How much will it cost?

Following I explain firstly my approach to fees. Secondly  the way we would control your construction cost.

Firstly, my fees.

These are simple fixed prices with no VAT or extras. My prices reflect the high quality of my work as judged by satisfied clients. So I tend to experience high demand. Therefore to sustain high quality I sometimes have to say “no, thank you”.

…closely tailored to your needs…

First we have a chat by phone, no charge. If I can then say “yes”, we meet. To understand your goals. And consider some solutions. There is usually a charge for that. Because it provides you with value. Normally the Creative Workshop is how we do this. With agreement on our activities and fees, in advance, by email. So there’s clarity from the start. The Workshop is about ideas and road map. Precise format and duration is closely tailored to your needs and pocket. The Workshop is essential to provide an architect’s creative spark. And includes an approximate construction cost estimate. It may be all you need from me.

This project was built successfully after a full service from me. But it started with a Creative Workshop.

…affordable…

Clients say the Workshop is pivotal and affordable. In it all key project factors are covered. I will also quote fees for a further appointment  then and there. Relative to value creation. I create value by sharing with you professional assets :- Expertise. Experience. The latest software. Guarantees. The firm establishment  of my practice. My insurance cover. Reliability.

…map the way forward comprehensively…

These initial meetings map the way forward comprehensively. Afterwards we are under no obligation. Either of us may not want to go forward. But we may both agree a valuable outcome is likely from working together. Then I would follow up with a detailed written appointment proposal.

…payments are arranged in stages to ease your cash flow…

This written proposal records our initial discussion. Then it confirms all points:- Your brief and H & S obligations. How we will work together. Approvals you will need.  How you will buy construction. My duties, deliverables, fees and payment stages. Finally usual terms and conditions.

 

Secondly, construction costs.

In the workshop we consider an appropriate budget. By applying my “ball-park” cost estimating method. In this I listen to your needs. I appraise your design ideas and I may well suggest alternatives. Then we identify specific elements of spending. Finally we use this over-view to produce initial figures.

…comprehensive approximate cost estimate…

If I am appointed further there follows a more detailed approach . Then we obtain a comprehensive approximate cost estimate as early as possible in the design process.  We obtain it by consulting a cost consultant ( or traditionally called a quantity surveyor, QS). They are skilled at assessing the cost of labour and materials.  And in assessing costs which are likely but not yet confirmed.

…advantage of using a cost consultant…

I find the most useful estimate is obtained from one at this early stage. It is normal for them to do this using early-stage outline design information. Builders often prefer to use the more detailed information from later stages. Another advantage of using a cost consultant is their overview of construction pricing amongst a range of builders in the current market.  This informs their estimate of our project. And using one retains independence from any builder. That provides freedom to tender later. For more information my cost consultant Innov8DS can help.

…I would support you equally…

You can also obtain an approximate cost estimate from a builder. Perhaps because you’ve a proven one in mind, or one you’ve used before. Then I would support you equally in this if you prefer this alternative. But I would explain the risks of this in more detail.

…affordable construction…

Obtaining such an early stage cost estimate helps you obtain funding and guides decision making on the ongoing design. It reassures us that the architecture we envisage is realistic in cost terms. And the amount of  construction is affordable. By obtaining it early in the process the risk of later, abortive, design work and therefore fee costs is minimised. We are aiming to avoid a situation in which much time and money has already been spent only to find at the end of the design process that the builder’s price is too high. This is avoidable using the tried and trusted QS route.

…easy buildability…

So design quality means much more than what you see, touch and hear. For me it also means cost control to give you best value for your money. My design decisions about how the new architecture is constructed are made for easy buildability. This saves time on site therefore saves cost. My selection of  materials and components to realise the concept is guided by availability and compatibility. This eases procurement so reducing your spend for the same design.

My fees are not subject to VAT because I am not VAT registered.