Thread: Architect Question

I am doing a renovation on my house currently and have gotten about 1/3 of the way through construction when I had to fire my architect and contractor for a variety of reasons. I have just received the final digital copies from the fired architect, however she noted that "The architectural and structural drawings are not stamped nor signed. To get a permit, this will have to occur by an architect and engineer. " I have paid them for their work, aren't the architect and engineer obligated to have them stamped and signed so that my new contractor can pull permits for the job?

How could you get 1/3 through construction without approved plans?

I have sent you a PM DialM.

Originally Posted by SMW

I am doing a renovation on my house currently and have gotten about 1/3 of the way through construction when I had to fire my architect and contractor for a variety of reasons. I have just received the final digital copies from the fired architect, however she noted that "The architectural and structural drawings are not stamped nor signed. To get a permit, this will have to occur by an architect and engineer. " I have paid them for their work, aren't the architect and engineer obligated to have them stamped and signed so that my new contractor can pull permits for the job?

I don't think they are obligated unless stated so in their contract with you. Unfortunately you paid them in full otherwise you might have some leverage to get something done.

Originally Posted by Justin D

I don't think they are obligated unless stated so in their contract with you. Unfortunately you paid them in full otherwise you might have some leverage to get something done.

So the 2nd floor framing plans I have from the engineer through the architect are useless to me.

Originally Posted by SMW

So the 2nd floor framing plans I have from the engineer through the architect are useless to me.

Can't you ask the engineer to stamp them?

Originally Posted by Aaron

Can't you ask the engineer to stamp them?

That is what I would hope, can anyone weigh in on this?

Yes you should be able to ask the engineer.

different places have different rules for stuff like this. The architect saying "The architectural and structural drawings are not stamped nor signed. " is her middle finger to you, but there is no way that an architect will stand behind drawings when they are fired before the job is completed. I am fully surprised that she gave you digital files. Sometimes we don't even give those to paying clients. I would love a PM on the details of what happened.

You might have to find another architect to take over, which shouldn't be too hard if the original architect has any kind of positive reputation.