The agreement was clearly outlined by me before the start and covered only: site visit and consultation, photo documentation, measurements, drawings in ArchiCAD with the construction of a full 3D model and the transfer of materials in several formats (PLA, PLN, PDF, DWG). As a bonus, a tested redesign scheme was proposed and discussed during the consultation.
Timelines and working conditions. The first site visit took place late in the evening, although the importance of conducting measurements during daylight hours in the absence of proper working lighting was emphasized. Measurements had to be largely carried out in uncomfortable conditions already using a flashlight. The apartment has significant deviations in geometry, due to both design and actual construction defects (no flat wall sections), which required the fixation of a large number of additional dimensions and extra time for measurements, and accordingly for the actual drafting of the plan. The client was informed about the need to extend the deadlines.
Communication. Part of the communication for the convenience of discussion among three (+wife) took place in a Telegram group, the link to which the client sent directly in the work chat. The correspondence was deleted by the client, without warning, before filing a complaint for arbitration with the argument of "lack of communication" with the contractor; however, I had saved a screenshot of the correspondence (unfortunately from experience), which included explanations for the delays and the status of the work, the fact of communication, therefore the work was continued. The client also tried to link this short collaboration as an integral part of the entire project, for which there were no separate payment agreements yet, thus arguing the refusal to pay for the work that had already been done.
In the future, I recommend that the client more carefully document the scope, timelines, and communication channels exclusively on the platform — this will ensure transparency and comfort in collaboration for both parties. Show more trust and listen to the advice of the chosen specialist, ask more questions when doubts arise, or do not start collaboration if something personally does not suit you and there is no trust for some reason.
