Expert: Paul S. Brown, AIA - 1/29/2005

Question
Sir, I started with an acclaimed (read expensive)architect which accepted that he will do the initial floor plan and elevations and that I will take the drafting elsewhere because his packet cost was too high to me. This has proved to be a mistake. The potential builder's draftsman is struggling with the work not so by content but is sooo slow. Initial promise was 2 months, now we are at 5 months and reportedly done (meeting next week). My fault I had no contingency in the agreement for delayed work. Even worse, the house grew (with my approval)from initial estimate 3800 to 5800 sqft (I have 5 kids at home) and with a fixed fee $2.50/sqft the draftsman will get even more than he initially expected...
The design is very simple, large rooms (making the sqft) and geometric design following F.L. Wright influence. The architect did an outstanding job.

Can I ask the draftsman for a discount for the delayed work ? Can I require it, is there something like "Board of the draftsmen" I can take it to ? My loan will be now at higher % rate than if the plans would be done on time:-(  

Answer
David:
I can understand why you are disappointed.  No, I don't know of any sort of draftperson's appeal board that you can go to for dispute resolution.

You should have a straightforward discussion with your draftsperson.  Tell them you are disapointed with the delays, and that you want some sort of monetary adjustment.  Be prepared to listen to his side of the story also, and craft a compromise that you can both live with.  It sounds like the changes made to the size of the house, may have contributed to the extended time needed to draw the plans.  If you can not get to an agreement that you are both satisfied with, then you may need to either end the relationship, or seek third-party help in settling the dispute.  This is a long process; you will need to be comfortable working with each other as you go forward.

Be aware that your larger home is going to cost a lot more money.  Are you fully prepared for this?  The drafting fees are a 'drop in the bucket' compared to what the construction costs are going to be.

Is your draftsperson also a registered Architect?  If not, you may be headed towards more problems when you go to get the plans approved for a building permit by the local official.  Most localities require a stamped set of plans; particularly for a home as large as yours which usually has some non-standard structural conditions.  You might need to get a review of the final drafted plans by a registered professional structural engineer, and have him/her stamp your drawing set, in order to get a building permit.  You should call the local building official now, to anticipate what they will require.  Give the building official a preliminary set of drawings and see if you can get them to make a preliminary review with comments.  They are usually happy to help taxpayers who behave politely.