I am having some problems with an architect.
To explain background briefly:
1. Want to renovate a house.
2. Paying a "full price". I did get cheaper quotes but this architect was recommended to me.
3. Very good for starters. Quick turnaround, quick responses to e-mails, plans very good, plans submitted quickly.
I was invoiced for the first part of the work and paid immediately.
It was the planning process where the trouble started.
1. Planning was refused outright. Looking at the planners report, it was clear that he was not at the races.
2. Did not do his homework about similar designs in the estate.
3. We decided to resubmit. I asked for a quote for resubmitting (several times). I was told it would be "minimal" as there were only tweaks and not to worry.
4. He hired a townplanner (which we paid for) who was excellent and communicated to us that the first application had "no chance".
5. We have resubmitted and I have received a bill for about 50% of the cost of the original submission. We are waiting on the outcome of the planning process. I am alot more confident this time.
6. I told him that I would pay a portion as the bill was outrageous and not what I was expecting.
I have heard nothing since.
My questions are :
1. If we are granted planning permission, are we obliged to use him even if there is a satisfactory resolution of the current billing? The contract was "beginning to end". Can he interfere with the process? Can he stop us using his plans (i.e. providing them to a builder or surveyor?)
2. If we are not granted planning permission, can we bring the plans to another architect and take it forward?
Many thanks in advance
Budgie
To explain background briefly:
1. Want to renovate a house.
2. Paying a "full price". I did get cheaper quotes but this architect was recommended to me.
3. Very good for starters. Quick turnaround, quick responses to e-mails, plans very good, plans submitted quickly.
I was invoiced for the first part of the work and paid immediately.
It was the planning process where the trouble started.
1. Planning was refused outright. Looking at the planners report, it was clear that he was not at the races.
2. Did not do his homework about similar designs in the estate.
3. We decided to resubmit. I asked for a quote for resubmitting (several times). I was told it would be "minimal" as there were only tweaks and not to worry.
4. He hired a townplanner (which we paid for) who was excellent and communicated to us that the first application had "no chance".
5. We have resubmitted and I have received a bill for about 50% of the cost of the original submission. We are waiting on the outcome of the planning process. I am alot more confident this time.
6. I told him that I would pay a portion as the bill was outrageous and not what I was expecting.
I have heard nothing since.
My questions are :
1. If we are granted planning permission, are we obliged to use him even if there is a satisfactory resolution of the current billing? The contract was "beginning to end". Can he interfere with the process? Can he stop us using his plans (i.e. providing them to a builder or surveyor?)
2. If we are not granted planning permission, can we bring the plans to another architect and take it forward?
Many thanks in advance
Budgie