What does substantial performance imply in contract law?

Substantial performance in contract law signifies that a party has completed a significant portion of the contractual obligations, even if there are some minor deviations from the exact terms of the agreement. This concept recognizes that, although all terms may not be fully satisfied, the essential purpose of the contract has still been met.

When a party has achieved substantial performance, they are typically entitled to payment for the work completed, deducting any damages related to the incomplete aspects. This standard plays a crucial role in ensuring fairness in contractual relationships, allowing for flexibility while maintaining the integrity of contract obligations.

While other answers address concepts related to performance, they do not encapsulate the essence of substantial performance. Minor deviations alone do not fully capture the extent of work completed, and fulfilling all obligations or merely meeting minimum requirements would not qualify as substantial performance, which allows for some leeway while still achieving the main goals of the contract.