Architectural Fees 2023

As a customer, one of the first things you want to know when considering an architectural service is how much it will cost. And let's face it; it can be frustrating when architects and designers don't publish their fees on their websites.

At our company, we understand the importance of being transparent about our fees. We know that our potential customers want to know what they're getting into, financially speaking, before picking up the phone or filling out a contact form

We believe in the "They Ask, You Answer" philosophy. We know our customers are asking about our fees, so we answer that on our website. We want to be as transparent as possible so our customers can make informed decisions.

It's important to note that every project is different, and our fees will vary depending on the project's scope and the services required. We can't provide exact details on every type of project and related fees, but we can give you a ballpark figure.

But if you're looking for the cheapest possible architectural service, we're probably not the right fit. We focus on providing our clients with top-quality, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable service. You get what you pay for, and our fees reflect our high service level.

So, we might be the right fit if you're looking for an architectural service that's open and honest about fees and prioritizes high-quality service.

Are you looking to start but feel overwhelmed by the approvals and processes? Well, we've got you covered with not just one but TWO service packages to choose from!

Our Silver Package is perfect for those starting from scratch. We will handle all of the approvals you need to get your project off the ground, including planning and building warrants. You can rest easy knowing that we've got all the paperwork taken care of, so you can focus on what matters most - your project!

For those who want additional support during the construction phase, our Gold Package is the way to go. We'll be with you every step of the way, assisting in the building process. From assisting you in selecting a contractor to conduct site visits and ensuring everything is in line with the Construction Compliance and Notification Plan (CCNP), we'll be your trusted partner until the end.

So whether you're a first-time builder or a seasoned pro, we have the expertise and experience to help make your project successful. Don't let the approval process hold you back - choose our Silver or Gold Package and let us handle the details, so you can focus on bringing your vision to life!

House Extension

Below is an example of Architectural Fees for a single-storey extension and internal alteration on the ground floor to a detached property, approximately 5m x 5m:

Loft Conversion

Below is an example of Architectural Fees for a Loft Conversion:

Internal Alterations

Below is an example of Architectural Fees for a Standard Internal Alteration:

Garage Conversions

Below is an example of Architectural Fees for a Standard Garage Conversion:

New Build Houses

Below is an example of Architectural Fees for a New House Build project:

So whether you're a first-time builder or a seasoned pro, we have the expertise and experience to help make your project successful. Don't let the approval process hold you back - choose our Silver or Gold Package and let us handle the details, so you can focus on bringing your vision to life!

It's important to note that every project is unique, and the fees will depend on the specific requirements and services needed. That's why we always recommend contacting us directly for an accurate fee quote tailored to your project.

We pride ourselves on providing top-quality, friendly, and knowledgeable architectural services. So if you're looking for the cheapest possible option, we may not be the right fit. But if you value quality and expertise, we'd love to chat about your project and provide a custom quote that meets your needs.

Other Costs to Consider

What are the costs involved in a construction project?

Besides architectural fees, what are the other costs involved, including the hidden costs?

The typical costs for building or renovating include architectural fees, structural engineer fees, planning fees, building warrant fees, construction costs, landscaping costs, and VAT.

A structural engineer is required for almost all construction projects, and their fees are an additional cost. However, we want you to know all of the fees involved. We will obtain a fee quote from our Structural engineers on your behalf.

Most projects require planning permission, for which a fee is payable directly to the local authority. All construction projects in Scotland require a building warrant, which the local authority building standards department grants.

It is essential to be realistic about the cost of construction work, which has risen considerably in recent years.

Construction costs can vary dramatically depending on the location, demand for contractors, complexity of construction, price of materials, and labor costs. Prices can vary considerably from contractor to contractor, and it is important to understand what is included in a contractor's price.

At John Webster Architecture we offer 2 different service levels:

You will find tables below that explain what is included within each service.

Please contact me directly for a tailored fee quote for your project

silver

  • Initial phone or Zoom call – discussing the project in detail
  • Email follow-up to the call
  • Formal Fee proposal – outline the full scope of work
  • 1 site visit – site survey
  • Design drawings – with unlimited revisions (until the design is confirmed)
  • Drawings prepared for planning or certificate of lawfulness application (if required)
  • Submit planning application
  • Liaise with the Planning department
  • Obtain a Structural engineers fee quote on the client’s behalf (if required)
  • Liaise with the Structural Engineer
  • Prepare drawings and specifications for building warrant
  • Submit the building warrant application
  • Liaise with Building standards to allow building warrant to be approved
  • Send client-approved building warrant documents

GOLD

  • Everything in the Silver Package plus;
  • Set up a contract between the contractor and You, the client.
  • Notify building standards regarding the start of work
  • Submit stages of work notice
  • Submit completion certificate application

What are the other costs of a Construction Project?

In addition to Architectural fees, what are the other costs of your construction project, including the ‘hidden costs’?

Below are the typical costs for building or renovating your home:

  • Architects fees
  • Structural Engineer fees
  • Planning fees
  • Building warrant fee
  • Construction cost
  • Landscaping cost
  • VAT

Let’s dive in and examine these costs in greater detail.

