When doing your research about hiring an architect, one of the first things you’ll want to know is how much do they cost and how do architects charge their fees?
Unfortunately, there is no single answer to the question, as it depends on a number of different factors. Below we go into more detail about how architects put together their fees, what they will charge for and how much they could cost.
What do architects charge for?
An architect will charge for a variety of different tasks, with costs dictated by the scale and complexity of the project. In general terms this will cover:
- Feasibility Assessments: RIBA-chartered architects follow a code of conduct and are generally seen as the best hires. A feasibility assessment will review the site and ensure it is suitable for the build and determine whether planning permission or Listed Building Consent is needed.
- Planning application: All aspects of seeking planning permission should be considered, rather than just seeing it as a box ticking exercise. Fees will be charged for this part of the process as there are a lot of projects that require permission to build.
- Building regulations: This is to determine whether or not the property is safe for use and that it meets energy efficiency requirements. It’s a vital part of the process as the property must be compliant with these laws in order for it to be occupied legally.
- Tender and construction: When the ‘traditional procurement’ method is used, the architect produces the drawings, specs and tender package to select the builder for tendering.
- Construction Inspection and Contract Administration: The architect will play a key role in monitoring the builders to ensure the plans are being followed.
- Project management: You will also have the option to pay for an architect to project manage if you do not want to do it yourself and would prefer to not rely on the builder.
An architect will also help advise on the feasibility of the project, statutory consents and liaise with planning officers and Building Control officers on your behalf.
How do architects charge their fees?
The majority of architects will break down their fees to include payment and sign-off stages. There are three ways in which this can happen:
- Percentage fees: This is a percentage of the estimated cost of the full work being carried out. As the project progresses the figure is adjusted so the client has a more accurate idea of what the full final cost will be. The actual percentage rate will vary depending on the scale of the project and fees charged by the architect. Broadly speaking, a percentage fee would usually be between 5-15%. For smaller projects the percentage fee is likely to be at the higher end of the scale as there is little room for economies of scale, and projects carried out on existing buildings also yield a higher percentage rate as more complex survey work is required.
- Lump sum: A lump sum fee may be suggested by the architect in instances where the project is not complex and the client wants a degree of certainty about costs. This is usually more suitable for smaller projects or for preliminary stages such as making an application for planning permission for a home extension.
- Time charge fees: If an architect is asked to undertake tasks such as feasibility studies, reviewing complex briefs or looking at alternative sites, fees based on a time basis may be applied. This requires them to submit time sheets and charge for the total hours spent working on the task.
Regular payments will need to be made regardless of the payment option, which could be monthly and also include interim payments and payments upon completion of certain stages. There may also be instances where an architect starts work using time charging or lump sum system, with fees converted to a percentage fee once a more reliable budget is able to be established.
How much does an architect cost?
Until 1982, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) produce mandatory fee scales that had to be used by all UK architects. They then became advisory until 1992 and were ultimately abolished completely in 2009.
The three ways of paying an architect give you better options nowadays, although it is important to do your research beforehand. For example, if you are being charged hourly and the project takes longer than originally expected, you will end up paying more.
This also applies to percentage fees if the project is more complex and costly, which will mean the total payable will be higher. If it’s a fixed lump sum and the project becomes more complicated then it is the architect that
