Architects - Hmphhh

[Mulberry View]

Following on from our Architectural woes (we had to part ways with our original Architect). I instructed an Architect to handle the re-detailing of our roof as the Zinc scheme that was installed 2 years ago has to be ripped off.

 

The assignment was a fixed scope, to provide replacement details to cover all areas of the Zinc roof but with Sika SGK membrane, I had obtained a spec from Sika which was in hand. I was very open and candid about the as-built structure and the pain points. I provided lots of photos, plans and a detailed narrative all in advance of the quote.  I explicitly told him that I needed decisive details, as I don't have the headspace to do this myself. The Architect quoted, I agreed and paid 50% up front as requested. The suggested timeframe was 4-6 weeks.

 

It quickly emerged that the Architect was not confident. He flitted between solutions and relied upon me far too much to back him up. 5-6 months later, we still did not have a workable set of details that were efficiently buildable and conformed with Sikas standard details. After much patience, I called a halt and raised a dispute. After some backwards and forwards emails, the Architect has agreed to waive the remaining 50% fee, but insists that the 50% up front is payment for time spent.

 

This is an example of the details produced...

 

 

 

There is far more timber in here than the alternative detailing and much of that is not practical in my view. Besides, the Aluminium edge drip trim arrangement doesn't conform to Sika's detailing and for their own trim that is the only one they allow.

 

This is the alternative that I now have in hand (not quite finished but you get the idea). Far simpler and compliant with the manufacturers requirements....

 

 

As I understand it, payment for time spent is not a thing with fixed-scope/fixed-fee work? Nothing about payment for time spent was discussed in a email "contract". I have nothing usable from his detailing and have since found a good Architect who has already pretty much re-detailed it proving it can be done. I'm not prepared to let the £2400 I've paid this guy just slip away.

 

I'd appreciate any advice on this.

[ToughButterCup]

Lovely house and design. Interesting Insta account.   Your question may well be better directed to legal experts.