No response from architect

I sent in payment to the architect we hired to do our drawings for our home upgrade as well as for him to secure the permits from the town about 2 months ago (at least).

We have not heard from him.

DH got him on the phone about a week ago and the guy was supposed to call him back but we have not heard from him.

He has cashed about $1200 of our money.

DH is in the business and this is someone who comes highly recommended.

I know that it's a crazy time but we are starting to get annoyed.

I'm going to have DH call him again tomorrow but do you have any other suggestions besides threatening to call the IRS ?

Re: No response from architect

Anyone?

I told DH he needs to harass him today for answers.

No response from architect

IDK on Long Island but in the city you can call 311 regarding a compliant against and architect or engineer. Call the Building Dept?? Or get in contact with the AIA.

No response from architect

basically call him and stay on top of him

I don't think threatening at this point would be productive

I'm not sure I understand, where did you leave it off with him? did you finalize plans and its submitted to the town? that does take some time.

we had our architect for our 2nd story addition, he was a little proactive at the beginning, but really it ended up being us following up on things. timelines got blown and he would say yes, we're finalizing this then submitting to the town this week. next week you follow up and its not finalized yet, nevermind submitted.

this was followed up by him submitting, then saying it takes 6 weeks, but really took 10. ultimately some of this is beyond his control, and some of the delays were, his communication process wasn't great, but it took staying on top of him and realizing when to wait, vs when to bother.

Re: No response from architect

We haven't seen/heard anything from him.

He hasn't drawn up any designs. Last conversation was he was going to contact the town about getting building permits.

He came back that we needed another survey done. That was completed and since that time have heard nothing (again about a couple months ago).

I don't want to be mean or annoying but I did pay this guy $1200 already as per our contract.

We wanted to begin the work back in beginning of the summer. Obviously that's not happening now.

No response from architect

Unfortunately, the only thing I can think of, is if you want to get your money back from him and start with someone new, is to send him a letter (registered mail and regular mail) requesting your money back and if you don't hear from him in a reasonable time, start a small claims action against him. Sucks, but I think that's what I'd do at this point

Re: No response from architect

This is NOT acceptable!
Please get you $$ back & start fresh. I used Keri Kazel ( a LIF-er) she was amazing. So responsive, hands on & everything was done & submitted within a week.
She gave me a few options & sets of plans, even came up with ideas I would never dream of. She really brought our house to its fullest potential.
She kept me in the loop & forwarded me all correspondence with the inspectors & permits office. Her team was also wonderful & I was able to call them anytime, believe me... I had a ton of questions & concerns. She really pushed things through for us.
Kerikazel.com.
Sorry if this sounded like a commercial & I'm pushing Keri on you, bit you really have to be happy with your architect, or you are in for a long and sour experience.
Best of luck

Re: No response from architect

Thanks ladies. I am giving DH to the end of today to get some answers with this guy.

Re: No response from architect

Wow. Sad to say u may have to take them to small claims court. my DH is an architect and payment doesn't come til some plans are drawn. Def report them. What did the contract state?


Who is the architect? FM if u want

If u need another architect my DH is great and affordable.

Sorry this happened to u!!!

Re: No response from architect

If he came highly rec with ur DH in the business. Have your DH inquire about the architect from his recs. maybe something is going on with his business. But permits do take a long time. If u have questions u can ask my DH.

Hope it gets resolved soon.

Re: No response from architect

can you go to his office?

Re: No response from architect

Re: No response from architect: Update

Thanks again ladies. At this point, DH wants to handle it.

Which I think IS part of the issue, because HE is so busy at work and then another day goes by that he's not on top of him.

Then I need to listen to him ***** and moan that things are not moving along.

I can't take off from my job during the day to show up with my kid though because I'm a new hire, and I also don't have coverage for my position.

I also suspect it's going to be a process in general with dealing with the town.

Message edited 9/21/2013 8:22:36 AM.

Re: Update: No response from architect

Well, after DH calling him several times a week and him giving a bunch of excuses, we finally got the design last night.

I was annoyed because he left it in the mailbox, wide open and it was clear both of us were home since our trucks were in the driveway.

He told DH on the phone he hasn't heard back about the permits.

I also don't know anything about the designs, but DH said some of the dimensions are off and he also added stuff we do not want because it's more $$$$.


Anymore thoughts at this point? I have a feeling we are not going to start on this work until the new year.

ETA: Can WE get the permits? I would ask DH but he is already working.

Message edited 9/21/2013 8:26:33 AM.

Re: No response from architect

Homeowners can pull permits as long as you are insured, your DHs business probably has the insurance you need.
You can submit those plans to get started but amend as you go.

Re: No response from architect