Need advice about adhering to our architect's plans

12 years ago

We are 3/4 finished with our major remodel. All of a sudden our contractor claims that he didn't budget for an item (an outdoor shelf attached to the wall ) that was in the plans. The top line of the contract says 211sf add. as per plans. The contractor himself mentioned the shelf several times in the past few weeks. We like him, but don't want to be "nickel and dimed." There will be granite left over which, as part of the plan, will be put outside the kitchen windows as a "pass-thru." Now he says he'll have to speak to someone to ask how much it will cost us! Any advice?

Featured Answer

S. Thomas Kutch

12 years ago

Clear L&E Design is correct, if the contract states per plans and the shelf was not excluded specifically, then the builder is responsible and on the hook to provide it per the plans. Especially if there is a specific note on the plans in reference to the shelf or a detail of how the architect wants it anchored to the wall to support the weight of the granite.

This is just another example of why the money spent on getting thoroughly detailed plans in the design phase, using AIA based contracts and standard industry processes (i.e. RFI, Field Directives, RFQ, Change Orders, Pay Application) are not only good business, they are proven to avoid just these type of situations.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

PRO
Clear Lighting and Electrical Design
12 years ago
If your contract states as per plans then the contractor should not be asking for more money. That's why we list the exact scope of work in our contracts.
cherilee01 thanked Clear Lighting and Electrical Design
Related Professionals
Elizabethtown Bathroom Remodelers · Orangeburg Bathroom Remodelers · Elgin Bathroom Remodelers · Edison Bathroom Remodelers · Oshkosh Bathroom Remodelers · Fort Smith General Contractors · Hays General Contractors · Austin General Contractors · Bemidji General Contractors · Daytona Beach Interior Designers & Decorators · Gainesville Interior Designers & Decorators · Lansing Interior Designers & Decorators · Buffalo Interior Designers & Decorators · San Luis Obispo Interior Designers & Decorators · Cowansville Interior Designers & Decorators
cherilee01
Original Author
12 years ago
The shelf is clearly drawn on the plans but no specifics as to how it should be anchored to the wall.
cherilee01
Original Author
12 years ago
Also, we ordered windows that swing out to accommodate the shelf. The shelf has been mentioned several times by the contractor for the past several months.
PRO
Clear Lighting and Electrical Design
12 years ago
Sometimes when a contractor discovers that they are not making as much money on a project they look for areas that could be "extras" to add revenue to reduce their losses.

Was your bid an even amount like $12,000.00 or $14,500? If so, maybe the contractor just guessed at the bid amount. Now they trying to make-up for losses again.

If you like their work their and attention to your project you wish to offer to split the cost of the shelf installation.
cherilee01
Original Author
12 years ago
I don't think he's losing any revenue; he adds 15% to the cost of materials! plus an additional 15% for labor. We added a few things after work was begun; he gave us the cost of labor plus materials.