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AIBU?

To think we're owed an explanation

21 replies

extentionmadness · 05/12/2017 18:29

We're having an extension done. Planning enforcement have been called and the building is too high. Not by a lot, but we now have to put in a new planning application.

Builder says architect plans are wrong and that architect hasn't detailed insulation into the height but has specified insulation.

Architect has so far been an arse. Delaying coming out, trying to come at the last minute, wanting to come when no-one is here and getting very pissy at us wanting him to be there when planning enforcement and builder are present. To the point he eventuality agreed, told me I wasn't listening to him then hung up on me as I was trying to explain that we all needed to have the same numbers on the new application.

We do realise mistakes happen but I'd have thought height of a building was fairly basic

OP posts:

Report

Cat2lady · 05/12/2017 18:32

YNBU

The architect sounds like an arsehole.

Chchchchangeabout · 05/12/2017 18:33

That sounds rubbish? Is he a member of any kind of professional body?

Frederickvonhefferneffer · 05/12/2017 18:38

CAn you change architects?

extentionmadness · 05/12/2017 18:41

I'm not sure if he is. I assume there are professional bodies for architecture.

I should say, he's blaming the builder. But without saying what he's done wrong. He's built it too high, he's put a too chunkier roof on... he hasn't even seen it.

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AgentProvocateur · 05/12/2017 18:42

ARB - architects registration board.

extentionmadness · 05/12/2017 18:43

It's probably too late to change. He's been paid in full and ultimately if measures are agreed upon and correct it will be easier for him to submit a new application than to start process with someone new.

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JaniceBattersby · 05/12/2017 18:46

The fact the architect is acting so dodgily suggests he’s the one who’s fucked up. We’ve done lots of renovations and building projects. When there have been fuck ups like this, it’s pretty much always the drawings that are wrong.

Builders might not always be good at turning up on time and they might drink too much tea but I find they’re usually extremely good at building to scale drawings.

couchparsnip · 05/12/2017 18:47

All architects have to be registered with the ARB and they have a code of conduct. If he's breached it then you can complain to them www.arb.org.uk/complaints/making-a-complaint-what-happens-when-you-complain-to-arb/

extentionmadness · 05/12/2017 18:49

Thanks Agent, I'll call them to see what they suggest.

We'd have been all done and in for Christmas. Now looking at a 2 month delay.

I think that's partly why I'm getting so annoyed as he won't tell me what builder has done wrong.

Janice - how was it managed when the drawings were wrong?

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extentionmadness · 05/12/2017 18:53

Thanks Couch.

He's already told me that he won't be paying for the new planning application and I'm rather annoyed we've paid for a service and got a sub optimal one.

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SocksRock · 05/12/2017 18:57

The only time I've seen this done it has been the drawings that were wrong. In one case, someone had transposed a 7 and 2 at an early stage, and the building was built 10.72m high instead of 10.27m high. That was a new planning application as well, we were very lucky to get it accepted, given the building was nearly half a metre too tall.

Allthebestnamesareused · 05/12/2017 18:58

Tell him if he does not you will be seeking legal advice about professional negligence and that he should inform his insurers of a potential claim.

BuzzKillington · 05/12/2017 19:11

I can't see how insulation would make a difference, unless it has a flat 'warm' roof?

extentionmadness · 05/12/2017 19:15

Yes Buzz, it does.

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Originalfoogirl · 05/12/2017 19:16

If he is chartered, you can also contact the RIBA for advice. Definitely need to pin him down because if your planning application is denied you’ll be on the hook for a lot more than just the application. Did you get a scope of services from him when you agreed the fee?

missymayhemsmum · 05/12/2017 19:24

Ok. Look at your plans and dimensions, and measure the building. Check that the planning drawings match the building regs drawings. (it is quite possible to do a small scale planning drawing that looks nice but can't be built as there isn't enough height for a decent head height in the room and a properly constructed roof)
Check that the builder has built what is on the detailed drawings he was issued. If the architect has allowed the detailed drawings to 'grow' beyond the planning drawings (which is what it sounds like) then it's the architect's fault.
When you are sure of your ground, write to the architect telling him what remedial action you expect him to take, and making it clear it will be at his expense. Check that the architect is actually an architect and not just a 'designer' before you complain to the architects registration council. Is he an independent or does he have a boss?

extentionmadness · 05/12/2017 19:43

What's the difference between planning drawings and building reg drawings? I think I only have one set plus extras for the steels? My ceiling and floor heights match the existing building and builder says he has built the roof to the specification written on plans.

He's an independent and is an architect as far as I'm aware.

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BuzzKillington · 05/12/2017 19:52

Would it be a huge problem for him to reduce the roof to the permitted height and make it a cold deck - i.e. insulate it underneath?

BuzzKillington · 05/12/2017 19:53

Planning drawings show how it will look, building regs drawings show how it will be constructed.

extentionmadness · 07/12/2017 20:04

He's not an architect. I called the ARB and they've looked him up. He's not registered and she said his website was misleading. They are going to take it up with him. I've asked them to wait a couple of weeks.

I only have one set of plans, and he's put the construction notes on there.

The cold roof is probably the best option and would hopefully lower it enough. Question is who then pays for the extra work. We'll have to get independent architect to see if the mistake is his or builders.

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HarveySherlock · 07/12/2017 20:32

Building regards and planning are two separate processes and have two different sets of requirements.

Any architect must be chartered to be able to call themselves an architect. When you engaged him he should have gave you his terms of reference and written confirmation of what he was going to do for you. If he was meant to specify the plans and supervise the builder and did not, he has breathed his professional standards. Contact the professional body for advise.

As for planning enforcement, they will be able to advise you what you need to do.

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