Cowboy Builders - Protecting The Client

We've had quite a bit of debate on Linkedin regarding Cowboy Builders and what Architects and the industry can do to protect the Client.

What's your thoughts? Should we as architects be responsible for site inspection on EVERY project that goes through the warrant process?

Of course its extra money for our Clients but surely great peace of mind.

Please comment below.

Appointing an Architect - Tip #2

Choose an Architect with a Customer Service record... Your Architect should know, understand and most importantly inform you that construction projects can be testing for everyone involved. A truly Professional Service which is tried and tested will recognise that good communications between the whole design team and the client ensures the realisation of your vision. Choose an Architect who operates on a full communication policy who will call, email or write a letter in order to keep you and the project team informed.

Building Warrant or Not?

I have returned last night from another client who was directed by a solicitor in the purchase of the flat. As it turns out the flat does not appear to have a building warrant and as such I have been asked to anticipate what is involved to get a Certificate of Comfort.

A Certificate of Comfort would allow the sale of the property but does not strictly mean that the works are in full accordance with the building control regulations.

The moral of the story here is that any development or property alterations should have the appropriate paperwork in place. This client bought the property 11 years so you can tell how time catches up with you.

Please make sure that all of your paperwork is in place.

Appointing an Architect - Tip #1

Taking the Decision to approach an Architect... Stop and imagine that by the time you have paid off your 25 year mortgage that you will have given the bank more than double what you have borrowed. Your property is your most valued Asset. You must protect this Asset by ensuring that you Invest in the right Architect for your Project. Divide your Architects fee by 25 years and you will understand that it is excellent value for money and an important Investment which protects your prized Asset.

Get an ActionCOACH

I have just completed another 90 Day planning seminar thanks to my Business Coach, Iain McKillop. An actionCOACH is a simply a Coach who assists me in running the business ie he assists me in reaching targets and makes me accountable and responsible for achieving the goals that I set for the business.

I will be working on the 90 day goals over the coming week and will happily post these on the blog. If anyone is interested in Business Coaching please feel free to contact me.

I was asked the question 'When can I stop Coaching?' The honest answer is never! I stoppped coaching about a year ago and that was after a 3.5 year coaching period. I stopped because I had reached my goals but I soon found that my business was going backwards or atleast I wasn't setting new goals.

I am now back on track.

Architect’s Certification or Not?

Many Client’s don’t understand that when undertaking a self build that the Certification of the build by the Architect is an important and often mandatory Funding Requirement, but what are the implications of not obtaining an Architect’s Certificate when the Client is self funding?

The Certification process involves Architect’s site inspection at key stages of the build thus ensuring for the Funder (typically the Bank) that the build is true to the Planning and Warrant Approvals and in keeping with good building practice. Obviously the Architect’s Professional Indemnity Insurance would be called in should a problem occur with the house but the insurance would only pay out when it is proven that the Architect acted out with his means in signing off the stage.

When the Client is self funding the build then it’s quite common that they will avoid Architectural Certification and this may be ok in the short term until such times as the house is offered up to the market for sale. The purchaser’s solicitor would typically ask for the Architect’s Certificate on a self build and if the Vendor cannot provide this then it is extremely unlikely that the Purchaser’s Solicitor and Funder would accept the house.

In my opinion the Certification of the house is a small price to pay for piece of mind especially after such a huge investment.

Certification of the house can vary between £1500 - £2500 depending on the size of the house.