Need to end things with your designer or builder?

Here’s what to know if things aren’t working out with your architect, designer or builder in your project.

What happens when you stop liking the person you’re working with in your project?

No, I’m not talking about that partner / hubby / wife you’re renovating or building with … LOL!

I’m talking about the builder, the architect, the designer. The one you thought you’d done all your homework in checking before you brought them on board. 

The one who seemed so great at the start. 

The one who had been so highly recommended by a friend or family member. 

The one who is a friend or family member.

Eeek.

Sometimes, even with the best intentions, in the best of circumstances, things can go pear-shaped in your working relationship with your chosen professional.

Here’s 3 main things to be aware of when you know it’s time to exit any working relationship on your project.

#1 Check your agreement first

I’ve seen homeowners unwittingly sign some incredibly onerous agreements and contracts that really trap them in a working arrangement, and have big legal or financial penalties to exit.

Before you send off that ‘thanks, but no thanks’ email, see what your agreement contains about termination, penalty fees, notice, ownership of drawings, etc … then you can make your next move.

#2 Get legal advice

When it’s an investment as big as a home, you can be exposed to lots of financial risk when you don’t know your rights and obligations in terminating any working arrangement.

I’ve seen designers chase down previous clients and sue for breach of copyright after waiting for the home to be completed (even though services were terminated earlier than design completion). 

I’ve seen builders sue other builders and designers sue other designers.

We live in litigious times, and if you don’t want your funds or assets getting caught in the middle of it, know legally where you stand. A lawyer is the best person to advise on this.

#3 Don’t stick around for more bad treatment

I see so many homeowners put up with bad service, bad design work, bad building work, bad experiences … purely because they feel they’re a certain way down the path and it’s too hard to walk away.

However, when things go badly and trust is broken in a close working relationship, especially in the creation of something as personal as your home, it’s a LONG way back, and very hard to recover.

Make a call, and move on. Once out of that experience, you’ll be amazed at what it’s like to be creating a home without such negative energy, anxiety and stress attached to it.

I hope you find that helpful … and remember, YOU are the one creating this home you’re dreaming of. It’s YOUR money, YOUR choice and YOUR future.

Check the resources below, where I share some more helpful resources for you to:

• get out of this sticky situation and
• avoid getting into it in the first place.

So, hang onto your voice in all of this, because it matters. Do what you need to, to feel more confident in your voice as you navigate your project.

You can, and should, enjoy the experience … don’t put up with less than what you deserve.

RESOURCES:

This blog will help you learn more about how to leave your designer or builder >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/how-to-leave-your-designer-or-builder/

Here’s 12 tips to stop your designer blowing your budget >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/my-architect-design-has-blown-my-budget/

I see homeowners think that avoiding an architect is the way to avoid some bad design experiences, but it can happen with any designer >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/the-top-6-reasons-to-not-use-an-architect/ 

Good communication is seriously SO key in avoiding drama on your project. Here’s a mini-season I did on the podcast to help with communication tools:

How to get what you want in your project | Communication Before You Build >>> Episode 40

Which tools will help you finish your project well? >>> Episode 41

Communication Mistakes to Avoid When Building or Renovating >>>> Episode 42

Ended up with a home design you DON’T love? How to get unstuck >>>>> Episode 07, Season 13