If you are thinking about starting a construction project of any kind you will no doubt want to find out the cost before starting, it makes sense. In fact, this is the number 1 question that we hear from potential clients

After all, you don’t want to start a project only to get halfway through and discover that it's going to cost much more than you realised!

It’s incredibly unusual for Architects or Designers to discuss pricing and cost on their website, so, because I get asked this question on an almost daily basis….

"John, I’m thinking about building an extension, can you give me a ballpark cost for this?"

In this article, we will look at the true cost of a construction project, including the hidden costs.

We will be transparent and leave no stone unturned. Why don’t architects and designers don’t talk about pricing and cost?

They normally say something like this…. ‘Because every project is different we can’t tell you how much it will cost’

Really?

While it may be true that every project is different and there is not a ‘price list’ per se for construction work, your architect or designer should be able to give you a ballpark cost for your project.

At John Webster architecture we have worked on hundreds of different types of projects over the years and based on the knowledge that we have from working with lots of different contractors we can offer advice to clients regarding pricing.

You will be able to find out a ballpark cost BEFORE starting your project.

Be Realistic about the Cost

It’s important to be realistic about the cost of construction work, prices have risen and in 2023 it's not cheap to build or renovate. Do your homework and research so that you are informed and understand the costs for the type of project you are planning.

Property prices have risen considerably in recent years, and so have construction costs. You probably also want to know that you will see a return on your investment. You want to be able to work out if the proposed project will increase the value of your property.

Structural Engineer Fees

This may often be a hidden cost of a construction project, however, a structural engineer is required for almost all construction projects. They provide all of the structural detailing for the project, they also provide structural certification by way of an SER certificate.

Structural engineer's drawings are different from Architectural drawings. Architects generally provide the design and cover all the architectural elements of the project, for example, construction detailing for wall build-up including insulation, etc

Structural engineers only cover the structural elements

Over the years we have worked with lots of different structural engineers but now we generally only work with 2 different engineers. You will find out below what our process is for helping you hire a structural engineer.

We will obtain a fee quote and present this to you, once you have accepted the structural engineer’s fee quote and terms and conditions they will arrange a site visit. If you decide to work with us we will be able to advise you in greater detail about this.

So, how much do Structural engineers cost?

There is no price list as it will depend on the nature and complexity of the project. Based on the above single-storey extension project (See example in Architect's fees)

Structural engineer fee: £1295.00 (Approx, this may vary)

Planning Fees

Most projects require planning permission, however, there are some projects that are ‘permitted development’

This means that no planning is required. At John Webster Architecture we don’t make assumptions with this, it's too risky. You will want to make sure that you have all of the bases covered and have something in writing to state that the development is lawful. We can advise you on this.

The planning fee for the Single storey extension project is £300.00
This fee is payable by you, directly to the local authority.

Building Warrant Fees

All construction projects in Scotland require a building warrant. This is granted by the local authority building standards department.

If you are not sure how to calculate the cost, most local authorities provide m2 rates for various types of building projects. If they think your estimate is too low they will ask you to revise this in line with the rates that they provide. This fee is payable by you, directly to the local authority.

The building warrant fee for our example single-storey extension would be approximately £700.00 (depending on the cost of the construction work)

Construction Cost

Construction costs can vary dramatically depending on a few things

  • Your location
  • The demand for contractors
  • Complexity of construction
  • Price of materials
  • Labor costs

These are the main things that determine the cost of construction projects.

Whether you decide to ask your architect for assistance during this stage or you go it alone, ideally you would get 3 quotes from different contractors. This is sometimes easier said than done, especially during busy times it can be difficult to get the attention of contractors,

You will find that prices can vary considerably from contractor to contractor. Once you receive prices from the various contractors it can sometimes be difficult to compare them as all contractors have their own unique way of pricing jobs.

Before you accept a price from a contractor make sure you know what it includes but maybe even more importantly what it doesn’t include.

Our example single-story extension has a construction cost of £80,000.00

Landscaping Cost

This generally only applies if you are building an extension or a new house. Don’t assume that landscaping costs will be included within the contractor's price, it probably won't!

Be very specific about what landscaping is to be included in the contractor's price and what is not included.

For example,

  • Will the contractor only be reinstating what they dug up?
  • Do you require new decking or patio?
  • Do you want a new wall or fence constructed?
  • Will a new path be laid?
  • Is the driveway to be redone?
  • What about turf etc?

Be very specific about what landscaping is to be included in the contractor's price and what is not included.

The contractor should be able to provide a price to carry out any additional landscaping work, alternatively you can bring in a landscaper (it's sometimes cheaper to do this) It’s worth bearing this in mind as landscaping can make a massive difference to the final result of your project.

VAT

This is almost always a hidden cost. Most of the service providers' and contractors' fees will attract VAT. This can make a big difference to the cost of your project VAT is currently 20% It’s worth bearing this in mind as landscaping can make a massive difference to the final result of your project.

So there you have it.

You now know about all of the costs that are involved in a construction project.

Contact me directly to speak about your project