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Original poster

Architect fees

6 replies

shufflebum · 04/12/2013 19:39

Would you expect an architect to charge travel to visit a property prior to drawing up plans or should this just be part and parcel of the job? If so should it be their normal hourly rate(£75 plus vat)?

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Dauphin · 04/12/2013 20:34

I would expect, (from recent experience), an Architect to charge a nominal fee for drafting plans, and any travel expenses should be contained within that structure.

wonkylegs · 04/12/2013 20:56

Depends on what they are doing for you, how much they are charging overall and if you are particularly far away.
If it's a local small job (house extension), I'd always come out for the first visit for free. I have charged for transport separately on occasions when I've had to go a long way, but I only charge petrol/train/plane.

Original poster
shufflebum · 04/12/2013 21:57

That was my thoughts, she's charged her hourly rate to drive 10miles to come to the site take photos, meet with us and measure up. I don't mind paying mileage but think she's taking the piss slightly. So for a fairly standard planning permission application (grade 2 listed) to move a bathroom upstairs and knock down a wall between the existing kitchen and bathroom we've been charged £800 plus vat. Maybe I'm just unrealistic!

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Original poster
shufflebum · 04/12/2013 22:02

Actually £881.25 plus vat!

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wonkylegs · 04/12/2013 22:57

My first visit is usually free but I don't usually measure up then.
I would have a chat about what you wanted to do, what I thought you could do, see if we gelled etc. I'd lay out my charges and terms/contract and leave them for you to have a read through.
I'd follow up with a phone call, see if there were any questions etc.
My second visit would be to talk through ideas, measure up, sort out fees and contract. For this I would charge my hourly rate but only for the time I was with you + milage. If we then went on to do a fixed fee contract this would be refunded from the fixed fee.
My charges are always clearly laid out and documented from the start, so that my clients can budget for them and we don't have any misunderstandings. I find it helps on both sides.
I can't comment on the charges as I don't know what work she's done for you. It can vary a lot between jobs.

Original poster
shufflebum · 05/12/2013 07:48

Thank you for your reply, I've emailed her and asked for a breakdown so hopefully it will become a bit clearer.

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