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Self certification! Architects/engineers

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  • 10-10-2013 9:38pm
    #1
    mrwhite2
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭


    Why does it seem that architects/engineers don't seem to get held liable for dodgy self certification certs. The priory hall being the most recent example. Surely a house can't be sold/ mortgaged without one and if one exists why isn't the architect/engineers insurance not called upon?


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    #2
    Victor
    Registered Users Posts: 78,414 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    One of the problems is that the designer (architect, engineer, etc.) may only be certifying the design, but not the product used, workmanship, etc.


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    #3
    MicktheMan
    Registered Users Posts: 2,837 ✭✭✭MicktheMan


    mrwhite2 wrote: »
    Why does it seem that architects/engineers don't seem to get held liable for dodgy self certification certs. The priory hall being the most recent example. Surely a house can't be sold/ mortgaged without one and if one exists why isn't the architect/engineers insurance not called upon?

    Because self certification doesn't (imo can't) work when building a house.

    An analogy:
    You buy a new car and there is a problem with it. You bring it back and the problems is fixed by the dealer at no cost to you because the manufacturer is clearly responsible. This is the way it should be but suppose the car isn't built in a car factory and instead is:
    Designed by a designer/engineer
    Built in a shed in a field where :
    one guy brings the chassis
    another guy brings the gears for the gearbox
    another guy assembles the gearbox
    another guy brings the engine block, pistons, head gasket and assembles it on site
    another guy fits the engine to the chassis
    another guy installs the seats
    another the lights/electrics
    another guy fits the windscreens/glass
    another guy paints it
    another guy fits the wheels
    etc etc
    The engineer calls out to the shed every now and again and inspects what he can see. At the end he signs that as far as he knows the car is built to specification and issues a cert on this basis.

    Would you buy this car?

    You probably wouldn't expect the car to work and be safe to drive in this scenario? So why a house?


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