by Sandra Beck
When deciding upon a written agreement with your architect, it is required by state law to have a minimum of a few crucial items. It is, however, also important to have a few other agreements to keep terms crystal clear.
The items required by law are: the name and address of the architect; the name and address of the client; the business form of the architect’s practice (limited liability partnership, sole proprietorship, or corporation); a description of the services to be provided by the architect to the client; a description of the payment agreed upon by both parties; a description of any services to be utilized outside of the architect (ie: a contractor); and a description of the procedure either party can perform to terminate the contract.
The items that are strongly suggested to be put into the contract are: the address and location of the project; a description of the project (including any special requirements); a description of the architects services and fees; an estimated construction budget; contingencies for the architect raising any fees from result in a change in the project; a definition of expenses that will be reimbursed; a list of other project consultants; any retainer fees and how they will be applied to the overall fee; when fees are due and in what amount; a statement of who will be holding the project account records and when they will be reviewed; a statement of weather the architect continually looks over the project as part of his/her services; a statement of who owns the project documents; a procedure in which disputes will be handled; and how the final payment will be resolved if the project is terminated before completion. All these items should be included in your contract to make sure your project will go as smoothly as possible.
This article is for information purposes only and not intended to take the place of a professional and provided by www.realestateweblibrary.com.
