Who pays when architect makes an error ?
Gemma_Gardner
Posts: 5 Forumite
Hi, hope someone can advise?
Sooo construction on a renovation/extension started this week to my property and it was quickly realised on day one that the architects plans are incorrect. The extension part is shown as a certain length that in reality will cover part of an existing french door from my sons bedroom, instead of finishing just before it. After speaking with the structural engineers (we are having a lot of steels put in), architects etc the easiest solution all round would be to continue with this measurement, changing the french doors for a single one. But obviously there is a cost for a new door and additional work to brick the wall up which the architect has point blank refused to contribute towards. Our budget is TIGHT and I feel that the architect is at fault. There were 3 instances in the planning stages where different members from the architects came back to remeasure the inside of the property as it wasn’t adding up, so guessing that nobody thought to check the external space. Any advise on who is liable and how I go about this would be most welcome. X
Sooo construction on a renovation/extension started this week to my property and it was quickly realised on day one that the architects plans are incorrect. The extension part is shown as a certain length that in reality will cover part of an existing french door from my sons bedroom, instead of finishing just before it. After speaking with the structural engineers (we are having a lot of steels put in), architects etc the easiest solution all round would be to continue with this measurement, changing the french doors for a single one. But obviously there is a cost for a new door and additional work to brick the wall up which the architect has point blank refused to contribute towards. Our budget is TIGHT and I feel that the architect is at fault. There were 3 instances in the planning stages where different members from the architects came back to remeasure the inside of the property as it wasn’t adding up, so guessing that nobody thought to check the external space. Any advise on who is liable and how I go about this would be most welcome. X
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Comments
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What’s the disclaimer on the drawings say?
Is it a real Architect? ie a member of ARB and RIBA0 -
You are liable. Its not clear to me what you have lost?
If you knew about the clash with the french doors originally what would you have decided to do. Probably the same as what you are doing now? You could have reduced the extension length to suit but you want the maximum extension. Why would the architect contribute to this?0 -
Sorry if I wasn’t clear. The original drawings show the extension finishing before the french doors. The additional work to remove, replace with a normal door and make good the brickwork etc is all unexpected additional cost.0
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Gemma_Gardner wrote: »Sorry if I wasn’t clear. The original drawings show the extension finishing before the french doors. The additional work to remove, replace with a normal door and make good the brickwork etc is all unexpected additional cost.
But why couldn't you still build before the french doors now. Just because the architect showed more doesn't mean you have to build to that depth. I am sure when the error was made clear to the architect they could have updated the drawing and shown the extension only going up to the french doors.
I imagine what has happened is that to stay behind the french doors your extension would be smaller but you want the larger extension.
My point still stands - what would have been different to where you are now if you knew the correct position of the doors from day one?0 -
Has the architect shown the existing walls and existing windows and doors on their drawing correctly? If they have not then the architect might be liable. I say "might" as it depends on disclaimers and when the problem was notified to the architect.0
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Most architects and building firms will ask you to sign off drawings before work commences handing liability over to you.Signature on holiday for two weeks0
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Newuser1987 wrote: »But why couldn't you still build before the french doors now. Just because the architect showed more doesn't mean you have to build to that depth. I am sure when the error was made clear to the architect they could have updated the drawing and shown the extension only going up to the french doors.
I imagine what has happened is that to stay behind the french doors your extension would be smaller but you want the larger extension.
My point still stands - what would have been different to where you are now if you knew the correct position of the doors from day one?
The OP states:After speaking with the structural engineers (we are having a lot of steels put in), architects etc the easiest solution all round would be to continue with this measurement, changing the french doors for a single one.
I assumed from this that work had begun/materials had been purchased to the specifications given before the error was noticed and that the two options - of a smaller extension or amended plans - had been discussed by all parties with a consensus that the most viable/cost effective option at this stage was to change the door.
It might be helpful for the OP to clarify when/how the issue came to light and why a seemingly simple correction to the plans was not the most viable/cost effective option?
That would help to identify liability - especially if the architect is of the view the plans could be amended but the other professions are resistant - which could explain why the architect would be denying responsibility for any associated costs.That sounds like a classic case of premature extrapolation.
House Bought July 2020 - 19 years 0 months remaining on term
Next Step: Bathroom renovation booked for January 2021
Goal: Keep the bigger picture in mind...0 -
The OP states:
It might be helpful for the OP to clarify when/how the issue came to light and why a seemingly simple correction to the plans was not the most viable/cost effective option?
The OP has already stated that the issue came to light to the builder on day one. I cant imagine even the most efficient builder would be ordering materials before starting on site.
As this issue came to light on day one I would imagine the architect would have informed the client and builder of both options of either encroaching the door or not (the OP has confirmed this). The OP has decided to go with the encroachment.
These options would be the same if the correct position was shown from the start?0 -
Newuser1987 wrote: »The OP has already stated that the issue came to light to the builder on day one. I cant imagine even the most efficient builder would be ordering materials before starting on site.
As this issue came to light on day one I would imagine the architect would have informed the client and builder of both options of either encroaching the door or not (the OP has confirmed this). The OP has decided to go with the encroachment.
These options would be the same if the correct position was shown from the start?
I don't disagree that the timings/scenario you present is plausible given the timescales for most building work - hence:It might be helpful for the OP to clarify when/how the issue came to light and why a seemingly simple correction to the plans was not the most viable/cost effective option?That sounds like a classic case of premature extrapolation.
House Bought July 2020 - 19 years 0 months remaining on term
Next Step: Bathroom renovation booked for January 2021
Goal: Keep the bigger picture in mind...0
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