Project Team Jumps Ship. I'm left with New Owner

[bigmig]

I have never experienced this until now, but this just happened.
I was contracted on fairly complex duplex residential project; went through design and Building Dept Approval and then was
told that they had 'sold' the project to a new developer. My scope of work, as usual, was for design, and construction administration.

I then later find out that the entire design team was on a "permit process only" design status, and is now off the job. If the new owner wants
to hire them back, he can.

I'm have a few concerns:

1. no one on the design team told me this was happening
2. the owner didn't tell me he was doing this.
3. I'm stuck with a client I have never even met, let alone screened.
4. I'm just wondering if there are any design questions for the Civil and Architect....what happens?

I'm a bit shocked, but maybe it is because I am naive to this type of development operation. Any thoughts on risk, or corners to lookout for based on
your experience would be helpful. I'm just mulling how to handle the undoubted barrage of questions coming, being has how I'm the only design
professional even left.

 

[WARose]

I'm have a few concerns:

1. no one on the design team told me this was happening
2. the owner didn't tell me he was doing this.
3. I'm stuck with a client I have never even met, let alone screened.

I'm not sure if I would hang around under those circumstances. A guy who runs his company like that.....he's not trustworthy.

I've had to separate myself from those kinds of companies. And I am better off for it. Just let this guy start over from scratch.

 

[fel3]

Were you contracted with the architect or with the developer? If it was the architect, then if they're off the job, you are most likely off the job as well. If you were contracted with the developer and working in parallel with the architect (not common, but it happens sometimes), then you may still be on the job. Either way, you need to check the specifics of your contract to make sure. Look for any provisions specific to your role on the project (which may define how you could still be involved after the architect leaves the job) and for any provision related to successors and assigns (which may define your situation when the owner changes. If you're still not sure, then consult your attorney.

 

[dik]

It sounds like fun... Depending on your experience, it can be character building. If you feel your in too deep find out what your responsibility is, and maybe extricate yourself if possible.

Check with your lawyer to determine the scope of your work. Stop and think what issues you may have. Sit down and talk to the new owner/project manager; he should be aware of your new involvement. Explain your issues. If you can find out what the conditions of his purchase were. Advise him if there are any new/additional fees and why. If this were my project, I would be expecting additional fees just to accommodate the transition. Were you responsible for just the design? construction review? any certification?