Ask the Architect

How do you know if the professional is the best or worst?

Posted

Q. We are re-building our home after years since Hurricane Sandy.  The dirt under our house collapsed. We could see across under our garage and family room. It was scary because the floor could collapse, so we hired three engineers, one after another. The first one told us the problem was pre-existing, (a waste of money), the second gave a report telling what needed to be done but not saying how it happened, and the third one finally did a better report that got us funds from our insurance company. Then we got an architect. He has been a real disappointment because we’ve been told by the inspector and another architect that his plans are missing so much that we are going to have a lot of surprises with our contractor. Isn’t there some set of standards that have to be followed by all of you “professionals”?

A. Somebody once told me that you never know if the person you hire got “A’s” or “D’s”in school. How do they know if the professional was best or worst? Even if they came highly recommended, was it by other professionals who have peer respect or by satisfied customers? How do you know? I see the construction process every day and the way people conduct themselves, and I wonder the same thing you do. I have often said that the Wild West is alive and well. There are ways to gauge the people you hire on websites, but you have to wonder about the motive for a bad review. People have asked to break the law and have nothing nice to say if you refuse. You need to find an individual with a strong track record, someone you can trust, and have that person be your guide. Ask pertinent questions and then respect their guidance.

It doesn't hurt to get another opinion, but that opinion should come from another peer, and both should be able to explain their answers. For example, I recently reviewed another peer’s drawings and found questionable omissions. We arranged a meeting, but the other person could not oblige, insisting a phone conversation would be satisfactory, not taking the issues seriously. When asked why they left out landings, structure and stairs to the ground from the lifted house, they confidently said that it was a “field condition,” that the contractor would work it out and it did not need to be shown. There were many other more technical and troubling issues, but that one answer told me that the owner was not being protected. Professionals are there for your protection.

Health, safety and welfare are the charge of each professional. Construction drawings are a contract, and contracts are intended to protect you. Although there are basic standards, including building codes, which are the bare minimum requirement, it is up to each professional to implement them in plans to protect you. If they are missing, you are not protected. Building officials spot missing information, and should be consulted, too. Good luck!

© 2017 Monte Leeper. Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.