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

GingerArch

I'd quite like to clear up one assumption that people keep making and that is the one that if he's 'nearly' qualified then he's green around the ears and doesn't know what he's doing. This may be the case in some instances however not all. For instance I am 'nearly' qualified as an architect but I have been working in architectural practices for 10 years working whilst studying. I have both the skills and knowledge to deliver a scheme such as this with ease. Before an someone can qualify as an architect they have to have at least 2 years of professional experience before they can become fully qualified. Additionally a person can only refer to themselves as an 'architect' after fulfilling the requirements of the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and being entered onto the Architects register, it is a legally protected title and those calling wrongly calling themselves architects can be prosecuted.

That said it doesn't mean that others such as architectural designers, architectural technologist or technicians are not allowed to carry out the same work as an architect. They are more than capable of doing the same work, yet have chosen not to follow the same route of education.

My gut instinct is that you should never employ family to do work for you, especially in this instance were mistakes can cost thousands should something go wrong.

The more important question is 'how do you protect myself from something going wrong'. The simple answer is to set out the groundrules and have some form of agreement between yourself and your architect as to what services they will deliver and for what cost, this gives you a good legal grounding and you can see where someone has underperformed. The RIBA produces a good guide for homeowner on employing an architect www. architecture. com

All professionals delivering architectural services (be they architects, architectural technologists, architectural designers) by the codes of conduct of their respective professional bodies are required to have PI insurance and maintain that insurance for a specific length of time. Due to its cost many individuals do not always take this out, but it leaves them on very dodgy ground should things go wrong. They have a liability to their work even long after the project has been finished as in construction problems do not always appear straight away.

System

it would be very helpful if the op could come back in with some facts to clear up all the missing info, the way the op is written suggests the mind has already been made up but if we could get an idea of:
the size of the extension
the scope of works (just saying drawings for an extension really isn't that good for comparing the quotes)
the qualifications of the others quoting for the works
the insurance cover offered by the others
the level of education of the bil (i.e. BSc/Barch/MSc/March) and how much (if any) time working?
nearly qualified could be anything from finished a hons degree to being a month away from submitting the last of the log books after doing post grad studies and 24 months working under a registered architect...

happyinflorida

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO - never, ever mix family and business

He's not even qualified and he's given you a quote?!!!!! And it's a very expensive quote!

Ask around, find an architect who is well known and trusted locally and go with them.

Talent

jamespir wrote: »

"Replies to posts are alway's welcome, If I have made a mistake in the post, I am human, tell me nicely and it will be corrected. If your reply cannot be nice, has an underlying issue, or you believe that you are God, please post in another forum. Thank you"

Hi, I find this statement by 'jamespir' quite obnoxious.... but then. I'm only human!:cool:

davyboy102

you dont need plans drawn up for an extension you can do it under the building notice procedure, you discuss what you want with the contractor and the local authority building inspector and have the work certified by an architect at certain stages , the local authority on completion of work will issue a completion certificate which states it complies with the building regulations

mungaman

NO!! Don't do it!! Totally agree with Rawky? in everything he/she says.
Don't get family involved in this type of work with money changing hands!!
If it goes pear-shaped, there will be too many family fights, splits etc.
Bite the bullet, get a qualified (& recommended) architect, with PI insurance.
Save yourself a headache!! Honestly, better to say no thanks to BIL,
stay friends & go for a pint instead!!

purpleweasel

Ebenezer_Screwj wrote: »

You should consult an uninterested qualified architect who is a member of a professional body.

Sorry but i can't help it! UNinterested = doesn't care; DISinterested = impartial. Sorry!

florere

Has he taken out professional indemnity insurance, could be embarrassing if something goes wrong. He is charging top of the range prices and he has not an architect and he hasn't got much experience.

Bennifred

purpleweasel wrote: »

Sorry but i can't help it! UNinterested = doesn't care; DISinterested = impartial. Sorry!

Beat me to it!:p

madanna

This is a win win situation. Your brother in law is someone you know, so you should both be able to understand each other quicker than a stranger & get what you need more quickly than using an unknown. During and after the job your brother in law will be able to use this job as an example of trust to other customers to show he can perform - so he isn't going to let you down. if it goes wrong - you only have to talk to him as a professional to get things put right.