I don't think it's the norm, but it was pretty much our experience as well. Between the architect and the engineer we were delayed forever. I thought once we started building it would be better, but turns out to be worse. All their mistakes are showing up. It was as if they worked on two completely different houses - different dimensions, different ceiling heights, etc. So all of that is having to be worked out as we go. The problem is it is costing us when it takes additional time from the framers. I wish I knew what to tell you to do. What we have done is to not yet pay the final portion of their fee to make sure we get everything we need and we are also keeping record of how much we are being charged due to delays because of them. I'm not quite sure how we'll resolve it in the end.

This seems a bit strange to me. How was your contractor able to estimate your project? Is there some sort of budget? How did you get this far along without having something as basic as the stair plan and elevations finished? Was there some reason to rush into construction?

Your mistake was starting work before the plans were finalized. All of these details should have been down on paper before construction started.

No doubt, your project will end up costing much more than it would have if the contractor had all of the information needed from the beginning.

Perhaps it's time to get adament with your architect. Tell him you need the details finalized, and give him a deadline. Otherwise, engage the services of another architect, or be prepared to start making some decision on your own.

James

Thanks for your comments.

We worked with this architect for nearly 2 years before beginning the project. No rush there. And 3 different contractors submitted bids for the project, so I don't think it was a matter of the plans not being sufficiently finalized.

Part of what seems to be happening is that an apprentice worked on the design and the primary architect hadn't looked carefully at the final plan. So the plans have been changing along the way to adjust for the apprentice's mistakes. For instance, after framing for 3 skylights, the plan was changed (without our input) so that only 1 will be installed. The apprentice, BTW, was fired shortly before construction began on the project.

Sounds like a multi-million dollar renovation. At that level, cost over-runs and dawdling architects are a given.