - operations were to ber carried on. Both before and after the diversion of the 6-foot sewer, it connected, within the Navy Yard but outside the space reserved for work on the dry-dock, with a 7-foot sewer which emptied into Wallabout Basin.

About a year after this relocation of the 6-foot sewer there occurred' a sudden and heavy downpour of rain coincident with a high tide. This forced the water up the sewer, for a considerable distance to a depth of 2 feet or more. Internal pressure broke the 6-foot sewer as so relocated, at several places; and the excavation of the dry-dock was flooded. Upon investigation, it was discovered that there was a dam from 5 to 53^ feet high in the 7-foot sewer;- and that dam, by diverting to the 6-foot sewer the greater part of the water, had caused the internal pressure which broke it. Both sewers were a part of the city sewerage system; but the dam was not shown either on the city’s plan, nor on the Government’s plans and blue-prints, which were submitted to Spearin. On them the 7-foot sewer appeared as unobstructed. The Government officials concerned with the letting of the contract and construction of the dry-dock did not know of the existence of the dam.' The site selected for the dry-dock was low ground; and during some years prior to making the contract sued on, the sewers had, from time to time, overflowed to the knowledge of these Government officials and others. But the fact had not been communicated to Spearin by anyone. He had, before entering into the contract, made a superficial examination of the premises and sought from the civil engineer’s office at the Navy[*135] Yard information concerning the conditions and probable cost of the work; but he had made no special examination of„the sewers nor special enquiry into the possibility of the work being flooded thereby; and had no information on the subject.

Promptly after the breaking of the sewer Spearin notified the Government that he- considered the sewers under existing plans a menace to the work and that he would not resume operations unless, the Government either made good or assumed responsibility for the-damage that had already occurred and either made such changes in the sewer system as would remove the danger or assumed responsibility for the damage which might thereafter be occasioned by the insufficient capacity and the location and design of the existing sewers. The-estimated cost of restoring the sewer was $3,875. But it was unsafe to both Spearin and the Government’s property to proceed with the work with the 6-foot sewer in its then condition. The Government insisted that the responsibility for remedying existing conditions rested with the contractor. After fifteen months spent in- investigation and fruitless correspondence, the Secretary of the Navy annulled the contract and took possession of the plant and materials on the site. Later the dry-dock, under radically changed and enlarged plans, was completed by other contractors, the Government having first discontinued the use of the 6-fo'ot intersecting sewer and then reconstructed it by modifying size, shape and material so as to remove all danger of its breaking from internal pressure. Up to that time $210,939.18 had been expended by Spearin on the work; and he had-received from the Government on account thereof $129,75^.32. The court found that if he had been allowed to complete the contract he would have earned a profit of $60,000, and its judgment included that sum.

The general rules of law applicable to these facts are well[*136] settled. Where one agrees to do, for a fixed sum, a thing possible to be performed, he will not be excused or become entitled to additional compensation, because unforeseen .difficulties are encountered. Day v. United States, 245 U. S. 159; Phœnix Bridge Co. v. United States, 211 U. S. 188. Thus one who undertakes to erect a structure upon a particular site, assumes ordinarily the risk of subsidence of the .soil. .Simpson v.' United States, 172 U. S. 372; Dermott v. Jones, 2 Wall. 1. But if the contractor is bound to build according to plans and specifications prepared by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible for the consequences of defects in the plans and specifications. MacKnight Flintic Stone Co. v. The Mayor, 160 N. Y. 72; Filbert v, Philadelphia, 181 Pa. St. 530; Bentley v. State, 73 Wisconsin, 416. See Sundstrom v. New York, 213 N. Y. 68. This responsibility of the owner is not overcome by the usual clauses requiring builders to visit the site, to check the plans, and'to inform them-selves of the requirements of the work, as is shown by Christie v. United States, 237 U. S. 234; Hollerbach v. United States, 233 U. S. 165, and United States v. Utah &c. Stage Co., 199 U. S. 414, 424, where it was held that the contractor should be relieved, if he was misled by erroneous statements in the specifications.

