Hiring an architect involves various costs, which can be influenced by multiple factors. Understanding these variables will help you budget effectively for your project and make informed decisions. For those looking to understand the fees associated with an architect's services in New Hampshire, consider exploring the Board of Architects License Fees for further details.
Architect Fees Overview
Architect fees can vary widely depending on the type of the project and the services required. Here's a general overview:
Residential Projects: Typically range between 5% to 20% of the construction costs.
Commercial Projects: Generally fall between 3% to 12%.
Average Costs and Fee Structures
The cost of hiring an architect can vary dramatically. Here are some common fee structures:
Project Type
Cost Range
Basic Drawing Plans
$2,000 to $20,000
Full Service Plans
$15,000 to $80,000+
Per Square Foot Charges
$2 to $15 per square foot
Many architects also combine different fee structures, utilizing hourly rates initially and then transitioning to fixed fees or percentage-based pricing.
"Architect: Egil P. Hermanovski - Today's Woman Low Cost Homes - 1954 (9 of 9)" by MidCentArc is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Hourly Rates
The hourly rates for architects vary by experience and location:
Principal Architects: $150 to $250 per hour
Project Managers: Around $125 per hour
Intern Architects: $45 to $90 per hour
Percentage of Construction Cost
The percentage of construction costs that architects charge can vary based on the type of project:
Concept Designs: 5% to 8%
Custom Homes: 8% to 15%
Remodels: 10% to 20%
"Architect: Egil P. Hermanovski - Today's Woman Low Cost Homes - 1954 (8 of 9)" by MidCentArc is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/.
Additional Costs
Beyond the basic fees, there are several additional costs to consider:
Design Revisions
3D Renderings: $200 to $800
Land Surveys: $400 to $1,800
Building Permits: $500 to $2,000
Architect Services Breakdown
Phases of Architectural Design
The architectural design process is typically divided into five phases:
Pre-Design
Schematic Design
Design Development
Construction Documents
Bidding & Negotiation, Construction Administration
The services included can range from initial sketches and concept designs to detailed construction documents and project management.
Hiring Considerations
When to Hire an Architect
It's advisable to hire an architect for:
New constructions
Major remodels
Complex projects
Specialized design considerations
Comparing Professionals
When deciding between professionals, consider the following:
Architect vs. Building Designer: Architects have licensed expertise, while building designers may lack the same technical background.
Architect vs. Drafter: Drafters create plans based on an architect's design and generally do not possess the same qualifications.
How Much does an architect Cost?
FAQs and Client Guidance
Timeline: Plan completion can take around 2 to 6 months.
Importance of Plans: Detailed plans are critical for accurate budgeting and preventing construction errors.
Selecting an Architect: Review previous work, discuss your needs, and confirm fee structures upfront to ensure a good fit.
Legal Considerations
When engaging an architect, it's crucial to understand certain legal aspects:
Ownership of Plans: Architects retain copyright, impacting the reuse and modification of plans.
Liability: Architects may be liable for design flaws, while builders are typically responsible for non-compliance with specified plans.
By considering these factors and information, you can better navigate the costs involved in hiring an architect and make more informed decisions for your project. For further insights into career paths in architecture, check out our guide on Exploring Career Paths with an Architecture Degree.
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Matt Thompson is a seasoned architectural writer with a strong background in urban development and design, contributing to Architecture Adrenaline with over a decade of industry experience.
