Custom Residential Architects Network

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Small Project Practitioners and Custom Residential Architects Network .
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I was wondering if anyone has had experience with replacing a historic home destroyed by fire and the clients' homeowners' insurance company.  I have such a project where the  schematics were approved by my client and the Historic Preservation Commission in late August. The replacement house is a bit larger but configured differently from the original house. While my client signed a letter of agreement for schematic design, all invoices were paid by the insurance company.

My proposal for design development stopped forward progress since the insurance adjuster apparently  deemed my fee too high. He has yet to communicate directly with me.  Now, my client has some kind of an agent referred by her insurance agent who is attempting to negotiate a fee and architectural services with me. This agent, although not a licensed contractor, has told me that he will obtain permits and build the house and negotiate with the insurance company.

While it is an interesting project, I'm not sure who my client will be and who I will be providing with architectural services.
I'd very much appreciate any advice.

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Robert Reinhardt AIA
sole proprietor
Reinhardt Architects
Garrett Park MD
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I would be careful. I would think your contract needs to be with the homeowner. Especially if you have a limit of liability clause in your contract. The owner would not be bound by that if your contract is not with him. Likewise I think the homeowner should have the right to pick his own contractor. The owner might not have full replacement costs insurance which will give him a new house especially if it is larger. I have had some experience with this in the past and the owner has always had to pick up some of the cost. Good luck. 

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John Stewart AIA
Stewart Associates Architects
San Carlos CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2014 14:19
From: Robert Reinhardt
Subject: Replacing a historic home destroyed by fire & insurance comapnies

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Small Project Practitioners and Custom Residential Architects Network .
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I was wondering if anyone has had experience with replacing a historic home destroyed by fire and the clients' homeowners' insurance company.  I have such a project where the  schematics were approved by my client and the Historic Preservation Commission in late August. The replacement house is a bit larger but configured differently from the original house. While my client signed a letter of agreement for schematic design, all invoices were paid by the insurance company.

My proposal for design development stopped forward progress since the insurance adjuster apparently  deemed my fee too high. He has yet to communicate directly with me.  Now, my client has some kind of an agent referred by her insurance agent who is attempting to negotiate a fee and architectural services with me. This agent, although not a licensed contractor, has told me that he will obtain permits and build the house and negotiate with the insurance company.

While it is an interesting project, I'm not sure who my client will be and who I will be providing with architectural services.
I'd very much appreciate any advice.

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Robert Reinhardt AIA
sole proprietor
Reinhardt Architects
Garrett Park MD
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