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March 16, 2009
Architect Won't Sign Off
I need advice. We gut renovated our brownstone--3 stories plus english basement--and, to make the long story short, our architect doesn't want to sign off the project with DOB. He finds all kinds of reasons. But I suspect he is just engaging in blackmail to get more money out of us. Now the relationship is so hostile and irrepearable I just can't deal with him anymore. What can I do? Can anybody offer advice?
Comments
technical inspections or the final sign off? Final sign off must be the architect or engineer of record, technical inspections for fire stopping, ventilation, structural stability and any number of other items can be signed off by another party, if it is possible for them to do it. There must be specific problems with the construction? The last time I checked extortion was a criminal offense.
Posted by: jp2 at March 14, 2009 2:51 PM
Try contacting the AIA for advice. www.aia.org
Unless you provide more details it's hard to understand exactly what the architect's reasoning is.
Posted by: FenFen at March 14, 2009 5:09 PM
You have two choices in the matter. 1. You resolve whatever issues are between you and your architect, and arrive at a solution where he will sign off the project. Or, 2., you find another architect who is willing to step into the conflict and supercede the earlier filing, hire them, have them sign off on the project. In almost all cases, the first course of action will be faster and cheaper for you than the second.
Posted by: Smokychimp at March 14, 2009 5:09 PM
you can get another architect to sign off on the job, but realize that it will probably cost you thousands of dollars in additional costs, since no one signs of on anothers work without demanding (sometimes substantial) changes in the job as well as fees way in excess to the balance due your current architect...you are way better off to suck it in and do whatever you have to do, including paying a mere few thousand more to the current guy...if money is no object, go the other route
Posted by: eman1234 at March 14, 2009 7:19 PM
and god forbid that you authorized the contractor to do work that was beyond the scope of the filed plans...you will not get a signoff without amending the plans and reinspecting everything
Posted by: eman1234 at March 14, 2009 7:23 PM
what's the issue?
If the plans dont match the execution, then he cant sign off w/o risking his license.
If it's a relatively minor issue, then tell him to work it out w/ the contractor. If they cant, then sue both of them.
Posted by: slick at March 14, 2009 8:44 PM
There is something your not telling us. If the job changed and needed amending which is very likely in something this big, he should of made that clear at the outset that it would add to his price. Did you sign a standard AIA contract? Must be something in it that provides for disputes. Arbitration.
Posted by: modsquad at March 14, 2009 8:49 PM
Actually now that I think about it. Why didn't the GC pull the permit. He should be ultimately responsible for the day to day following of the approved plans by the architect. The subs are responsible to the GC. He should do the final walk through also. Am I wrong?
Posted by: modsquad at March 15, 2009 9:18 AM
At least get an opinion from another architect. If everything wasn't done to code, you won't be able to close out the job.
Posted by: IronBalls at March 16, 2009 3:05 AM
Agree with modsquad here. There is something that doesn't sound right. Your architect's reasons for not wanting to sign off may be perfectly valid. You should also check your contract to make sure that he agreed provide inspections, sign-offs etc., as part of his basic services.
Posted by: architect66 at March 16, 2009 11:05 AM
"He finds all kinds of reasons."
Please list.
***Bid half off peak comps***
Posted by: Brownstones Half Off at March 16, 2009 12:08 PM
My opinion, as an architect, is that it would be really weird/stupid to try to get extra fee this way. Our profession relies on word of mouth for future business. Plus the threat of a lawsuit is a serious disincentive. He must have serious concerns that he considers legitimate, whether you do or not.
Posted by: cottontop at March 16, 2009 1:37 PM
I agree with the above comments. As an architect, it doesn't make sense. There is not enough information. You can't expect someone to sign off for something if there were changes made without the architects input and especially if the changes are not up to code.
Posted by: oldrte10 at March 16, 2009 3:19 PM
so what's the architect's name ???
Posted by: bklyn14 at March 16, 2009 8:42 PM
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