Architects Fees

[stantonjulie]

Anyone got any idea what the range of fees are for an architect (for a whole project). We were told c6% but one quoted 12%. I really have no idea on the 3 architects who pitched are all over the place in terms of costs. Can't find any sensible advice.

Fees are usually on a sliding scale based on the size of the contract - you should be able to find out more on the RIBA website. For smaller contracts some architects charge a fixed fee instead, or an hourly rate.

Fee Scale

Have they made different assumptions on complexity of the work or are some more desperate for the work than others?

We're paying 6.4% for a new build (around £160k build budget) - I think that's at the low end. I certainly wouldn't be paying 12% (not unless I really clicked with the architect and would be in the fortunate situation to have an unlimited build budget).

Also consider whether architect practice is large or small - ours isn't VAT registered so that makes another big saving

You can agree a fixed fee if you push it a little. I used to work in a small practice but long ago so cant remember.

However with our architect who is helping with the renovation we have stuck to set fees and really its pretty shocking as you have to add planning & B reg fees on top.

Thanks for the tips. It's quite an extensive renovation and extension with a budget of c£150k (all in). I'll check out the RIBA website however.

Definitely agree a fixed fee for whole project and contract administration, up to and including the completion of the contract (i.e. 12 months after Practical Completion). Agree stages of payment and make sure you withhold a small amount of payment until 12 months after Practical Completion just as you would with a builder.

Our last project the architect was £7.5% of predicted budget costs.

Good luck. Architects, especially small firms or sole practitioners, are really struggling in this climate and should offer you competitive rates. Also second looking at whether they're VAT registered.