PjM - important dates

7 days

if an owner stops paying an architect, the architect can write the owner saying they have 7 days to pay the architect or they will stop providing services

either the architect or owner can terminate the contract 7 days after written notice to the other party that the other party have violated the agreement

the architect has 7 days to approve (or dispute) the contractor’s application for payment

14 days

if the contractor discovers contaminated soil or asbestos or some other previously concealed existing site condition that will materially change the project, he has 14 days to tell the owner and the architect

the architect must then “promptly” investigate the rule whether this discovery merits a change in the terms of the contract

if the owner or contractor disagree with the architect, either can file a dispute through the normal channels

if you think that a contractor’s incompetent mafia-tied sub is unacceptable, you have 14 days to notify the contractor of your objection

30 days

owner’s final payment to the contractor is due 30 days after architect issues final certificate for payment

60 days

architect’s construction administration services end 60 days after substantial completion

architect’s work after that is charged as additional services

disputes between the owner and architect sit in mediation for 60 days before being advanced (if necessary) to arbitration or litigation

90 days

if the owner suspends the project for more than 90 days, the architect can terminate or renegotiate the contract

1 year

the 1 year period after substantial completion entitles the owner to corrections of any construction defects

if an exhaust fan is fixed two months into that 1 year period, it is warrantied for an additional 1 year from the date of correction

upon request of the owner within 1 year of substantial completion, the architect will meet with the owner to discuss building operations and performance (without additional compensation)

architect-owner contract terminates 1 year after substantial completion

10 years

all claims between the owner and architect (and between the owner and contractor) are dropped 10 years after substantial completion