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Drawing Issues - Architect not answering my calls

10 replies

missingindrama · 19/04/2014 09:58

Hi,

I've never had any building work done so am confused about the planning process.

We've had an architect who did all the measuring up and submitted drawings to our council.

The extension comes under permitted development so was all passed ok and the parish council have sent us our inspection service plan etc.

My question is... are we supposed to have been given more detailed drawings of the extension which shows how deep the foundations should be and where an RSJ should be etc?

The architect is really really bad at communication and disorganised. I don't want to keep chasing him up if it's actually the council who are supposed to be issuing the more detailed drawings.

We want to be getting quotes from builders so we can finalise the budget etc but only have really basic drawings.

I'd appreciate any advice thanks!

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CustardyMum · 19/04/2014 10:07

There are normally 2 rounds of drawings needed for a project. The first is to get you through planning and generally include external views and floor plans. The second is needed later and is for the builders - they will need to know about RSJ/Steels and the details should be included at this stage. For a builder to give you an accurate quote they will need the latter.

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missingindrama · 19/04/2014 10:21

Thanks Custardy.

It is the architect that draws them isn't it? Not the council?

I think I need to start getting arsey assertive with the architect now...

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PragmaticWench · 19/04/2014 14:01

It is the architect rather than the Council, but I think you usually have to request and pay for the more detailed plans separately. Unless you agreed with your architect initially that he would produce both sets of plans under one fee?

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papalazaru · 19/04/2014 16:22

Yes your architect produces the second set of plans - often collaborating with a structural engineer if necessary. These working drawings are very detailed and they are what the builders will use to quote when you go out to tender. There is usually a separate fee for this stage and structural engineer (if you use one) will bill separately.

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missingindrama · 19/04/2014 18:50

Thanks for your replies.

I just double checked with my DH and he said that we paid him to do all the drawings we needed and he submitted the application for us too.

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mootime · 19/04/2014 19:22

It sounds to me like you may have only got him to do the "planning"set of drawings. That would be all that he would have needed to submit for permitted development. The next set of drawings are very much more detailed and usually cost a lot more money (approx twice as much as the first set).
Maybe dig out the fee proposal he gave you?
Have you had an engineer involved?

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missingindrama · 19/04/2014 19:40

We don't have a fee proposal Blush . We paid him cash and have a receipt from him. He works for a firm but does private jobs on weekends.

Normally I wouldn't be that stupid but he did all the drawings for my sister's extension the month before and was really good with her.

When he first came round to talk about the extension he agreed to charge us the same as my sister.

We definitely asked him to do the building reg drawings which I assumed were the more detailed drawings.

No, no structural engineer involved but my sister needed an RSJ as well and he did the specification for that.

Thanks.

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wonkylegs · 20/04/2014 11:13

I'm guessing if he's doing this on the side then he's got too busy with work & your job's been pushed to one side as it's not a priority.
A lot of firms are currently working lots of hours as there has been an upturn in work but there isn't enough confidence in the industry to take on more architects so that just means overtime inc weekends for everybody. He probably isn't supposed to do work on the side under his contract (although lots of people do) so it would be hard/impossible for him to say sorry can't work this weekend as I have to do drawings for someone else.
None of this helps you but I think it's a likely explanation.
Without anything written down or recorded its difficult to force him to continue I'm afraid.
Giving him the benefit of the doubt I'd try again to contact him & say you need some progress so you can get on. You need the building regulation/ construction drawings and give him a reasonable time say 5-7 days to hear back from him (not necessarily with the drawings but with a plan for getting them to you).
Confirm any phone calls in writing, seek clarification of anything that feels wooly or not fully explained, don't hesitate to nag a bit as you obviously are being forgotten and hopefully you'll move forward.
If he doesn't respond then I'm afraid you probably will have to draw a line under the experience as you haven't got any proof of what was or wasn't agreed. You can then use another architect, architectural technician or structural engineer/builder to complete what you need (depending on complexity of the project).
Hope you get it sorted.

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MaryShelley · 20/04/2014 21:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Springfield912 · 21/04/2014 09:37

As above there are normally 3 sets of drawings - planning (or permitted development in your case), building regs & structural engineers, although S.E forms part of building regs.
I would chase your original man first to confirm exactly what you paid for & see if you can get him to finish as it's not ideal to change contacts part way through. If he doesent intend on continuing then go to someone else. Only problem really with this is that someone else may want paying again to measure up unless you can get CAD files (.dwg) out if the first guy.
If you are anywhere near me (Yorkshire), let me know - I'll gladly pm you my details. I'm a structural engineer full time but do domestic planning & building regs as a side line (fully registered & insured company)

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