Shady Characters

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I wasn't sure where to post this as my situation is a little odd. I am working on behalf of a friend to get his remodel project finished. It's an older place in San Francisco and a 4-plex. He first applied for the permit 10/05 and still doesn't have it. There was a contractor that used to live next door to my friend that inspired the remodel - new kitchen and added horizontal square footage.

Plans from the architect were drafted, turned into the city planner's for review, Comments were made, Architect corrected and then neglected - architect let them sit in his office for 5 months, finally turned back in and then the planning department moved and lost the plans. New plans with new fees were drafted 2/08 and there is still no permit. There has been an expediter from the Engineer's office coordinating documents on occasion up until 8/08.

Now I have taken over the project and would like to get a clearer idea of what the standard operating procedures are.

1. How long is typical for attaining a permit?

2. How many times is acceptable for Architects and Engineers to need to make changes from Comments made by the City Planner/Inspector?

3. Acceptable time lines for correction of the Comments?

4. What sort of role does the contractor play in this?

5. The Architect is believed to be negligent in this entire situation per my friend. Three years, no sense of urgency or ownership. In my short month that I've been working on this, two time lines have been broken. After not hearing from the Architect end of last week as to when the Comments will be completed, I went to their office today to find the Architect was on Vacation until Thursday and the assistant had no idea what was going on with the plans. She then hustled me out the door and locked it.

6. Is there something that can be done for this situation besides the obvious yelp/citysearch reviews against the architect? Comment card and letter to the city. I feel like my friend is owed something for his struggle (negligent architect/city losing plans/paying additional fees for new plans) to attain this simple permit.

7. Also, I will be looking for bids for the project coming up soon and I'm not sold on the original contractor. If you or someone you know is a competent contractor in the San Francisco area please let me know.

Said contractor was working on his own home remodel around 10/05 and was going to do both simultaneously, saving on costs. His project is now complete - SFR to three condos and all sold.

Appreciate all feedback.

Thanks!!!

Gabrielle