HH Robertson (Australia) Pty Ltd v Piggott

HH Robertson (Australia) Pty Ltd (the appellant) appealed to the New South Wales Court of Appeal against a decision of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. The dispute concerned the appellant's liability for damages arising from a contract for the supply and installation of roofing and wall cladding for a building owned by the respondent, Mr Piggott. The respondent alleged that the materials supplied were defective and failed to meet contractual specifications, leading to water ingress and damage.

The primary legal issues before the Court of Appeal were whether the materials supplied by the appellant were of merchantable quality and fit for the purpose for which they were intended, as required by the contract and implied terms under the Sale of Goods Act 1923 (NSW). The court also had to determine whether the appellant had breached its contractual obligations regarding the installation of the cladding and whether the respondent had accepted the goods despite the alleged defects.

The Court of Appeal considered the evidence regarding the performance of the roofing and cladding system. It found that the system, as installed, did not prevent water ingress, which was a fundamental failure to meet the contract's requirements. The court applied the principles of contract law, including the implied warranties of merchantable quality and fitness for purpose, and held that the appellant had breached these warranties. The court also found that the respondent had not accepted the goods in their defective state, as the defects were latent and only became apparent after installation and a period of use.

The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and affirmed the decision of the Supreme Court, holding the appellant liable for damages.