In the case at bar, the sewer, as well as the other structures, was-to be built in accordance with the plans and specifications, furnished by the .Government; The construction of the sewer constituted as much an integral part of the contract as did the construction of any part of the .dry-dock proper. It was as necessary as any other, work in the preparation for the foundation. It involved no separate contract and no separate consideration. The contention of the Government that the .present case is to be distinguished from the Bentley Case, supra, and other similar cases, on the ground that the contract with reference to the. sewer is purely collateral, is clearly without[*137] merit. The risk of the existing system proving adequate might have rested upon Spearin, if the contract for the dry-dock had not contained the provision for relocation of the 6-foot sewer. But the insertion of the articles prescribing the character, dimensions and location of the sewer imported a, warranty that, if the specifications were complied with, the sewer would be adequate. This implied warranty is not overcome by the general clauses requiring the contractor, to examine the site, [1] to check up the plans, [2] and to assume responsibility for the work until completion and acceptance. [3] The obligation to examine the site did not impose upon him the duty of making a diligent enquiry into the history of the locality with a view to determining, at his peril, whether ’ the sewer specifically prescribed by the Government would prove adequate. The duty to check plans did not impose the obligation to pass upon their adequacy to accomplish the purpose in view. And the provision concerning contract- or’s responsibility cannot be construed as abridging rights arising under specific provisions of the contract.

Neither § 3744 of the Revised Statutes, which pro[*138] vides that contracts of the .Navy Department shall- be reduced to writing, nor the parol evidence rule, precludes reliance upon a warranty implied by law. See Kellogg Bridge Co. v. Hamilton, 110 U. S. 108. The breach of warranty, followed by the Government’s repudiation of all responsibility for the past and for making working conditions safe in the future, justified Spearin in refusing to resume the work. He was not obliged to restore the sewer and to proceed, at his peril, with the construction of the dry-dock. When the Government refused to assume the responsibility, he might have terminated the contract himself, Anvil Mining Co. v. Humble, 153 U. S. 540, 551-552; but he did not. When the Government annulled the contract without justification, it became liable for all damages resulting from its breach.

Second. Both the main and the cross-appeal raise questions as to the amount recoverable. .

The Government contends that Spearin should, as requested, have lepaired the sewer and proceeded with the work; and that having declined to do so; he should be denied all recovery except $7,907.98, which represents the proceeds of that part of the plant which the Government sold plus the value of that retained by it. But Spearin was under no obligation to repair the sewer and proceed with the work, while the Government denied responsibility for providing and refused to provide'sewer conditions safe for the work. When it wrongfully annulled the contract, Spearin became entitled to compensation for all losses resulting from its breach.

Spearin insists that he should be allowed the additional sum of $63,658.70, because, as he alleges, the lower court awarded him (in addition to $60,000 for profits) not the difference between his proper expenditures and his receipts from the Government, but rhe difference between "such receipts and the value of the work, materials, and plant (as reported by a naval board appointed by the de[*139] fendant). Language in the findings of fact concerning damages lends possibly some warrant-for that contention; but the discussion of the subject in the opinion makes it clear that the rule enunciated in United States v. Behan, 110 U. S. 338, which claimant invokes, was adopted and correctly applied by the court.

The judgment of the Court of Claims is, therefore,

Affirmed.

(Mb. Justice McHeynolds took no part in the consideration and decision of this case.)
1

“271. Examination of site. — Intending bidders are expected to examine the site of the proposed dry-dock and inform themselves thoroughly of the actual conditions and requirements before submitting proposals.”

2

“25. Checking plans and dimensions; lines and levels. — The contractor shall check all. plans furnished him immediately upon their receipt and promptly notify the civil engineer in charge of any dis- crepancies discovered therein. . . . The contractor will be held responsible for the lines and levels' of his work, and he must combine all materials properly, so that the'completed structure shall conform to the true intent and meaning of the plans and specifications.”

3

“21. Contractor's responsibility. — The contractor shall be responsible for the entire work and every part thereof, until completion and final acceptance by the Chief of Bureau of Yards and Dooks, and for all tools, appliances, and property of every description used in connection therewith. . . .”