Complex House 2

[ztengguy]

I was approached to do engineering on easily a million dollar home by a guy acting as his own contractor. I saw the 'internet bought' plans and kindly told him to hire an architect and a builder. I also said that I was not interested in the project.

He replied back that I was highly recommended by a close friend (I have done business with the close friend) and that he wants me to reconsider, and that "I understand the risk you foresee, but I assure you our Christian upbringing and nature does not lend itself to a litigious society."

Would you reconsider, or run even faster away?

 

[kingnero]

Internet plans and a 1M$ house don't go together. period.

You typically get what you pay for. I doubt these plans went for 3% of that 1M$ (or whatever % is common wherever he is located). Probably not even close to .3%

 

[ztengguy]

Im sure the plans were $49.95. It even has an electrical plan...4 outlets a room, didnt see any switches though.

They also were dated 2007.

This guy is going to end up with a bad product, even if he ends up being a great 'do it yourself contractor'.

I also was assured the truss package was in best hands...home depot and Menards.

 

[JLNJ]

You should be honored that he is willing to pay you but won't hire an architect!

I would sell a home "by owner", but I wouldn't build one.

 

[QBPaco]

How some building officials allow some of these monkeys to proceed with "store bought" plans is beside me.

My office always passes on these plans as whomever takes on the job turns in to the officially unofficial architect - Stay Away!!!!

 

[FSS]

Not sure why everyone wants to run away. Just charge an appropriately high fee, with a sizable retainer, and have it in your scope to charge appropriately during construction for more design work solving problems as they come up. Of course the internet plans will be deficient. Just charge enough to fix the engineering and exclude architectural work from your scope.

On the bright side, you will probably get paid a sizable fee and the home will never be built since the construction budget will be twice what he thinks.

 

[jgailla]

He might not sue, but he'll pay you in prayers instead of dollars. You can decide what the exchange rate is.