How much will it cost?

I answer this question by looking at two costs. First, what I charge, “fees”. Second, what the builder charges, “price”.

Firstly, my fees.

Clear statement of what I’ll do, and for how much. In advance. In writing. So there’s clarity from day one. Fixed amounts. No VAT. No extras. So no nasty surprises!

Closely tailored

First we chat by phone. Secondly I’ll do research.  Thirdly I email you an appointment proposal. Finally I answer your questions about that proposal.  All free of charge. (But I may then charge for further time spent in advance of your order). The proposal will be either for the workshop or for some, or all, stages of the duties. Those are all the tasks I can do for you as an architect. My duties reflect the RIBA Plan of Work.

This project was built successfully after all stages of the duties from me. But it started with the workshop.

Affordable

Clients say the workshop is the ideal foundation. And they find it affordable. In the first part of the Workshop I’ll quote fees for further duties. Following up with a detailed written appointment proposal to deliver them.

Payments in stages to ease your cash flow

This written appointment proposal confirms all points:- Your brief and legal obligations. How we’ll work together. Approvals you’ll need.  How you’ll buy construction. My deliverables to you, fees and payment milestones. Finally usual terms and conditions.

Secondly, builder’s price.

We need to estimate this as soon as possible. Because construction cost is the key factor in design decisions. We reckon a realistic budget for it in the first part of the workshop.

Comprehensive estimate

If I am appointed further there’s a second, more detailed, approximate cost estimate. Obtained as early as possible in the design process.  By consulting a cost consultant (CS) also called a quantity surveyor (QS). Who is skilled at assessing both cost and a reasonable contingency fund. For more information see Quantum GN and  Innov8DS . I work with both Katie and Carl depending on their availabilities.

I would support you

You can also obtain an approximate cost estimate from a builder. Maybe one recommended. Then I would support you equally in this route if you prefer. But I would explain the pros and cons of it in more detail.

Buildability

My design decisions are made for easy buildability. That saves time on site therefore saves cost. So design quality means much more than what you see, touch and hear. It also means cost management giving you control. And best value for money.

No surprises

Buying from the builder can be challenging. I can do that for you. Arranging the construction contract. Then on site I control expenditure relative to quality. By managing that contract for you. So the final bill is as expected. And you get what you pay for.