£2000 per sq meter - really??!

[blue22]

Just had an architect over for initial consultation. He said that build costs are now £2000 per sq meter when I thought they were more like £1000! Given that he charges a percentage of final build costs - is this a bit of a con?? We're in the SE.
Any advice or guidance much appreciated
TIA

It's quite easy to spend #2000 sq m in the South East - it depends on the project and the spec. I think when you are using an architect it is better to say we want X and we have this amount of money: s/he can then tell you if you are being realistic or not but at least you both have a starting point. Unfortunately, if you ask an architect over for a consultation and say we want X, how much would that be, often the costs seem much higher than anticipated.

I was surprised but LLLL may know better than me - we looked at doing a newbuild earlier this year and a property developer friend said to allow about £1200 a square metre, but more if you want a really posh kitchen etc. We are in Berkshire.

My quantity surveyor brother says £1000/sq m finished (but obviously more for eg kitchens etc). We're in Cheshire - can the SE really be double?

As Lala says - it does depend on the build and spec. We're in Bucks and we work on rough estimates of between £1500 to £2000 sq m with our clients - especially if we know they want high end materials.

It is only a rough estimate though - so be firm about your budget. It's your money! But you also need to be realistic about the materials too. I wouldn't say it was a con but I would raise your concerns and ask for ideas as to how to bring that cost per sq m down.

I would agree, prices have rocketed. The bungalow we had built a few years ago - 2 beds, one bathroom cost £120,000 and that was through a friend. No land as on farm. Did all groundworks ourselves.

Dont forget the 10% cong. Always work on the worst case senario always a bonus then if any value engineering comes in.