Non communication from architect
Discussion
Have just received planning approval on a holiday property, then obtained structural engineer’s drawings for new roof etc., then contacted a couple of local builders.
I have been attempting to make contact with architect for building specs etc. etc. with no contact back from the architect.
Whilst nothing has been signed, no contract etc., I believe the architect was looking to take the project through right to the end, using his preferred builder, and receiving payment in kind from both the builder and myself.
I believe, and could be wrong, the lack of communication is intended to blackmail me into going along with him and his builder.
What is the best way to move forward, will another architect work from the original plans, structural engineer’s report etc., and do I need a solicitor’s letter to end our working relationship.
I have been attempting to make contact with architect for building specs etc. etc. with no contact back from the architect.
Whilst nothing has been signed, no contract etc., I believe the architect was looking to take the project through right to the end, using his preferred builder, and receiving payment in kind from both the builder and myself.
I believe, and could be wrong, the lack of communication is intended to blackmail me into going along with him and his builder.
What is the best way to move forward, will another architect work from the original plans, structural engineer’s report etc., and do I need a solicitor’s letter to end our working relationship.
I have contacted the council’s building control, who has received nothing from the architect.
No agreement was signed with the architect, his plans having received local council’s planning approval, and I have paid the architect for the preparation of the same. My concerns are now whether I should cancel any agreement and/or understanding with this architect, and if another architect will want to take on another architect’s plans etc.
During the past few months I have been speaking to builders, window companies etc. etc., and I wonder if one of the same has contacted the architect, and the same believed he would lose any financial vested interest in selecting his own builder.
This is quite a large refurbishment project, windows £46k, underfloor heating £16k, new roof £24k, and whilst I can obtain firm prices for the same, is there a firm requirement to obtain a fixed price for the total project (every switch and socket etc.), or to place trust in the builder selected.
No agreement was signed with the architect, his plans having received local council’s planning approval, and I have paid the architect for the preparation of the same. My concerns are now whether I should cancel any agreement and/or understanding with this architect, and if another architect will want to take on another architect’s plans etc.
During the past few months I have been speaking to builders, window companies etc. etc., and I wonder if one of the same has contacted the architect, and the same believed he would lose any financial vested interest in selecting his own builder.
This is quite a large refurbishment project, windows £46k, underfloor heating £16k, new roof £24k, and whilst I can obtain firm prices for the same, is there a firm requirement to obtain a fixed price for the total project (every switch and socket etc.), or to place trust in the builder selected.
Lesgrandepotato said:
Thats either toppy or a very big building? for reference we have just bought 29 Timber and Aluminium windows and doors, triple glazed for 17k and 2500sqft of UFH for circa 4k.
You can either itemise to the letter or be on it everyday working costs and spec, given your concerns so far I think you probably want to be more at the locked down and dusted contract end of the spectrum. Its down to you and how you can work with the trades to achieve what you want done.
It is an eight bed property, and through balconies on three levels there are eleven sliding and bi-fold doors, and twenty windows involved.Three national companies have all quoted about the same price bracket.You can either itemise to the letter or be on it everyday working costs and spec, given your concerns so far I think you probably want to be more at the locked down and dusted contract end of the spectrum. Its down to you and how you can work with the trades to achieve what you want done.
I have met several builders, being put off by the eager and we can start tomorrow type, to the one small builder I have found, that i believe i can work with.
Back in 1998 when I had my present home built, three fixed quotes were obtained, but I am not certain that fixed quotes can be obtained on a refurbishment.
Last thing i want is an architect and his builder on site taking control of the project and the price.
48Valves said:
Architects are difficult to deal with at the best of times. If they are like this now, just think how difficult they will be to deal with when there are problems during the build.
I would walk and find another Architect if I were you.
My thoughts entirely, but wonder if another architect would want to take on another architect's plans.I would walk and find another Architect if I were you.
Thank you Lesgrandepotato and sleepezy for both your replies, although I am 150 miles away from the holiday property, through driving around the local area and other searches, I have found a local builder that I believe I can work with.
Whilst I might not obtain a fixed price quote from the builder, I believe I might obtain a reasonable near estimate of building costs.
How did either of you obtain estimates, once obtained did you enter into a legal contract with the builder, and how flexible were either you and the builder on increasing costs, works etc., once the works had started.
Whilst I might not obtain a fixed price quote from the builder, I believe I might obtain a reasonable near estimate of building costs.
How did either of you obtain estimates, once obtained did you enter into a legal contract with the builder, and how flexible were either you and the builder on increasing costs, works etc., once the works had started.
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