Reasonable architect rates
Hi – I’m a resident owner in Cobble Hill and am pricing out some renovation with a couple of recommended architects. Their proposals include total architect’s fees of ~20% of the cost of the renovation job. My total budget is ~150K, which makes the architects fees $30K. That seems like a high price given the…
Hi – I’m a resident owner in Cobble Hill and am pricing out some renovation with a couple of recommended architects. Their proposals include total architect’s fees of ~20% of the cost of the renovation job. My total budget is ~150K, which makes the architects fees $30K. That seems like a high price given the state of the economy. Is this just what it costs, or should I expect a lower cost, esp. given the current state of the economy.
Thanks
Typically I charge 10% depending on the level of detail and oversight required could be plus slighly or or less.
Kaiserarchitects.com
I am an Architect with a small practice. I have much NYC townhouse experience, as well as 2nd homes in the Hamptons and northern NY. I have also worked in a few name offices.
That said. I usually charge between 10 and 15 % of construction depending on the scope of work, size of project, simplicity, complexity etc. Every project is different and I have low overhead, that’s a key factor.
I can also work hourly not to exceed a certain amount.
If you wish to discuss further with me you can reach me at ra@andradearchitecture.com…
(fyi-my website is under construction-landing page should appear soon)…
I can email photos of work..
I’m with guest75. Good architects aren’t just draftsmen working by the hour, and not many architects are getting rich doing small residential projects.
It largely depends on the level of design and service you are looking for. If you hire a design-oriented architect, they will likely present you with options on layout, finishes, etc. They will spend a great deal of time developing the design, which may include renderings or models. These types will obviously be more expensive, and hopefully the end product will be better. (if you’re looking for design.)
If you know exactly what you want, and it’s a simple renovation, then you should find someone with a lower fee.
Many architects tie themselves to a % of construction cost as a means to protect themselves. If a client says “I have $500K for gut-renovating a 2000 SF house,” architects can project how much work that will be and how much time that will take. If the budget is 1.5 million, client expectations will be different, many more specific details will need to be designed and drawn, thus the fee goes up.
Many architects will lock into a fixed fee, but the difficulty is that if the client decides to double the budget and add a bunch of detail – the architect suddenly has tons of additional work and no additional fee.
i apologize that was uncalled for.
ethan, as an architect who has been able to sustain a productive and successful firm for over a decade…. i do understand this “world” as you would refer to it. we do not offer just drawings. we provide a service that caters specifically to each client which goes beyond just providing drawings. clearly you have no need nor are well versed in the new technologies and materials that have been constantly advancing this “world”. we go above and beyond for our clients to provide a product that makes a difference.
with that said continuing a conversation with an “entreprneur” such as yourself would be a waste of time.
This posting is for guest 75.
If you truley understand this world – arhc., engr., dob, mta, dep etc. you should know what the real cost of getting things done.
Lets do the math – New Building maybe 50 hours draft work (and i am being generous) X 75 per hour = 3750 USD.
In this case it is not even a new building.
So guest 75 why should anyone pay more ? And don’t tell me that they need more than 50 hours.
However, beware of people that charge considerably lower than most. The price is usually a reflection of their experience, quality of work, professionalism, knowledge of the business, and proper grammar…. or in Ethan’s case, lack there of…. all of the above.
The architect should have nothing to do with the cost of the renovation. It should be a fixed price. All you really need is floor plans unless you want an interior designer. Don’t let him bullshit you about plumbing mechanical etc. For DOB purposes all you need is riser diagrams. Mechanical you can choose to do whatever you want – central air, baseboards etc.
You can wrap this up for 4 – 5k (Including expediting). If you want me to set you up let me know.
We currently opened an office in NYC. Residential renovation projects make up the bulk of our work right now. We offer a fixed fee that will not inflate with the unpredictable construction cost. Our services includes all drawings, construction administration, filing and expediting services to obtain all applicable permits for the project. Consultants (structural, mechanical, inspections, etc.) are invoiced for your approval prior to any work being done. Feel free to contact our office at info@mdesignworkshop.com if you would like to further discuss your project.
Thank you.