In addition to working with an architect for the production of construction documents (drawings and specifications) for a home improvement project or a brand-new house, the architect can be a real resource in safeguarding the owner from the very tough procedure which is a construction project. Besides being well-versed in the construction process, a knowledgeable architect understands totally the mistakes of construction and has a working knowledge of construction law and, in my case, Washington DC.
An architect can materialize suggestions for securing the house owner for a dishonest or unskilled contractor
Securing the homeowner from an unskilled or unethical contractor.
When an architect is employed to offer services throughout construction, he/she will typically:
- review store drawings for all materials on the project
- answer Ask for Info (RFI's).
- evaluation Material and Labor Cost Set Up and Contractor Requisitions.
- make routine sees to the job to evaluate the progress of the work.
The architect who is employed for services throughout the construction phase will review the pay requests and make certain that what the customer is getting is what remains in the allowed drawings. When he/she goes to the site, the architect can make sure that what was submitted in the shop drawings is truly what is being set up in the field. In addition, the architect can make sure that the contractor is not "front-loading" the schedule of product and labor costs. Front-loading implies that the contractor is attempting to secretly gather more money in advance by mentioning that items which are to be installed first really cost more than they do. In other words, he will put in more money for the steel for the footings and the concrete than what they in fact cost so that he can put more money in his pocket at the start of the task.
By offering these four services during the construction phase, the architect will assist the homeowner avoid a conflict with the general contractor or his subs. It is easier to AVOID a dispute with contractor than to attempt to repair a disagreement once it begins.
Here are a few ideas to avoid when handling a general contractor:.
Working with a contractor without examining him out thoroughly. Referrals are required. Checking out a number of projects he has actually developed is an excellent idea.
Making the contractor angry at the very start of the project. Bills have to be paid on time. Cooperation with the contractor will establish the "tone" for the project and the project will run smoother. When I am employed to do jobsite meetings, I like to start the conference with what went right that week on the job. This is an incredible tool to get the contractor's cooperation. All people like to be acknowledged for what they do right and not what they do wrong.
Contractors with limited construction knowledge and experience. The contractor may not comprehend the plans and this might cause mistakes in the project.
Contractor needs and gathers significant amounts of cash from the customer prior to doing any work. I encourage my clients never to provide more than 10% of any contract for mobilization (to begin the project).
Changing any details, but especially structural details, without the previous authorization of the architect/engineer. This could lead to an issue that is not visible in today but could cause a problem in the future.
Paying the contractor excessive cash with each pay demand, leaving the client susceptible to the contractor not ending up the job. The amount of work that is left might end up being more than the money that the contractor would collect, if he finished the job.
Signing a contract with the contractor which the contractor prepared, that is not to any recognized requirement, such as the ones released by the American Institute of Architects.
Paying the contractor month after month without confirming that the required county/city inspections are getting done.
The client pays all the cash needed by the contractor at each pay appropriation, but fails to get Partial Releases of Liens from his subs, leaving the client vulnerable to needing to pay each sub again, if the contractor runs off with the money.
Employing a contractor for a job that the contractor considers a "little" job for him or where the company is a large company with significant resources to invest years in court fighting a claim. Try to find a company that is neither too large nor too small to finish the project and who will want to finish the project properly.
Not getting a final city/county assessment and not getting a final certificate of tenancy/ completion.
These are a few tips that require to be implemented on any construction project, however hiring an architect to provide services throughout construction might really save the house owner money in the long run. A skilled architect can bring years of understanding on the construction procedure and prevent a homeowner from making pricey mistakes due to his lack of experience.
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