Average architect and GC fee
We do most of our work (super hands on most of it) for a fixed fee (when you have done this long enough, you should have a good idea of what it takes in terms of staff time). % of construction (in my opinion and experience) is too likely to end up in conflict. However, just as a reference 15% of the construction cost is a good median number for many renovations (bigger is usually less smaller is usually more, the broader range is probably 10-25%). As for the gc/construction, it really depends on the scope, but it is useful to assign a $ per square foot number. I would say $200 psf is a decent number to work with- but it really depends on a lot of things and the overall scope. I find that the best way to get a handle on costs is to walk the site with a contractor like 7andfive said- but it is important to have a decently concise idea of what you want/scope. hope this helps.
rodriguezstudio
in Brownstoner Renovation 12 years and 10 months ago
4
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4 replies
4668squarefeet | 12 years and 10 months ago
Hello, we are soon to embark on an almost-gut reno of a brownstone and trying to figure out overall budget/wishlist, etc.. to set everyone’s expectations properly (including our own) before we start bidding, etc. For anyone who has gone through a job like this, generally speaking, what % of your overall budget went to architect and to GC?
7andfive | 12 years and 10 months ago
I would find an architect that charges a flat fee- not a percentage of the budget. In my experience, I told the GC want I wanted (my wishlist) and he gave me an estimate. Then I worked back from there about what I really needed done now (like eletrical and plumbing, structural work) and what could wait (roof deck). Good luck!
Putnamdenizen | 12 years and 10 months ago
Huh. I guess it depends on what you want from an architect. From 7andfive’s description s/he really wanted someone just to draw up and file plans that s/he and his/her contractor had devised. Most of the architects I spoke to wanted a percentage 15% and up.
backeast | 12 years and 10 months ago
We are doing a gut renovation now, paying 16% for the architects who are doing a lot of coordination, and have been extremely hands-on throughout the process. I may be in the minority here on Brownstoner, but that’s the approach we needed, and we’ve been extremely happy we’re doing it this way. We are saving ourselves a lot of headaches, but that comes at a cost of course. So if you have the time, knowledge and wherewithal to do a lot of coordinating and managing the process yourself, a flat fee architect may be the way to go. But if you want a more hands-on architect you may have to do a percentage. Also if you are doing structural work and/or central air, engineering consultants may have to be involved, so consider theses costs as well. In our project (full gut, taking out a structural wall, central air), engineering consultants and expeditors are costing 3-5% of the total project costs. Good luck and hope that helps!