When you employ an architect to do design work for you, or you buy a property that has recently been built, you expect the work to be carried out to a high standard. The preciseness of what they do is important and a failure to complete the work to a level of accuracy can result in significant structural problems. Where this happens, it may be possible to hold the architect liable and sue them for malpractice.
Some of the common claims against architects are those explained below.
Errors in blueprints & architectural plans
An error in a blueprint might not sound like a big deal but it can cause faulty construction of the whole building. The faulty design of a roof, for example, can have a big impact on the way rainwater runs off a building. If this is designed incorrectly it can cause significant leakage and flooding.
A failure to adequately supervise the project
The architect is responsible for having oversight of the project they’re working on, which includes making sure those contracted to work on the site are doing so safely and in accordance with the plans. Failure to do this properly can result in errors, for which that architect holds ultimate liability.
Not managing cost expectations
It is the role of the architect to keep the client up to speed with how much the project is costing. One of the problems with this is that, in an attempt to keep the client happy, it’s often too easy to underestimate the projected costs. This can lead to disputes over payment or even running out of money before the job is finished.
Avoidable structural problems with a newly built property can cause expense and stress to put right. A malpractice lawsuit against an architect may be the right action to take where the damages are attributable to their actions or negligence.