Have the architect come out and do the framing.

I am doing a 2 story addition and I raved about my architect in a previous post. However, I know that many architects are great at design and have the creative vision. However, they do not have to execute their plans and sometimes it is necessary for the GC to make changes to the plan in order to make it work. I just had a situation where my architect wanted something done a certain way. My GC talked to me about it just to explain that the plans and the architect said one thing but he needed to do another and were we ok with that. We understood both points but knew that the GC's way was better functionally though the architects way was better aesthetically. We chose function over form and are glad we did. I know you just wanted to vent but just keep in mind that your GC might be right on some things. I'm assuming your GC is someone who also came recommended.

Yes, my gc came recommended and for the most part, I trust him. It does worry me a that he would completely change the front entry of a two story house without so much as making a phone call to us or to the architect.... He just took it upon himself to make a major changes, which in the end I still don't quite understand... He thought it would "look" better, that is why he was going to change it. I was available and could have been there in 15 minutes, if he had called me. Luckily, I happened by that day and it could be fixed before he went any farther.

I appreciate that he wanted my house to look good, but I would like him to run it past me before making changes to our plans that we have worked hard on.

We've been in this house for 32 years, I've always disliked the entry and have put a lot of thought into this part of our remodel. The 5 windows alone being used around the front door are costing over $17,000. He was basically rearranging the windows for us.

I also want to still be friends with the gc when the job is finished.

This happens a lot between architects and GC's. Jyyanks is correct, sometimes the GC knows better from a framing/function point of view.

Communication is key here...tell your GC to call you with every last question he has, before he makes any changes. If you can't be available on the phone 9-5 because of your work, then plan regular check in times with your GC throughout the day. GC's generally know what they are doing, but many times will make executive decisions along the way in an effort not to bother you. It's better to be too involved with your renovation than to sit back and trust it all to others.

I didn't realize he wanted to completely change the entry. Brunosonio statement "Communication is key here" is right on the money. If any changes need to be made, you should be informed. I'm not talking about minor things, but certainly something major like the design of the entry. Good Luck.

Thanks, I plan on talking with the GC tomorrow, telling him that I appreciate that is wants the house to look good also, but if there are going to be any major changes, please call me first. We are living in an apartment during the remodel, but I can always be reached. The minor changes are no big deal and I have had enough work done over the years to know that sometimes things are adjusted as you go along. This was just a big surprise... Thanks for the response..