This is an action for a reduction in the sales price of a residence because of a defective foundation. Two issues are presented on appeal: (1) Whether depreciation damage beyond the costs of repair can be assessed against a good faith seller in an action for quanti minoris, and (2) Whether a third party defendant is an indispensable party.
The pertinent facts are: Arnold Construction Corporation, the third party de
Defendants in their answer made Arnold Construction Corporation a third party defendant as their warrantor for any liability incurred by them. Arnold Construction Corporation filed a peremptory exception to the third party demand based on prescription. The trial of the exception was continued by agreement of counsel to a date two weeks beyond the trial on the main demand, and thereafter, continued again indefinitely-
After trial on the merits of the principal action the court found defendants liable, but limited their liability to that of a good faith seller because they were unaware of the defect. The trial court awarded plaintiffs $8,981 for estimated cost of repairs and $3,212.25 for depreciation in market value of the home because it has experienced such a defect in the foundation.
Defendants’ initial argument is that the trial court’s finding that they were in good faith precludes the award to plaintiffs of loss in market value as this is in the nature of damages which can only be assessed against a bad faith seller under La. C.C. Art. 2545. Defendants are incorrect in • their assumption that the $3,212.25 allowed for market depreciation constitutes an award of damages and is precluded under C.C. Art. 2545 because of defendants’ good faith. The Supreme Court has declared that a determination of diminution in an action of quanti minoris involving realty is not easily ascertainable and several factors should be considered in the computation, such as the market price of the realty at a subsequent sale, any added improvements, increases in market prices, depreciation due to use, or any other factors causing a change in the property’s worth. Lemonier v. Coco,
Defendants’ second contention is that Arnold Construction Corporation who was made their third party warrantor, is an “indispensable party,” and any award rendered without it would be inequitable. Regardless of whether the entire controversy could have been more fully adjudicated had the third party demand been tried with the main demand, the failure to do so has no prejudicial effect on defendants’ rights against Arnold Construction. These circumstances pose no real issue of a failure to join an indispensible party, and defendants’ argument has no merit.
Furthermore, counsel for defendants agreed to a continuance of the trial on the exception of prescription filed by the third party defendant to a date later than the trial of the principal demand. He then proceeded to trial on the principal demand without objection.
