Architect's fees
After meeting with a number of interior designers and architects, we chose someone who we have been extremely happy with in every way. However, we just received another bill which came as a bit of surprise. We initially paid $2K which will be deducted from the final amount. We will pay 20% of the total…
After meeting with a number of interior designers and architects, we chose someone who we have been extremely happy with in every way. However, we just received another bill which came as a bit of surprise. We initially paid $2K which will be deducted from the final amount. We will pay 20% of the total cost of the project which is anticipated to be approx $200K. In addition, we’ve received bills each month during the planning phase which has covered various drafts, visits to our home and to previous clients to view their places for ideas, and a fantastic model of the which had to updated. The total for this work over the past 4 mos has been about $8-9K. This amount will not be deducted from the final project cost. During the construction, he will be available as needed and on site (at least 2-3x per week).
Is this standard? He has a lot of experience, excellent credentials, etc. Obviously, I’m hoping to hear that while perhaps steep, that these are typical charges for top architects.
Thank you!
We don’t expect to pay anything close to the numbers you are quoting. Basically getting the same services without the 20% charge on top of construction. We will be paying hourly though for all construction supervision so there will be extra expenses as needed. This is what our architect prefers and suggested. It’s more of a pay as you go pricing. I will post what the total ends up being at the end of the job if you want. Who the heck knows when that will be though??
I charge by the hour. In my experience professional fees usually end up being about 17%-20% of the construction price, minus fancy finishes and fixtures — more for fussy clients, difficult jobs and/or inattentive general contractors.
–an architect in brooklyn
I am in the middle of a renovation and negotiated to pay by the hour ($150). I’m pleased I did. It makes me aware of his time, changes, etc and I’ve felt in control of the situation all the way. I never really understand the % of project anyway. I mean, why pay your architect more bcs you’re installing a 1k sink and not a $100 sink (and then multiple by 200 decisions like the that).
For a $450K reno of a 4-story bstone, our arch fees came in at around $40K, which was probably a bit low because we really tried to limit the arch’s billable hours by doing a lot of the planning ourselves. Also had professional fees for engineering work needed to file plans and change CofO, which amounted to about $5K.
Sounds to me like you’re in for a lot of surprises, both on fees, and as well, $200K seems like a relatively tight budget. I do not know the scope of your work, but if you’re using an arch it’s probably fairly extensive.
20% is at the top top of the range. But the other add-ons are totally standard. Going thru the same thing myself. Your only complaint might be the (apparent) lack of full disclosure on what to expect.
You’re getting your top Architect at a steal, very similar to the mansion you inquired about that is going for $1.3M
Good luck with that anon, you BW
Hey anon,
maybe you’re Architect thinks you’re a black woman (See mansion comments)