Forgive me but I am trying to figure out what "condo document drawings" are.
At first I thought you were referring to construction documents, however you clearly state that you are being asked to provide these types of drawings for other buildings for which you are not the architect of record, meaning that there already is a set of construction documents provided by someone else. If you were to provide construction documents, it might be wise to call the architect of record first. I agree with Daniel Alter and Richard Sanford regarding their comments.
It then occurs to me that you might be referring to plat documents defining each condo unit for the purposes of property rights, because you mentioned that you have provided these types of drawings "for each unit". If this is the case then I strongly agree with Daniel Alter regarding his comments.
Finally it occurs to me that you could be referring to marketing plans, once again "for each unit". If this is the case then, with the proper disclaimer language on each drawing, you are simply documenting someone else's work. Piece of cake.
If I've missed the mark on all three, then perhaps you would be so kind as to clarify this for me.
Of course I am not a lawyer and can't offer you any legal advice on liability issues.
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Craig Cernek AIA
The Archi/Build Group
Chicago IL
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-29-2010 10:40
From: Daniel Alter
Subject: condo document drawings
A few comments: 1. Philadelphia may not be as litigious as NYC where I reside and work but, in any case, residential condominiums are known to be the greatest source of litigation against insured professionals.
2. Find out why the architect of record is not doing this work, if that is possible.
3. If you decide to do this work, you must design a very good agreement that specifies that you have no responsibility for any kind of construction oversight whatsoever and that you are not responsible for any code work, etc.
4. If you do this work, I recommend relying as much as possible on the architect of record's drawings, not spending the time to re-draw which will likely increase your liability, and I would shy away as much as possible or shy away entirely from any kind of field survey (unless no construction work has begun yet).
5. The condo documents you provide must be very clear and comprehensive regarding existing conditions and must indicate any potential problems that could arise from construction.
6. None of this will prevent you from being sued should a problem arise once the condo owners occupy the building.
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Daniel Alter AIA
Daniel Alter Architect PLLC
Brooklyn NY
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