Architectural Designs - Someone who is able to give a definite answer: Do we owe them for the "plans"?

Someone who is able to give a definite answer: Do we owe them for the "plans"?

We are in the process of building a custom home. We came up with the design of the house ourselves (my husband is a Structural Engineer). Anyway, we were initially going to go with a particular builder who said they could do it for XX dollars. We gave them our design, they gave it to their architect to draw up. He did. Long story short, we have decided NOT to go with this builder because in the three months that we have been dealing with them, their price has continually changed (ie: price per square foot went up $47!!). Each visit, they tell us something different. They are now trying to tell us we owe them $4600 for the plans (it was initally $2500). We do not have a contract with them. Do we owe them for the plans?

Public Comments

you owe them the architectual work. Get an itemized bill you can contest the amount, but you cannot contest the fact that the architect was part of the agreement. a contract does not have to be in writing. This is an implied contract....but see a lawyer to be sure.
You do owe for the plans. Have there been revisions? That could be why the price change there. As to the price increases elsewhere I imagine it is tied to the fuel cost. As fuel goes up, so does everything else. If you had a signed contract they could not legally change the price.
Did you agree to pay them $2,500 in the beginning?
"Wait A Minute" The first thing you always do is refer to the written contract between the parties. According to what you posted, you have no contract. Therefore, no contract no money owed.
If you're keeping the plans, you do. If you and your husband came up with the house layout plan but the electrical, mechanical, architectural elevations or whatever the architect added it's his property (the architect's, not the contractor's), not yours. As to the price change. How much time passed between the initial pricing and the actual? electrical, drywall and steel prices have surged as of lately.