Architect Light or Heavy
Interested in others thoughts here. We’re getting close to pushing forward on a major renovation on a three story town house. I say major renovation but the truth is the house will be largely be renovated rather than reconfigured. Speaking to some architects their cost is 20% of the overall project. For that they will…
Interested in others thoughts here. We’re getting close to pushing forward on a major renovation on a three story town house. I say major renovation but the truth is the house will be largely be renovated rather than reconfigured. Speaking to some architects their cost is 20% of the overall project. For that they will draw up the plans, keep on top of the contractors and file plans with DOB etc. There are other architects we’ve spoken to who will draw up the plan and file with the city and that’s it. For that they would charge a one time fee. Seems like the big difference is there would be no project management as such.
Now some people would be very hands on and deem the plan only approach fine but others may not be able to commit to this level of personal input. If anyone has any thoughts on the pros and cons here we’d appreciate it.
You could also hire an architect to do the drawings and filing then hire a construction project manager to oversee the work. She or he could be paid hourly. By not paying them a percentage they would have no incentive to let costs climb. Their duties could include daily meetings with subs, shopping trips, etc. All this should be discussed in advance. The architect could be brought in for follow up consultations as needed.
I’ve also read that you should consider hiring an architect if your budget is over $70,000. I suppose that’s a different question, but I thought the number was interesting.
I would say only take on a project like this yourself if you work at home/are self employed and can spare the time.
We’re doing a tiny, tiny upgrade (electrical and structural — one month) and dh has been over on site two or three days a week for about three or four hours a day for the last three weeks meeting with various subs, going out with them to buy things, answering questions, and checking on what is happening.
I really enjoy this kind of thing, but I could never have done this with my staff job.
I agree that 20% is pretty high. If there is a LOT of detailing work like built-ins and custom work, then perhaps it’s worth it. Most of my jobs have come in much less than that. I typically charge hourly for the whole thing. I provide an estimate that indicates the number of hours devoted to each phase, and state that the number is a not-to-exceed value, and almost always come in under that, and only bill for actual time spent. If it’s my fault for underestimating the amount of time, then I eat the cost. If the owner makes changes that require extra time, then we try to provide an alternate number for those changes.
This provides my clients with the reassurance that the cost is directly related to the amount of work involved, and they know exactly what the maximum cost will be. It also provides them with the flexibility to decide how much service they really need, and determine a price based upon that before they enter a contract. I’ve been doing it this way for a number of years and it seems to work very well for all parties.
Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP
Urban Pioneering Architecture
Twenty percent is the very high end of the spectrum. Get the services that you need and negotiate the price accordingly. Often I provide a fixed fee for the signed and sealed documents and then handle the remaining job phases hourly. Ed Kopel Architects.
Twenty percent is the very high end of the spectrum. Get the services that you need and negotiate the price accordingly. Often I provide a fixed fee for the signed and sealed documents and then handle the remaining job phases hourly. Ed Kopel Architects.
I like Mrs. L’s ‘blended’ approach. Then again, I did the construction management myself on my reno. But I had the time and a lot of experience working with contractors.
We hired an architect that charged a flat fee for the plans and filing, etc.. and then an hourly charge for occassional visits to the site and help along the way. He did not manage the project by any means but he it was definitely worth it to have him check in on the progress, answer questions, etc. Its A LOT of work to manage everything yourself so keep that in mind but I felt there was no way anyone was going to be as vested in getting things done right as I was.
I know the % of total cost is standard but I think its absolutely absurd. Its not any more complicated to install more expensive materials or fixtures so total cost of the project has nothing to do with how much effort he expends. Total cost of the labor charges would be a more reasonable figure but even then – I question motivating someone in that role to drive up the total cost of the project.
I agree with owner12. I’m an architect, and I have watched clients who decide to administer the construction themselves wring their hands and wail over dealing with contractors. There are so many opportunities for problems – an experienced hand is worth the price. And there are many experienced hands without enough work these days, so finding a good one should be easy.