We are often asked “How much does it cost for plans to be drawn?” Our response is to point out that every architectural project is unique and particular to that client, site location and budget.Consequently, our fees vary from project to project. There are three ways we can calculate our fees, depending on theproject stage and the services being provided. These are agreed and set out in our forms of appointment, before commencing our activities. They aretime based, lump sum or a percentage based on the construction contract value (the building costs).
Time Based Fees
This is our standard method of charging fees during the early stages of any project, generally up to receipt of a planning decision. Fees are calculated according to the time expended on the project by thevarious staff involved. Our hourly rates vary depending on the complexity of the project, activity undertaken and the experience of the staff member involved.
The early stages of a project are usually when the most variations are made, as clients change their minds and require more options or amendments to the drawings. These can’t accurately be estimated at the outset, so we’ve found that a time charge basis is the fairest method of charging our fees.
Time charges are also used when variations to the scope of our activities are made within a project, when another fee basis is used, e.g. lump sum.
Lump Sum Fee
This is the most popular method with clients of smaller projects, during the later stages, following receipt of a planning approval,as it allows them to understand the total cost from that stage onwards.
We agree with our client the scope of activities they require from us and based on our experience calculate the time expected to complete those activities. This forms the basis of our lump sum fee proposal. However, we can deviate from that scope, if required by the client, and any additional activities are calculated on a time charge basis.
Percentage of the Building Cost
The alternative method, usually applied on larger projects, is to charge our fees as a percentage of the contract value. Different rates apply to differing types of work and contract values.
A relatively small scale project will generate a higher percentage fee than a much larger scale project. Similarly, refurbishment work generates a higher percentage than new build, as there tend to be more uncertainties in the work.
Expenses and Disbursements
We occasionally incur expenses and disbursements on behalf of our clients, which are re-charged to them within our fee accounts. These differ for each and every project and are regularly agreed with clients before committing to them.
Generally, they include travel and car parking, printing, postage and purchase of Ordnance Survey plans. Fees charged by local authorities for applications,such as planning and building regulations, are usually paid directly by the client. However, where we agree to pay, these incur an additional administration fee.