How Much Does An Architect Cost?

What Does An Architect Do?

An architect has many duties that are vital to the ultimate realization of your construction desires. Some people only recognize the design and plan related activities undertaken by this type of professional, and are skeptical of architect cost. However, the cost of an architect will get you more than a designer and artist. Architects will play a major role in the coordination of other professional services, and they will need to be counted on to make quick decisions on your behalf. Your architect will also represent you in court proceedings regarding permits and zoning (if necessary).  The cost of an architect may be intimidating at first, but it will often pay for itself over time through energy and resource efficiency.

Hiring an architect can be a valuable addition to your building planning process. An architect can provide you with guidance throughout the building process, drawn plans, and a voice to co-ordinate the work of other professionals (remodelers, legal representatives, engineers). Architect cost is often a concern for those who are performing some sort of renovation of building activities. Architects usually charge a percentage of the full project’s cost (10%-15%) or an hourly rate. A fixed rate is also possible, or any combination of these options. Many people wonder if they even need an architect, especially when they believe that they already know exactly what they want to accomplish. Quite often a person will change their mind during the building process and will not have an understanding of how to amend plans to achieve their new goals. A qualified architect can assist with such an issue, or they can help prevent it by working with you from the beginning. The cost of an architect is almost always worth the key services that they provide.

How Much Should An Architect Cost?

An architect is a trained professional that takes on many duties involved in the construction of a building and/or renovations. The average architect cost per hour appears to be in the area of $185, though this is highly variable. Fixed payments and/or percentages of total work are other ways whereby an architect may charge their client. For example, the cost of an architect may be ten percent of the total costs for the construction of a $150,000 home, meaning that you will end up paying them $15,000 in total for their services. While this may seem expensive, keep in mind that the work of an architect will usually save you a lot of money in the long-term through energy savings, quality structure, and other considerations. An architect may not be trained in computer-aided design (CAD) so you may need to spend another significant amount of money on a CAD engineer. This is one of the many good reasons to research your architect options before hiring one.

Residential Architects

Some architects may be qualified for all types of building projects, but most will be specialized in a field. Residential architects are most experienced with homes and other residential developments. They have experience in dealing with all the requirements of home building codes, as well as an understanding of how to design a house that will be true to the lifestyles of its occupants. Residential architects will likely meet with the homeowner previous to compiling any building plans, and engage in a conversation regarding their needs and wants in the home. This process is integral in the process of building or renovating a home, as this building is more than simply a place to live. Residential architect cost is slightly more affordable than their business oriented counterparts due to their choice of clientele.

Commercial Architects

The process of constructing any commercial building is likely to involve a professional architect to a great degree. The immensity of many commercial projects requires the involvement of these designers from the very conception of the building. Commercial architect fees are virtually always higher than residential fees due to the increased budget and duties that come with these types of projects. The designs of a commercial architect are highly concerned with safety codes and the general welfare of the building’s inhabitants. Commercial projects will normally result in structures that will contain a large amount of people at any given time, and this responsibility is not lost on professional architects. The increase in duties accounts for the difference between residential and commercial architect cost.