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archiguy
Joined: 02 Dec 2005
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 4:27 pm Post subject: fee for a small addition |
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| Does anyone have an idea about what a reasonable fee for an architect to design a dormer and small family room should be? I'm doing some work on the side but don't want to overcharge or undercharge. Thanks! |
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gleearch
Joined: 07 Jul 2005
Posts: 185
Location: Oakland, CA , USA
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| Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 6:21 pm Post subject: |
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If you're doing things on the side, figure out what you billable rate in your office is. Use that as a basis. If not available, then look at your salary right now and figure out your hourly rate. Then multiply by 3.2. That's the rate your firm is billing you out as or close to it (it varies from region to region).
This factors in your overhead etc.
Don't forget to charge your reimbursibles separately. Too many people assume you make prints and deliver for free.
Make sure you are clear with your contract about the scope of work and the deliverables.
You might be tempted to charge a lower hourly rate because this is work on the side. But I suggest to think about what would happen if your firm found out that you were moonlighting. Because of liability issues, it's frown upon and you might be on the sidewalk shortly after.
I am assuming you don't have liability insurance either. Now think about the risks associated with design in general. Now think very carefully about your fee again.
Remember that most problematic projects are remodels, especially residential remodels.
You can use a percentage of construction costs as a basis for your fee too.
I'm not trying to discourage you, many architects started out by moonlighting. Just understand where fee setting standpoint comes from.
You might want to suggest that they use a structural engineer, unless you intend to do that scope too.
Good luck.
_________________
Gerard Lee Architects
http://www.gleearchitects.com
San Francisco bay area, Oakland, CA based sustainable architecture & planning firm specializing in residential, education, commercial, community & civic projects. |
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gleearch
Joined: 07 Jul 2005
Posts: 185
Location: Oakland, CA , USA
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| Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 6:30 pm Post subject: |
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Another note, is that many architects starting out use the basis above for setting their fees. Then attempt to undercut the fee to be competitive.
Their reasoning being that they are a one man show and have no overhead.
The problem with that is before long you will get a project or projects you will not be able to handle on your own. This usually means hiring somebody to help out but because your fees were already set, you have no recourse to raise your fees to cover the added overhead. (this applies to overhead besides labor/ salaries). It's the main reason many new firms fold or young architects find themselves in debt. Architecture firms have ridiculously high overhead because of our consumables (plotting), eqpt., insurance, salaries, licenses, professional dues, software, etc.
My2cents.
_________________
Gerard Lee Architects
http://www.gleearchitects.com
San Francisco bay area, Oakland, CA based sustainable architecture & planning firm specializing in residential, education, commercial, community & civic projects. |
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