The Illusive Warranty of Workmanlike Performance: Constructing a Conceptual Framework

I. Introduction ... A. Previous Scholarly Examinations ... B. Constructing a Conceptual Framework II. Origins of the Warranty of Workmanlike Performance ... A. Historical Recognition ... 1. English Recognition ... 2. American Recognition ... B. Theoretical Premises of the Warranty of Workmanlike Performance ... 1. Implied in Fact Terms ... 2. Implied in Law III. Conceptualizing the Warranty of Workmanlike Performance ... A. Early Decisions ... 1. Gap Filler/Default Rule Formulation ... 2. Failure of Consideration ... 3. Hypothetical Intention or Justice? ... B. Summary IV. Modem Recognition and Divergent Formulations ... A. Transformation and Expansion ... B. In Process or End Result? ... C. Independent of Warranty of Habitability? ... 1. Unitary Concepts ... 2. Distinct and Independent Concepts ... D. The Theoretical Basis of the Workmanlike Performance Warranty—Contract or Tort? ... Significance of Characterization ... 2. Current Status of Law—Ex Contractu or Ex Delicto? ... a. Ex Contractu ... b. Economic Loss Rationale ... c. Ex Contractu and Ex Delicto ... i. Nature of Damage Limitation ... ii. Summary ... d. Ex Delicto Only ... i. Duties Implied in Law Rationale ... ii. Warranty of Habitability Rationale ... E. Application of Gap Filler Conceptualization ... 1. Evaluating the Independent Duty Approach ... 2. Evaluating the Economic Loss Approach V. Conclusion