Architects charge in a number of ways.
Some Architects will charge an hourly rate. On a simple small project, this may work out cheaper, but you won’t be able to budget accurately from the start.
If you project is complex or needs to go back to the planning department several times, the costs can rack up quickly. We tend to only charge an hourly rate if you need ad-hoc advice whilst the work is ongoing on site.
Architects can also charge a fixed rate. This gives you the greatest certainty when you are budgeting. We try to charge a fixed rate for the design drawings, so you can get the project underway knowing what fees you have committed to. By the time the planning application drawings are prepared, you will generally have a fairly good idea of the build cost of the project.
This brings us to the third way of charging, which is a percentage rate of the final build cost. This means that a smaller extension will incur a smaller Architect’s fee, whilst a larger more complicated project will result in a larger fee. Often, a project may seem small at the outset, but the scope of works can increase as the design progresses, with works to other parts of the house being included for the builder to do at the same time. A percentage rate allows the Architect’s fees to increase alongside the scope of works, as the time they will be committing to the project will increase too.
We tend to charge a percentage rate for the preparation of a tender pack, obtaining quotes, any value engineering once the builders’ prices are back and supporting you whilst the work is on site. We also charge a percentage rate for the drawing stages if the brief is very broad or vague, and so neither the client or Architect knows what the size of the project will be until they have done some initial designs and explored ideas.
How does a percentage fee incentivise the Architect to keep the costs down?
An Architect’s business relies on reputation, and we wouldn’t be in business long if we inflated costs.
The fees would be based on the lowest of several tenders, and these builders quotes often do not include finishes and fittings to be completed ex-contract. Tenders can be requested from any builders you choose, and so you can be sure that the process is fully transparent.
Architects are charging for their ideas and their time. Fees are not just based on the size of the project, but also how complex the brief is, whether the proposals are contentious from a planning point-of-view, whether the project requires many drawings or bespoke detailing, and how far you are from our offices. Occasionally we will reduce fees to work on an unusual, ground-breaking or really special project.
So what should I budget for Architect’s fees?
If you are a designer yourself and just need someone to draw up your extension for your builder, a Chartered Architect may not be needed at all.
However, if you are looking for great ideas and a professional to guide you through the process from start to finish, an Architect is worth including in the budget. We believe that an Architect’s support will mean that your project is better designed and organised. We believe this will save you money during the build process, ensure a better quality finish, and add real value to your home.
We would suggest you allow 2.5% of the estimated building cost for Architect’s fees to take you from the initial survey and concept scheme, through to obtaining planning permission. Allow the same again for a full set of detailed drawings for the builders to work from.
If you wish your Architect to get prices from builders, and be involved throughout the construction process on site, allow a further 5-6% of the estimated build cost.
