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November 23, 2007
How much did your architect charge...
for your brownstone/townhouse renovation? How extensive was your renovation? Im buying a small (16' wide) 2 family in crown heights which will need a gut reno (new electric and plumbing). Not moving and walls or changing the floorplan in any way.
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We received three architects' proposals, and the architecture fees range from 10-18% of the total cost of the job. Not included in the fee are reimbursable costs (travel, long distance calls, courier services) to be billed at cost plus 10-15%, plus separate fees for expeditors, Department of Building filings and a mechanical engineer. There are also separate hourly rates quoted for the architect and/or draftspeople if we change the scope of the work significantly from what is discussed in the proposal.
Our project is extensive interior work - reconfiguration of the top/bedroom floor with the addition of one new bath, and reconfiguring the current bath and kitchen on the garden floor. The only mechanical system we need to upgrade is the electric (bringing in more amps), plus adding central air.
Posted by: zeebee_in_bklyn at November 23, 2007 5:59 PM
Many architects charge as a percentage of the job which I found outrageous. I certainly did not want my architect to be motivated to make the job MORE expensive. On top of that, why should I pay more if my finishes are more expensive?
So we found someone who had set fees for various phases of the job pre construction and then charges an hourly rate for the time he spends on site.
We're still knee deep in the work so I can't say if it worked out but I know myself and I would never feel comfortable with someone who charged a percentage of the job.
Posted by: Mrs. Limestone at November 23, 2007 7:06 PM
Thanks Mrs. Limestone. I feel the same way. I've never been a fan of a % fee. Be it with an architect or broker. Mind sharing who your architect is?
Posted by: guest at November 24, 2007 3:16 PM
It works both ways Mrs. Limestone and your response doesn't address the basic reason behind the OP's post (ie: what should they budget for architecture fees). Perhaps you could share your experience with this? What were the phases and the associated fees for your project?
In my experience, most architects will calculate their fees based on estimated time as well as a percentage of the cost of construction. For budgeting purposes, I think the first poster is right 10-18%.
Posted by: guest at November 24, 2007 3:21 PM
what are you looking to get from the architect? If you are not changing any layouts and you don't need design help with finishes then the role of the architect may be limited.
Your electrician can do the necessary paperwork to file for the electric. Your GC should be able to take care of the filings for the rest of the work or will have someone they can work with to take care of this.
It's important to know how much work you are looking to have the architect do.
Posted by: guest at November 26, 2007 4:18 PM
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