Dick Agreed to Paint Jane's House for $4,000, Inside and Out

Multiple Choice

Dick agreed to paint Jane's house for $4,000, inside and out. Normally, it would have cost Jane $6,500 but Dick felt sorry for her because she was a single mother with four children and not much money, so he decided to give her a good deal. When Dick had painted everything except the kitchen ceiling, Arthur asked him to go on a fishing holiday, and Dick, who was rather irresponsible, decided he had done enough painting. He left a note for Jane saying "You've had more than your money's worth with what I've done already. I'll expect your cheque for $4,000 to be at my office when I return in two or three weeks." Which of the following statements is correct?

A) Dick is entitled to the full amount of $4,000 since he has, in fact, done at least $4,000 worth of work, and he should get that on a quantum meruit basis
B) Dick is entitled to $4,000, less what it costs Jane to finish having the kitchen ceiling painted, since he has substantially performed the contract
C) Dick abandoned the contract before he had completed performance and is not entitled to any money since he has breached the contract
D) The court will order specific performance of the contract and Dick will have to complete the painting for the agreed-upon $4,000