Cost of an architect
I am purchasing a 566 sq ft 1 bedroom condo and I wanted to change the floorplan by switching the kitchen with the bathroom (keeping on the same plumbing wall), removing all plaster and replacing it with drywall, leveling sloping floors, adding new lighting, tile, appliances etc. I wanted to know, how much should it…
I am purchasing a 566 sq ft 1 bedroom condo and I wanted to change the floorplan by switching the kitchen with the bathroom (keeping on the same plumbing wall), removing all plaster and replacing it with drywall, leveling sloping floors, adding new lighting, tile, appliances etc. I wanted to know, how much should it cost for an architect to work with me? What questions should I ask? What should I expect to receive from them? (blueprints, pricing, contractor suggestions, etc). Do they receive a retainer then the rest upon completion or how does the payment structure work? How closely do they work on the project? If there is any other advice I would appreciate it.
thank you,
P.S. Budget is a major concern.
The nature of your project suggests that you could use a creative design/builder capable of designing, drawing the required permit plans, making material and product suggestions, and then constructing the work for you. A designer/contractor of this type would present you with a fixed price all inclusive estimate for the finished product including the design. The danger in this system, is the temptation to change things after the contract is signed. Changes will escalate the price. Hiring a seperate designer first may get you to a more final solution prior to getting a price from a constractor, but then the builder and designer arn’t always the best of buddies. Often designers don’t consider how designs will actually be constructed. The result is then the design needs changing. This is a problem for the builder, so up goes the price.
My view is that if you can stomach changes- the creative process, extra costs after the start- go for it. Otherwise you’ll need to find your vision on the shelf.
Treble Lysenko M.Arch tlysenko@davian.mb.ca
I think you will find fees for architects to vary greatly. Overhead, experience, etc. can impact fees much like any business. Personally, I operate a small architectural firm based in Michigan while most of my work is in New York due to our poor economy. My fees are extremely competitive and I am able to service my clients despite eliminating our office space in Manhattan due to the high cost of rent.
To elaborate on some of the previous comments, I typically charge clients based upon the complexity of a project. An hourly fee with a maximum agreed amount is not uncommon, either. Most importantly, you should be able to reasonably predict your costs before starting a project. I do not know one client who appreciates unexpected fees.
If I can be of further assistance, let me know.
John Harmala, AIA
Harmala Architecture
tel: 646 432 5646
email: john@harmala.net
Even $35 seems too little. That’s about $10/hr that intern is getting paid. That’s MidWest early 90s intern pay, not New Millenium NYC rates.
$35 an hour is if they have an intern working on the drawings, an architect should never work for less than $85 an hour, even in the boonies.
$35 an hour? That doesn’t cover anything… People need to pay taxes, insurance, overhead for supplies, rent. An Architect’s salaray is mroe than $35/hour. I would say it’s a minimum of $100 per hour.
Architects in general bill in two forms:
10%-20% (as stated above construction administration will push up to 20&, stamped drawings are usually 10%) of total construction costs with a retainer. The initial consultation should be free.
Or
A negotiated hourly fee for work with a set cap. For instance $35-120 an hour depending on the type of work for a total cap of $2,500.
Everything should be clearly spelled out in a standard AIA contract.
If you have further questions I strongly recommend reading the American Institute of Architects (AIA) website. http://www.aia.org
They have information on how different contracts work, liability, how to find an architect, etc.
Don’t do it; if you do do it then plan to spend twice whatever number they tell you.
most likely not going to be able to do this kind of renovation in a condo unit, because you can’t move the toilet waste line for the whole building.
also why would you want to take out plaster walls and replace with drywall? nicely skim-coated plaster walls are considered much more high-end than drywall. also leveling floors can require prolonged access to downstairs apartment and potentially means foundation work on the building.
you are talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars on this project. waste of time and money because the fixes you’re making aren’t going to make the apartment all that much more valuable when you sell. buy something that matches your needs more.
Scope of work seems like overkill for a 566 sqft space. If you are on a budget go find a space that works.
Take current value add total cost of renovation and analyze whether it is really worth it.