Real Life MMD: Should I let bro-in-law do the architecture?

Former_MSE_Lee

Money Moral Dilemma: Should I let bro-in-law do the architecture?

I am looking into building a house extension. My brother in law, who I get on well with, is nearly qualified as an qualified architect and he offered to do the drawings for me. He has now come back quoting £840 (other architects' quotes ranged from £450 – £850, though I'm wary about choosing the cheapest). I was hoping he'd work out cheaper, but I've seen his work is good and I think he would work hard as he knows me. Then again, he's not cheap, and what if it all goes wrong?

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gemmaj

NNNOOOOOOO! Maybe if he was offering it free or as good as then it would be hard to turn down, but for the going rate? As you say - what if something goes wrong? Its really not worth the potential hassle. Think how much ill feeling this could potentially create!

ironlady2022

He's nearly qualified so why is he quoting you 'going rate'? I'd rather go with a qualified person as you say if anything goes wrong, at last you can blame someone and get it rectified.

scotsbob

I would not use a doctor, dentist, solicitor or any other professional who was "nearly" qualified.

The fact he is a relative should have no bearing on your decision.

Using a family member can be awkward if there are problems.

rawky

As someone with first hand experience of being the 'brother in law doing the drawings for a family member's extension' I'm assuming your B-I-L will be doing this as a 'foreigner' (i.e cash in hand for a bit of work on the side). If this is the case, for him to quote almost as much as the most expensive 'legitimate' person is outrageous as he won't have to cover any overheads, VAT etc.

I also doubt his work would be covered by a Professional Indemnity insurance policy?

If he was offering his services as a favour at reduced rate then I would consider using him, however, based on your original post (and my assumptions above) I would advise against it.

d.ylan

Beginning a career in a professional field like this he should understand if you explain that you need to maintain a professional distance from your architect so avoid any discomfort and issues when problems occur. It doesn't help anyone to make it personal.

alwayswrite

Definitely no.........do not allow a relative to do any work for you this could and often has ruined a relationship and split families....pay the price for an independent person it will be worth it

zeroc

I very much doubt that you are obtaining quotes from genuinely qualified architects at those levels. If so they must be close to bankruptcy. Check that they are architects (ARB registered or RIBA members) before comparing quotes with your 'nearly qualified' relative. An architect (legal use of word as noun) should provide a very different service to an 'architectural designer' (note the use of the word architect as an adjective). The service described should include client consultation, submission for planning, submission for Building Regs approval, preparation of tender documentation, contract administration etc.

System

Zeroc is right, if you are getting quotes from arb members at that level i'd eat my hat! Even if they are not fully qualified they could still have pi insurance so that's worth checking for anyone giving you a quote.
in terms of your bil, how far into his studies is he? Someone studying post grad will have spent at least 12 months in an office so may well be more than capable to do your work!

gaily

Um let me think about this

- fully qualifed Architects, with the support of the firm, PI insurance, experience etc @ £400-£850

Your nearly qualified Bro in Law (presumably without a firm to back him up, or PI insurance) - £840

I know which I'd be doing, and it'd be supporting the family by NOT using him. The potential to go wrong is immense, and your family would have to accept the fall out. We got an extension done nearly 6 years ago, and my F-i-L used a contact of his to get us our drawings done.

The chap was one of the junior team members for an architects firm, who was happy to make a reasonable amount of money to do a foreigner, and expand his portfolio, but his boss did a once over of the work he produced, and did say that the firms PI would apply if necessary. We got a decent rate, the chap got the experience, and we were also protected if anything had been badly designed.

Good Luck - extensions are nearly as stressful as moving - dust everywhere.....

Ebenezer_Screwj

The words which ring alarm bells with me on this one are "brother in law" and "nearly qualified". You should never use friends or relatives to carry out professional work, there is unspoken obligation on both sides not to say difficulty and embarrassment if things go horribly wrong. You should consult an uninterested qualified architect who is a member of a professional body.