How much does it cost for architect to draw up plans? We look at the tasks that you can hire an architect to manage. Find out more about what you would expect to pay for this service.
Bob Trimble is a chartered architect registered with RIBA with 30 years experience in the industry. Trimble Architects work throughout Hounslow, Twickenham, Richmond, Kingston Upon Thames, Teddington and the surrounding areas of London.
HOW MUCH DOES A GOOD ARCHITECT COST IN THE UK?
When you want to undertake a residential project, whether you are renovating your existing property or self-building an entirely new one, you may be wondering how much local architects charge you for their services. You may also wonder whether you need an architect at all for the building work involved in your project.
We will discuss both of these questions and more in this article to understand better how a professional chartered architect with a proven track record can help your project succeed.
For different projects, from complete self-build projects to minor renovation work, conducting a construction project on your property is incredibly exciting and most often one of the biggest things people choose to do in their lives.
They are truly up there with weddings and starting a family regarding life decisions. Of course, it will be a stressful process, but the rewarding feeling at the end is well worth the hardship. You will be building a home for yourself and your family and memories and experience that will last a lifetime.
The first and most important thing to consider with your project is the construction cost. The available construction budget you have for your project will ultimately determine how large it can be. If you find that you can't afford a very extensive self-build or renovation, you may have to dial back your ambitions and try for something more manageable.
Another of the key construction costs you will need to consider is whether to hire an architect. This can be a bit of a worry for first-timers, not knowing how much architectural work costs and whether they need them at all.
Also it is a consideration well worth spending some time contemplating, given that the average total project cost of hiring an architect will eat up between 5% to 10% of the overall cost of your project budget. Therefore you will want to ensure it is the right decision for you and your project.
Do I Need An Architect?
This is a difficult question for anyone who has not undertaken a renovation or self-build project before.
It can sometimes be unclear what benefits an architect would bring to your project and whether those benefits are worth the price of hiring a professional architect.
However, if you are inexperienced and unsure of whether you need an architect, chances are you are also don't know all the pitfalls a professional architect can rescue you from.
Therefore, if you are planning any major structural work, it is always best to rely on the expert advice of experienced professionals to guide you safely through the project.
Regarding renovations or refurbishments, structural changes such as domestic extensions, whether ground floor double-storey or single-storey, as well as loft conversion plans, kitchen extensions or removing load-bearing walls, will all benefit from the assistance of a skilled architect. Naturally, architects are vital to the project's success if you are building an entire property from scratch.
Professional architects can provide detailed planning and design services included in their fixed fee scales to help your project run smoothly and achieve the vision you have for your home. Not only this, but they can also help with any planning permission requests you need to make and budgeting for the entire project.
Naturally, supposing your project is only small, you may be able to save yourself some money by taking these challenges on yourself - but there is no replacement to the experienced eye of a qualified professional architect.
Key Points To Remember
There are a few key points you should consider when considering an architect. The list is as follows:
Illustrations
Most architects are professionally trained to produce all the technical and construction drawings you will need to envision your project in real terms, with all the appropriate dimensions and specifications included.
Suppose your project is taking place within a listed building or conservation area. In that case, an architect will have experience working in these limiting environments and know how to deal with them.
One Wall
If your project only requires you to remove one wall, consulting structural engineers is all you need to do.
Cheaper
Architectural technicians are far cheaper to hire than professional architects and can create similarly detailed planning drawings for your project. However, they cannot assist with any other part of your project.
Therefore, while they may save you money, you will not get the comprehensive service that you would from a full architect.
But suppose your project is only small and you know exactly what you want. In that case, an architectural technologist is a more affordable route to get the vital technical drawings that your appointed contractors will need to carry out the work.
tHERE mIGHT Be No Need
If your project doesn't require any structural work whatsoever, you can forgo hiring any architects, architectural technicians or designers as the contractors you hire will more than likely be able to carry out the work you want on their own.
The Interior Design
Another alternative could be to hire an interior designer. These professionals can help you use your home's interior space more effectively.
This is something that architects or technologists might overlook, given that they focus more on the structural aspects of your property.
Interior designers can also be a lot cheaper than architects and connect you with the most affordable contractors to complete the work for you.
However, like technologists, you will not get the comprehensive service and technical designs process that meets all your design and planning needs that an architect can provide when you go to an interior designer.
Regardless of whether you are hiring any professional assistance regarding the planning and designing of your project, you need to ensure that whatever project you are undertaking, you need to do so safely.
If you are unsure of how to make your project as safe as possible, it is best to take your time to research and discover resources that can help you. Anything you build should also meet all the relevant building regulations and requirements by law.
HOW MUCH DOES An architect cost for a new build
Before we talk about architects fees, here are a few examples of what a trained and professionally qualified architect can help you with when working on your project:
- Survey your site and measure the dimensions of the existing buildings or proposed property.
- Create concept designs and architectural drawings in 2D and 3D for all project elements, including heating, electrical and plumbing architectural plans and build schemes.
- Create feasibility studies for the project and determine limitations and constraints.
- Prepare and submit plans and technical drawings to secure planning permission applications to the local planning authority.
- Monitor the planning application's progress.
- Take you through the planning and building regulations.
- Source contractors for you to choose from.
- Source materials that are appropriate and affordable for the project and give you material advice on which would best suit your property.
- Liaise with chosen contractors.
- Manage contracts with professional builders and construction services.
- Act as project manager once the construction process has gotten underway.
- Certify the work once it is completed.
Typically, as stated before, the services of a professional architect will cost you between 5% and 10% - but sometimes as much as 12% - of your overall budget. However, given the wide range of services you are getting for that money, they are well worth the expense when you are inexperienced working on structural projects.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TYPICAL ARCHITECT FEES?
Architects can be priceless when brought in to assist on the right project. They are usually called in to assist on large, ambitious extensions or remodels and when working on listed buildings that require an expert hand. They will ensure that all the work carried out during the project is done to the brief you initially created and that it is done safely. Here are a few of the services they can offer:
- Produce an initial survey of the property or site, including measurements, upon initial contact.
- Create 2D and 3D models of the proposed work, along with regular revisions of the plans you make as the project progresses.
- Submit your plans to the local planning authority when making your planning application. They will then monitor the progress of the application until it is completed.
- Oversee the project's tendering process, including sourcing and liaising with contractors and sourcing appropriate materials.
- When the construction phase begins, they will oversee project management from start to finish.
You may find that some architects focus on particular projects, such as roof conversions, extensions, and the property's structural components. Therefore, they will be less concerned and focus less of their time on interior considerations, such as interior design and decoration. If you want an architect that can focus more on the interior design of your property, it is best to shop around for the right architect for you.
Architects Near Me
If you are looking for architectural services throughout Hounslow, Twickenham, Richmond, Kingston Upon Thames, Teddington and the greater London area, then get in contact with our team today. We can offer advice and begin guiding you towards making the right decision.
Bob Trimble is a chartered architect registered with RIBA. Bob Trimble has 30 years of experience working with residential and commercial property projects. For 4 years, Bob Trimble has worked from his housing association and private architectural practice for clients throughout Hounslow, Twickenham, Richmond, Kingston Upon Thames, Teddington and the surrounding areas of London.