Fees
Fees are normally quoted on a lump sum basis and vary depending on the size and complexity of work being undertaken. This lump sum is usually based on a percentage of the estimated construction cost and can be between 8 – 15% of the total build cost for a full architectural service.
Our full service is usually broken down as follows:
Brief development and outline design proposals.
Scheme design and planning application. 30%
Final design development.
Constuction drawings and
Building regulations application. 40%
Administering the contract during construction. 30%
Invoices are usually sent at the end of each of the above stages, unless your project is of sufficient size or complexity whereby each of these stages might take several months to complete. If this is the case, then invoices will be sent on a monthly basis. We ask that invoices are settled within 14 days of issue.
When would I pay an hourly rate?
If a full measured survey of your existing property is required, we would normally charge an hourly rate for this work.
We would also charge an hourly rate for work which could prove difficult to estimate for the time that might be taken. If, for example, if your project is particularly contentious and requires protracted planning negotiations. We are more than happy to give a lump sum fee for the remainder of the work once planning negotiations are complete.
Are there any hidden costs?
We try to ensure that our fee includes all disbursements. This would include travel expenses and printing costs etc. We will always let you know, before proceeding, where you are likely to incur costs in addition to our fee quoted. Fees for other consultants and local authority charges are not included in our fee.
Do I need to sign anything?
Yes. After our consultation visit we will send you a letter that broadly outlines the service you require. This letter will include a quote for our fees.
If this is acceptable and you decide to go ahead with the work, we will then send you a formal letter of appointment which not only gives our conditions of appointment but also includes an RIBA approved schedule of services. This clearly identifies the services we will offer for the fee agreed. It is these conditions of appointment, that we ask you to sign and send back to us. We will then countersign them and send you a copy for your records.
Please note that as a registered member of the Architects Registrations Board it is part of our code of conduct to enter into formal written agreement with clients.
