Architect rubbish- do I have to pay?

[Rhica]

So we've just had initial 2d plans from architect and they are awful. Apart from the fact they don't fit the brief they are massively inaccurate.

Doors and walls are in wrong places and measurements appear to be massively inaccurate. For example, we have a galley kitchen with a door at the end of the aisle. In the pre extension plans there is enough space for a door but no cupboards.

I'm usually happy to back and ask for corrections and give benefit of the doubt but my concern is that these are the plans the builders will use so need to 100% trust they are accurate.

We have signed a contract to instruct the work

What should I do? Go back and give her a chance to correct the mistakes. Or say we don't wish to use her because of the mistakes? If we went with the latter would we still be liable to pay her.

Or are initial drawings only rough to give the client an idea and a case of crossed wires maybe?

Not a great start 😩 Please help

I would say personally if they have completed a measured survey, the plans should be accurate to an extent. Even if they are sketch, if these errors relate to the space where the work is being completed I would be worried. If it was an area that the work was not being completed, I wouldn’t have an issue with the door positions etc.

The amount of mistakes you have listed is worrying. I don’t know where you stand with payment, but I would list the errors and contact the architect. Check the plans clearly when returned, if they seem happy to rectify.
Or withdraw from the service, and ask to make part payment for the work that has been completed to date. Although you’ve paid for (nothing) it may save you money in the long term.

Thanks duvetday. That is in-line with my thoughts. The plans are truly awful. The measurements are out by about 1.5m!! And the walls affected are supporting walls which we are knocking down.

I think I will suggest she keeps the £100 we paid when she came to do the initial measurements. Personally I think that should be refunded but will leave it as a lesson learned.