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Q&As
Do I need an architect to oversee our building works?
Hi there,
Do I need my architect to oversee the build? We have identified a building contractor who will project manage our internal remodel. We had requested our architect oversee the contractor when the time came, but now do not see a need and the contractor would prefer to work directly with us, also as we are on very tight time schedules.
The architect is stating that: "The contract is usually administered by a third party other than the contractor or client, usually either the architect or quantity surveyor to ensure the interests of all parties are being considered", and refers to the need to ensure that supplies and labour billed for have indeed been delivered and to the required standard.
What is the common practice?
Thanks
One Answer
Hi Fiona,
If your scheme is relatively simple and you have some experience of working with builders; then I would suggest that you do not necessarily need your architect on board during construction.
Architects will normally offer a contract administration service to set up the building contract between you and the contractor and make regular inspections of the works to make sure they are being built in accordance with the contract documents.
They will also hold a formal minuted site meeting and issue notes along with architect’s instructions if there are any variations to the contract. Ideally, any variations would be priced up before being carried out on site.
They would also issue any payment certificates based on the valuation of work properly carried out on site. You want to be in a position where you can see what the final cost will be and that you have not overpaid for works done should anything untoward happen with the contractor. Ensure you are holding a retention sum of monies that is released once all works are fully complete following a defects period.
In carrying out this contract administrator role, the architect has to remain impartial to both parties and is there as a good sounding board to resolve any potential disputes on works and can advise on impacts of any design changes. Therefore, you have an independent party to talk to about matters relating to the project rather than just the contractor.
Everything in construction comes down to trust between the parties. So, if you feel that you have this with the contractor and the works are relatively simple and not going to change on site, then you should be fine. If the works are complicated or you have not worked with the contractor before and would like an independent sounding board, then it may make sense to keep the architect on board.
Some contractors have a habit of changing designs on site because it’s simpler or cheaper for you. In some cases, I’ve seen that this has diminished the architecture of the scheme or that the change has had ongoing ramifications. If design is important to you or you think you might want to make changes, the only person that has had a complete overview of the design is the architect and they will be able to advise you of any issues should design changes be considered before they happen on site.
More complex schemes also involve reaching certain performance criteria for meeting Building Regulations or sustainability targets, which many contractors may not understand. In these cases, you can’t just leave it to the contractor to build it how they always have done in the past. Again, it may make sense to retain your architect when the project is on site. You could consider a simpler as-and-when involvement with your architect rather than full contract administration, but it will depend if your architect offers this service.
Opinder Liddar (Build It’s architecture and design expert)