Builders, architect- AIBU to expect some reponses

[Warblerinwinter]

Hi
A AIBU and anyone experience/advice
I moved home in June. I knew I had work to do on the house that is for roofing work and a room that is uninhabitable currently.
I was recommended a builder and architect known to my extended family members,
I have been trying to get the work agreed and booked in since July, architect has visited twice. Builder twice. I’ve written the specification of what I want as works listed is extensive.
I originally wanted work to start in autumn but realised pretty much that would not be possible
But here I am in December, I still don’t have a quote, drawings still not done or submitted to planning department. I make contact with them, something happens, they agree to this or that as next steps and then nothing. Then I chase and I get a different set of answers as to why nothing is happening.
I am feeling like I’m banging my head against a brick wall. I have no idea what this is going to cost me as much as anything in terms of my savings and the spec…I don’t have a date booked so can see that even getting this done in spring is slipping away
I am a single woman if that makes a difference
Is this normal for the world of building works now? If not can anyone offer advice on how to get them to move faster and at least get works submitted, booked in and a quote? I don’t know what I am doing wrong. I am seriously thinking I’m going to have to ditch them but no point if this is standard stuff and they do come very recommended whereas I don’t have anyone else that has been recommended.
I’ve got up today feeling so down about it. The storm is a real risk to the works needed, and I’ve spent another night getting up and down during the wind and rain to check for flooding and leaks. Right now I hate my house and am helpless to get the issues fixed.
Any advice

Ditch them. They are struggling you along to keep your business when they neither organized enough, not competent enough to deal with the volume of work they have. Competent builders just the customer they can take any more work until X date. Waiting times can up to 6 months but to get the work started, not for a quote.

If they are good they will be fully booked with lots of work which was put off
You need plans first. So book a face to face (even if it's on the phone).

If you are redesigning the roof the builder can't act.
Plus roofing requires at height safety equipment so unless the equipment is available the work can't happen.
If they are bigger businesses with receptionist/secretary get to know them on the phone.

@SolasAnla

If they are good they will be fully booked with lots of work which was put off You need plans first. So book a face to face (even if it's on the phone).

If you are redesigning the roof the builder can't act.
Plus roofing requires at height safety equipment so unless the equipment is available the work can't happen.
If they are bigger businesses with receptionist/secretary get to know them on the phone.

There’s been4 site visits now. . The architect is doing the drawings. They’ve not even agreed how the work will be done yet let alone what equipment will be needed. It just seems to go round in circ We with no progress

It sounds like your problem is with the architect.

The builder will be unlikely to waste time quoting for a job without knowing exactly what is required.

Either ditch your architect or tell them to get their arse in gear.

Our council (admittedly they are bankrupt) has a huge backlog of planning applications, and everything is taking way longer than it should. But I'd imagine because covid that every council is a bit behind.

So you need the plans ASAP to get that in motion. Until any permissions needed are granted, a builder isn't going to be too interested, as the start date could be delayed to who knows when.

I've been here, three houses so far. My experience is that if they are like this now its how they will always be. Cut them loose politely and say you didnt realise how busy they were and you are going to find another architect. Dont fall for the sunk costs fallacy...
They may try to hold onto you but just dont bite. Find a new architect and explain you got delayed and its not how you work, be clear on budget, timelines abd expecations and set calendar invites for meetings and reviews- say you are really short on time due to work so need dates in diary. Agree a set of actions and date for completion on every meeting. Start out crisp and efficient and things get better. I sued one builder and dumped the other and now I have one who would walk over broken glass for me as everything we did together was great.

A good architect will always have a great builder- thats why they are a great architect.

@Janeandjohnny

A good architect will always have a great builder- thats why they are a great architect.

Yes, I think this is how they work. And I’m really reluctant to switch from them. But it is so frustrating….

Everyone and their (lockdown) dog decided to move house in the past year as they wanted bigger houses, houses with gardens. This has caused pent-up demand for tradespeople to fit new kitchens, bathrooms, landscaping etc.

So I'm stuck without a plumber because of this, and had no responses on Rated People or Trust-A-Trader either.

It is what it is.

Agreed that your architect is the problem.

The plan will dictate costs and some architect are great on paper but they are spending your money. I spoke to someone last week about a local new build house, he estimated the way the roof was designed added 35k-40k to the build spend.
So the builder would have lost 10k-35k with extra cost had they not priced off the plans.

Janeandjohnny has some very good points on how it needs to work in real life.

I am guessing that you don't know much about what the architect and builder are or are not responsible for? If so can I suggest you look for some self-build project blogs to get an idea of what's involved. The property/Diy section of what went wrong stories can be offputing but they tease out some things to look out for.
With a Reno the price may end up being a little "fluffy". But the extras not included or priced are what can build up very quickly but don't appear until the end of the job.