Hey everyone, I need some help regarding a tough situation with an architect we hired to assist with plans for an ADU we built during COVID. We've faced significant issues, including severe delays, incomplete plans, and a lack of communication over the past several months. After feeling frustrated with his rudeness and hostility, we decided to terminate his services last week. He responded by saying he might take legal action for full payment and threaten to place a lien on our property. Although his contract mentions certain payment terms, I'm unsure how to proceed, especially since he's been unresponsive lately. I'd like to settle things amicably and pay him what he's owed, but I'm worried about potential issues if he doesn't confirm receipt of payment. What's the best way to handle this situation? Should I send a check or wire transfer? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Honestly, it sounds like you signed a bad contract, which can be a real pain. It might help if you reach out to a legal expert who knows about this kind of work to see if you can negotiate better terms. Sometimes it’s easier to deal with things through a lawyer to avoid a bigger issue down the line. Don’t hesitate to take that step.
From what you shared, it sounds like you're dealing with a tough contract situation. You expressed your concerns before signing, but since you did sign it, that puts you in a tricky spot. Your contract says you owe 90% if you terminate at this phase, so I would recommend you send a check for that amount. If he claims he never received it, just send another one or send it certified mail. If he bitches about the last 10%, you can decide if it’s worth paying him more or if you’d rather confront him legally. Just make sure to be clear in writing that you’re paying according to the terms of the contract. Good luck!
It sounds like negotiating might be really tough with him. Have you thought about getting an escrow company involved? They can help manage the payment safely and make sure everything goes smoothly. It's worth exploring since you don't want to deal with more headaches. But also, keep documented proof of everything to protect yourself if it escalates further.