getting past the architect

15 years ago

I feel like I'm contemplating a divorce. I hate confrontation. This may be more about architects than kitchens, but here goes...

So far we paid two thousand for a design fee to a design build firm, and the architect is lousy. We chose the builder because of their outstanding reputation for work on 26 houses in our development, and our neighbors love them. But out addition is a little bigger than most.

I designed the kitchen layout (thanks for the education, GW!) and the over the garage layout, and my hubby designed the master suite. I can think of only one window and one door that were her contribution, out of 1000 sq foot of new space. She messed up the rooflines too.

So the first bank was a flub, and the second bank (Schwab seems much better) says the next step is to sign a contract with the builder. But I can't get the builder to get their paperwork right. The plan says they will reshingle the front porch. The spec sheet says they won't. The garage window is a foot off size even though I pointed this out repeatedly. The spec sheet is missing a window. The spec sheet has bathrooms without waterproofing. Etc Etc The builder is telling me it doesn't matter if the plan doesn't match the spec sheet. I don't buy that, pun intended!

So the builder says we can have another meeting and get it right this time. Another meeting! Last meeting we discovered that the architect forgot that building over the utility room means allowing for the B vent pipe. Her past sins include forgetting that the kitchen wall has to be a foot thick (foundation). How can I trust her to get the wind shear and the rest of the HVAC right? Plus every meeting the price goes up.

So I'm thinking about hiring an outside architect to draw up essentially the same plans. It seems like that might cost a little more, but save aggravation down the road. I agreed not to shop around the builder's plans. But I should be able to give my ideas to another architect and shop that. Spend more on the planning, and have less aggravation during the build? Another set of professional eyes checking on the builder.

We did ask to have the architect removed. And we may well come back to this builder, but we could get other bids on the plans too.

What do you think? Is it worth the peace of mind/delay/cost to get my own new architect?

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Comments (10)

judithsara
15 years ago
YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hate my architect too!
User
15 years ago
"The builder is telling me it doesn't matter if the plan doesn't match the spec sheet."

Ask them if their Attorney knows they are telling people that.

Also tell them that it doesn't matter if you sign their contract because "it doesn't matter" you'll pay them, promise.

"How can I trust her to get the wind shear and the rest of the HVAC right?"

You can't. - this relationship is broken.

Time to move on.
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dekeoboe
15 years ago
Is she a real architect? Architects don't normally do the HVAC requirements, you need an HVAC specialist.
steff_1
15 years ago
This is one of the weaknesses in the design/build process. Sometimes it works well with great professionals and in other cases the builder wants to punt all the details to critical points in the process where it can cause real headaches. Some things can't be worked out as you go along and you are smart to deal with these issues up front. A design/build GC doesn't always used licensed professional architects and engineers where it is not required by code.

An addition to an existing structure or any new structure should have a registered architect and a registered structural engineer review the plans. The HVAC, electrical, and plumbing should also be reviewed by licensed professionals before construction is started.

You can make your own sketches of the plan and take that to another architect and require that they also check it with consulting engineers.
homey_bird
15 years ago
From what you describe, your architect is questionable but your builder is not exactly an agel either.

A builder who tells me that spec sheet and plans do not have to match is a red flag for me. At the end if this becomes a huge issue, spec sheet is the point of truth.

Absolutely, you should bring in outside professionals into this.

Just my 2c.
judithsara
15 years ago
My specs and plan dont match, but thats because I gave up on my architect and didn't want to go back to him. I am working with a great contractor who updates the quote as we make changes that the architect should have made in the first place.
We only go back to him when we made a change that the engineer has to sign off on.
Im OK with it because the specs are right even when the plan was lacking.
As was by the other before find a better set of people to work with.
lyvia
Original Author
15 years ago
I did it. I broke up with my first design build firm over their architect. I found a firm that will do the whole specification before the bid/contract. That's part of what bothered me - signing a contract without knowing enough details. So we are waiting for a proposal...
willtv
15 years ago
That's the smartest move you could have made.

Once you are satisfied with the new firm, you may want to try to get your 2G's back by going after the former outfit for incompetence and non-performance.
annachosaknj6b
15 years ago
I agree...why should your hard-earned money go to compensate them for their incompetence?

Glad you found someone you like better. Good luck!
plllog
15 years ago
Lyvia, I'm SO glad to hear that!! Congratulations on your break-up. I hope your new relationship will be much better.