Paying an Architect
For a complicated kitchen renovation (lots of pipes moved, all new electric), my architect is proposing I pay him by the hour. Altho I though you usually paid by a percentage of the project, I’m just as happy with an hourly rate. But I do wonder what the going rate is (for an indy architect…
For a complicated kitchen renovation (lots of pipes moved, all new electric), my architect is proposing I pay him by the hour.
Altho I though you usually paid by a percentage of the project, I’m just as happy with an hourly rate. But I do wonder what the going rate is (for an indy architect with no firm) and if there should be some kind of cap.
Anyone with experience?
He/she is just doing the drawings not construction.
Construction cost depends on the plumbing, electrical and cabinetry cost, building new walls, soffits, fixtures etc.
Set the number on what you want to spend on the construction. Are you going to file it with DOB?
The cost of expediter, permits is additional.
How custom you want to go on cabinetry and finishes will dictate how much time the architect
will spend doing the drawings. Do you want him/her to bid the project with few contractors or you have your own?
The architect’s fee is usually set between 12 to 15% of construction cost, which includes supervision.
Set a cap and you can adjust accordingly to the cost of construction after the bids come.
Also any changes after drawings are filed and bid on will mean more money to the architect since he/she has to spend more additional time.
The hourely rate can be anywhere between $95 to $160 per hour. Kitchens and baths are the most time consuming projects due to detailing and coordination.
Good luck.
I would NEVER pay anyone by the hour, rather by the project at hand. It’s very difficult to keep track of costs this way, and you don’t want to be in the position of monitoring how much time an architect is taking for certain tasks, etc..if would worry me if he/she weren’t open to giving you a project estimate.