FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
In general, there are a few givens that will always affect the price of a project: Location - different geographies, building codes, and economies affect costs Size and complexity - will a contractor need multiple subs? is the scale and shape of the design complex? will new construction marry up to old construction? Quality - is time important? materials? etc. Architects may have an idea of a range of Construction Cost, but no rule of thumb can determine actually cost. There is however one certainty about construction costs: owner(s) don't accurately anticipate the true cost of construction and are often surprised that their project is going to cost what the number(s) come in at. Owners planning on building a custom house, building an addition, or renovating their existing home in New England should expect estimates to be an average of $200+ SF; and it can be upwards of $300 SF depending on location, topography, desired features, materials, size, etc. In my previous blog: A Fee Based Expertise, I wrote about the way in which an Architect structures their compensation. This blog elaborates on how that relates to the Cost of Construction. An Architect may base their fee on the Range of Construction Cost based on their better knowledge of construction costs. For the Architect to have an understanding of what their fees should be, they may conduct their own guesstimate of what they believe the cost of construction will be based on standard Basic Services, past projects, and the knowledge of specific project needs. On Residential projects in New England, it is common for Architectural fees to run between 8 and 15 percent of the cost of construction. The range in percentage has to do with the specifics of the project and the quality and level of services offered. A smaller percentage reflects the minimum requirements to obtain a building permit while the larger percentage reflects full architectural services and a robust drawing set required to build the ideal project with fewer surprise costs during construction. The best approach for a homeowner is to first know how much they can spend, and then discuss their budget with the Architect. This will sever as the limiting factor for size, materials, customization, etc. When preparing for a realistic cost of construction, owners should understand that architectural services are an important and vital component of the total design project budget and just like how construction cost are determined by a matrix of factors so too are architectural fees.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Master of Architecture. Registered Architect in Massachusetts and certified by N.C.A.R.B
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Many homeowners are surprised by the numerous steps that are involved in even the simplest design projects. Steps include: what is the first thing I should do; how do I properly budget for the project I imagine; where and how do I apply for a permit; which applications need to be filled out; and will I need a variance or special permit? You also may wonder whether you need sign-off from the Board of Health or when you should involve a contractor and how do I go about doing so? The list of questions (and steps) goes on and on. An Architect can answer all of your questions and map out a path to guide you from your initial design goals through construction completion. Not only will the Architect identify what you can and cannot do with your home and property legally, but she will make careful and thoughtful decisions when planning for efficiency and economy. So do you really need an Architect? In all Massachusetts towns the Building Inspector will require a set of drawings stamped by a Registered Architect if they determine the scope of the project requires code or structural information or if zoning and by-law requirements need to be met. In many remodel and renovation projects this is the case and in all addition or new construction projects this is a certainty. In sum, the services of an Architect are vital to completing your construction project. It is important to hire an Architect with a reputation for honest and open communication, fair fee proposals, and a high level of quality. Architecture is collaborative and you will develop a relationship with your Architect that is highly personalized; so take special care in checking with references and reading endorsements. It is important to know that residential projects consist of the best efforts from the Client, Architect, and Contractor.