We have been approached by a development company out of state. They are within PLSS. They want to replat a section land in Houston. We quoted them a price and they about choked on the price. The responded with they want us to generate the documents and they will present them to the city. The recording of a plat is vastly different in Texas than it is in their state.
My question would is, what would a fellow Texan say to this development firm when they ask you to perform all of the work and attend any meetings and not record the plat.
"You're not from these parts are you, we got ways that we do everything and we don't cut corners on nothing"
When another company comes into the jurisdiction where your license rules, a part of your responsibility is to assure the public that everything has been done that your BOR and the governing municipality expects to be done.
That is also why they came to your doorstep, for you to keep the project within those guidelines. If they can not see things your way, remind them who is assuming all the liability. They go home after the project and forget about it, you are the one that remains and will be known for the outcome of the project.
I've been at that table, filled with hi-powered lawyers, engineers or other management who were representing billionaires, millionaires, politicians, movie stars and rich hillbillies, asking me to do my magic to bring their developments to life with as little work as possible.
Sometimes you just have to stand your ground and let them know that there is only one way that magic will work, or POOF, there will not be an "approved" development.
When it is done right, I don't have any problem doing all the work, putting it on paper, applying my signature and seal and getting paid. After all that the client can walk out the door and take it from there.
"That is how we do things around here."
:gammon:
When you cross municipal boundaries, the whole world can change. State lines are the same. After doing things in a number of places we should get pretty good at educating the client on 'how it's done here'. I'm sure you've got that part covered. The other part can be dicey.
Given the Rules that govern most places I practice, I don't let mylars out of the office. The exception is one sheet at a time for signatures. All it takes is somebody thinking the map is ready and 'helping' by recording early. That isn't easy to do most places, but when it happens heads roll. Careers end.
I would give them a price for the whole package and explain myself. If they walk so be it. I'm sure they will find someone to do it 'their way'...
That was my response to my RPLS. The liability of providing them what they asked for was the same as doing the job itself. We are awaiting the payment for the ALTA we did on the property before we respond with the platting issue.
How do you feel about your DWG? Is it yours or does the client have a right to it?
We cover working files and copies in our contract. I have no problem releasing a CAD file with the protections we have in place.
Steven Meadows, post: 325401, member: 7459 wrote: How do you feel about your DWG? Is it yours or does the client have a right to it?
When the client receives 10 original signature and sealed drawings as a requirement of the project, that is what they own.
The file in your computer is yours.
When they ask for new copies or originals, sell them new copies or originals at County records prices.
When the client wants to own or restrict use of the computer file, that is another product and another part of the negotiation to be resolved.
Never erase or delete your original work, you may need it down the line to prove that it was altered after the client received his copy.
0.02
"That is how we do things around here."
I thought the last part of that was spelled: aroun cheer.
Or is that simply how it's supposed to be pronounced?
