Paying balance to Architect?

When should you pay balance, upon completion of construction drawings or completion of construction?

Re: Paying balance to Architect?

I work in construction and we structure our fee schedule with our architect so that he gets remaining balance and retainage at Certificate of Occupancy or when we get a statement by the architect of substaintal completion and that the work complies to the best of their knowledge with all applicable codes, rules and regulations. I wouldn't pay balance until you get final building dept. sign off.

Re: Paying balance to Architect?

I would say it's when the Architect is done. Just because you have an architect draw up plans, it doesn't mean you actually have to build it. As long as the Town approves it, and it's at the stage where it can be built against, that's when they are done.

My architect drew up plans, and it's probably going to take 2 years+ to complete the actual project that he drew, since I am doing it in stages. I may not even do everything he drew up. I don't think he'd be happy with me not paying him for years just because I decided not to do certain things yet....

Re: Paying balance to Architect?

When the final plans are delivered signed and sealed the architect gets paid. It will then get approved by the town and it is up to the contractor to build it correctly.

Re: Paying balance to Architect?

If the architect has to sign off for the C of O at the end of the project make sure you hold back an amount of money.

Re: Paying balance to Architect?

Usually upon completion of construction drawings