We have a section on our website explaining different types of fees. This explainer will provide a little more information on other costs you are likely to incur during the course of a project. Firstly, a recap on architect’s fees:
Percentage Fee – Initially, an estimate of the overall build cost (ex. VAT) is made and our fee is taken as a percentage of this figure e.g. 6% of an estimated contract sum of £250,000.
Fixed Fee – This is a simple method in which a fixed cost is agreed for each stage of work. We use this method regularly as it provides some degree of assurance to clients, particularly on residential projects.
Lump Sum – Similar to above Fixed Fee method, this is used where the scope of work is predictable and the project is short term.
Time Charge Basis – This is best used when the scope of works is either short term, in addition to the original appointment, or unpredictable. Upper limits can also be agreed for this fee structure.
Other fees you are likely to incur during the course of a project include the following:
Planning Application Fees
Planning application fees are paid to the local authority on submission of your planning application. As applications are submitted online, you will typically receive an e-mail requesting payment of this. There are different fees for different types of application.
application fees are the same regardless of local authority area – more detail can be found here or you can use the eDevelopment.scot fee calculator.
Building Warrant Application Fees
Building warrant application fees are paid to the local authority on submission of your building warrant application. As applications are submitted online, you will typically receive an e-mail requesting payment of this. Fees are calculated ona sliding scale based on the predicted cost of works.
Structural Engineer
Many projects involving either the construction of new buildings or alterations to existing buildings will include an element of structural design. A structural engineer may also deal with drainage design and other technical matters.
In order for these to be assessed as part of the building warrant application and for the correct structural information to be provided for construction purposes the appointment of a structural engineer is required. They will carry out structural design and, in most cases, provide an SER Certificate.
We generally obtain quotations from different engineers to keep costs competitive. Costs can vary depending on the complexity and requirements of individual projects.
we always look for competitve costs on clients’ behalf
Other Specialists
Some projects require the input of other specialist to support the planning , legislative and technical design stages of a project. These could include planning consultants, fire consultants, wildlife consultants, acoustic consultants and M&E (mechanical and electrical) consultants.
Air-tightness testing and acoustic testing is often also required in the development of new dwellings and multi-property developments as part of the building warrant completion process.
Every project has different requirements and these additional consultants will be co-ordinated by the project architect as and when their input is required and we always look for competitve costs on clients’ behalf.
Misc. Expenses
Other expenses likely to be incurred during a project are the purchase of Ordnance Survey data and construction contracts.