Costly Engineer

Is it unreasonable to ask my engineer to prepare a draft plan of three different types of houses i.e. two storey square, two storey L shape and lastly a bungalow. Then on the draft plan of version three I requested modifications but he said he would have to charge me extra on top of the 11.34% + VAT of the cost of construction which had already been agreed?

This is just one of many questions I have.

When you say you agreed a price, what did this agreement cover? Did it cover drawing up of three different house plans and revisions to one of them?

If so, then the engineer shouldn't increase.

If your agreement only covered "drawing up the house plans" in a fairly general way, I'd say it's reasonable for the engineer to ask for more money having been asked to draw up three sets of plans and revise one of them

That's a lay-man's opinion, for what it's worth.

The agreement is pretty vague. The wording is "preparing plans/drawings to the clients requirements"I contracted him for the whole package. I.e. design the house (were he drastically failed), make the planning application and supervise the construction.
Already I've paid him nearly 20K, I have the planning permission for over a year and it hasn't even begun to be built.

He also elevated the house without my prior approval and because I told him to revise it back to ground level, he's now charging an extra 9K on top of the percentage for putting it back to the way I wanted it.

I'm going insane. I really want to get rid of him but I'm afraid if I do, nobody else will want to touch it. Does anyone know of an architect/engineer who will supervise the construction phase, sign off on mortgage drawdowns and won't rip me off?

You need to have a frank face to face meeting with this guy and explain why you feel he has performed badly in his professional dealings with you, if you're not happy you've got a right to express your dissatisfaction. Review what you thought was agreed in terms of professional service/ scope of works and the fees agreed, if you still feel you've got a bad deal arrange a meeting without delay.

Tried, tested and failed..... I'm trying to document everything in writing now, as he is trying to twist what had been discussed or not discussed in the past.

Thanks for the advice anyhow

Hello Lea.

You asked him to originally come up with three design schemes, which you then selected and chose to go forward to planning with the third (bungalow). Now you would like to make changes to the drawings for the bungalow for which you had planning approved, is that right ?

Usually there are two sets of drawings invloved in such a project. Planning and Construction drawings.
Given you have planning permission, it depends on what stage the engineer is at with the construction drawings.
If the construction drawings are completed then from the engineer's point of view, amendments are being made against a completed stage and he could argue that they are extra charges.
If they are work in progress it is completely within your scope to ask for amendments. However the type of amendments you want also has a bearing. you probably would not be able to change anything structural, windows, levels etc without re applying for planning permission. Anything internal layout etc, should be ok.

Check with your local council planning department as to the position on the level change and what your options are, before you make any decision.

An engineer or architect should only bill you in stages and this will normally be agreed at the initial contract. So hopefully you have only paid for the planning application stage (although 20k is a helluva lot for this) and maybe construction drawings stage at this point.

If you have not paid anything towards the project supervision stage, then failing any reasonable outcome in your negociations with him, seriously consider firing him and engage a new engineer to complete the project.
If you continue down the line with him, you will most likely run into further troubles. You will also have doubts about his committment to your project.

Consider getting advice from an independent consulting engineer as to your best option forwards.

AndyH
[broken link removed]

I think you should get rid of this guy now. You will have to deal with him for some time to come. If he is not listening to you so far, he is not going to suddenly start.

Cut your losses.

Brendan