To query the architect's increasing fees?

[FacelikeaBagofHammers]

Hi all,
We've been working with an architect for 3 years now (loooong project!) - so the initial quote we got for the various different stages are 3 years old.

Now, we're getting billed for Stages 5 and 6 now, but we're being charged 10-12% more than was on the initial quote (no warning or communication about costs increasing)

Would you query this, or would you just assume that costs are going increase over the course of 3 years? We have a good relationship and I'm reluctant to do anything to spoil it, but also, I don't want to feel taken advantage of either.

Thanks for your feedback!

Query it as it's not matching the quote. What you do will depend on the answer given

Was it a quote (ie it will be those rates) or an estimate (where it will be around these rates). Also as it has dragged on do his terms refer to an increase if his hourly rates were to increase during the term of the project? I would definitely have a conversation

Regardless of the reason you should be advised of any price increase. Definitely query.

I think you need to consider that three years is a long time and rates will have increased but they should justify that to you instead of just billing you.