How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Architect
In the past, hiring an architect was a very expensive process. And if you’re looking to build or remodel your home, these individuals are the ones you hire to design the house you want to have. Likewise, they can also supervise the construction process regardless of how big or small the project is. But how much does it cost to hire an architect?
If you’re looking for answers, you’ve come to the right place.
Read more as we’ll tackle this topic in today’s post.
The Definition Of An Architect
Before we get into the specific costs associated with hiring an architect, allow us to describe the duties and responsibilities of those individuals who are working in this kind of profession. An architect is a professional skilled in the field of architecture, designing buildings, and planning on various aspects of building construction. These individuals are trained to analyze problems and come up with solutions that meet the requirements of the client. To be specific:
- They design and remodel residential and commercial properties.
- They conduct an initial analysis of your site.
- They document your home.
- They create construction documents.
- They specify the products and materials to be used in the project.
- They manage the bidding process and negotiate with contractors.
- They oversee the construction process.
The cost of hiring an architect will usually vary on the type of work required and the standard going rate in the areas you belong to. Also, the reputation and experience determine the fee to pay for their architectural services.
The Cost Of Hiring An Architect In Figures
Architects charge in various ways and at times, they also use different methods of charging their professional fees. Here are some of the common terms that an architect use for their fee:
- A Percentage Of The Construction Cost – This is one of the common ways that an architect charges for their service, and the percentage of the construction cost is usually between 10% to 15% but 6% to 20% for smaller projects like residential buildings. This structure is applicable to a new home project, as opposed to home remodels.
- Hourly Rate – This structure is often used for home remodeling. The standard rates range from $110/hour to $200/hour, but can also go as lower as much as $45/hour for interns working on a project in a low-cost area and $315/hour for major firms remodeling within a major metropolitan area.
The fees can also vary if you are working with a junior or senior architect.
- Retainer Or Deposit – Retainer fees may be somewhere from $1,000 to $20,000, although it commonly ranges between $2,500 to $4,000.
- Fixed Fee – This structure is used for offering services on a specific area of the project such as designing but not handling the construction documents. In some instances, the fixed fee is applicable to the work of the architect as a whole.
- By Phase – The AIA (American Institute of Architects) categorizes architect responsibilities into 5 phases:
– Schematic design
– Design development
– Construction documents
– Bidding and negotiation
– Construction services
Some architects charge based on the phases indicated above, while rates vary depending on the phase of architectural services provided.