Client question

[JVB]

I'm looking into the possibility of using an architect and have some question. I'd appreciate any help I could get.

1. I bought some land and would like to build on it. But, I can't afford to build the house that I will eventually want. However, I want something put out there now so we can enjoy the land. Can an architect design a structure that can be buit in stages?

2. How do architects charge - by the hour or on a fixed cost basis?

3. The land is in the Texas Hill Country and I like the Texas Ranch vernacular of limestone walls, tin roofs, and wood accents. But, I also want a more modern, imaginative use of those materials. Does anyone know of a web site that has examples of houses built with these materials?

Thanks in advance.
James

[Donald]

You wrote:

[Donald]

I also wanted to mention this, you wrote:

[JVB]

Thanks Donald.

If an architect designs a plan to be built in stages, how would they bill based on construction costs? As a percentage of the estimated construction costs, or would they then go to a per hour rate?

Also, based on a 10% of total costs basis, what should a client expect? I am assuming at least 1 or 2 site visits prior to starting work on the design? How many face-to-face visits during the planning process? How mant changes after the design process? What sort of services will the architect provide after the design has been signed off on and construction has begun?

Thanks for all your help. It's been very useful.

James

[ArchBrowser]

Hi,

Hourly Billing: The hourly billing method is flexible and extremely responsive to client’s need. It is often used in an assignment where the extent of services or scope of work could not be determined at the outset.

Types of works usually require hourly billing method are renovations, small, or administrative services – such as giving professional advice.

The hourly charges can vary from one firm to another. A recent graduate architect may command a much lower fee than someone who is better known or a more experienced practitioner.

One of the disadvantages of this method is that the client has not the slightest idea of how much he or she has to pay the architect. As such, some clients would impose a “not-to-exceed” limit, which may sometimes affect the architect’s profit margins.
Note: Engineering fee is not covered in this type of fee.

Percentage Based: Percentage based fee basis is very much affected by construction market conditions. If the construction cost goes up at the end of the project, the architect’s fee will follow suit and vice-versa - the fee is proportionate to the construction cost.

Every design decision that architect makes, will have a cost implication to the whole project. As such, there are times where a client is lead to believe that there is no disincentive for the architect to keep the construction cost within budget. Here is where professional integrity and ethics come into play.

Note: Engineering and other fees are likely to be included.

[ArchBrowser]

Hi,

Hourly Billing: The hourly billing method is flexible and extremely responsive to client’s need. It is often used in an assignment where the extent of services or scope of work could not be determined at the outset.

Types of works usually require hourly billing method are renovations, small, or administrative services – such as giving professional advice.

The hourly charges can vary from one firm to another. A recent graduate architect may command a much lower fee than someone who is better known or a more experienced practitioner.

One of the disadvantages of this method is that the client has not the slightest idea of how much he or she has to pay the architect. As such, some clients would impose a “not-to-exceed” limit, which may sometimes affect the architect’s profit margins.
Note: Engineering fee is not covered in this type of fee.

Percentage Based: Percentage based fee basis is very much affected by construction market conditions. If the construction cost goes up at the end of the project, the architect’s fee will follow suit and vice-versa - the fee is proportionate to the construction cost.

Every design decision that architect makes, will have a cost implication to the whole project. As such, there are times where a client is lead to believe that there is no disincentive for the architect to keep the construction cost within budget. Here is where professional integrity and ethics come into play.

Note: Engineering and other fees are likely to be included.

[Donald]

To answer this question: