ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING FEES AND COSTS
Here you have some frequent asked questions about architecture and engineering fees and costs.
HOW MUCH COSTS AN ARCHITECTURE PROJECT OR AN ARCHITECT FEE?
An architecture project designed by an architect has a variable cost according to the nature and type of support given to the clients' needs, to the construction of the same project, to the complexity of the programming (wish list), the challenges created by the circumstances of the site, legal requirements and design schedule. We try to describe all this issues in our fees proposals for architecture and engineering projects in order to show the quality and competitiveness of our architects and engineers in Portugal.
ARCHITECT FEE AND ENGINEER FEE
Here you have some frequent asked questions about an architect fee and engineer fee.
IS AN ARCHITECT FEE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN AN ENGINEER FEE?
No. That's a wrong idea. The number of hours spent is different, which generates a different final cost for the architect payment and for the engineer payment. Nevertheless, the cost and amount of price per hour is the same. Our budgets answer all this questions clearly and you may verify this fact if you send us information about your project.
ARCHITECTS, CONSULTANTS AND CONSTRUCTION
Here you have some frequent asked questions about architects, consultants and construction.
BESIDES DESIGNING, WHAT OTHER ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES ARE DEVELOPED BY ARCHITECTS?
Architects are examined for competence in the following areas: -applicable codes and regulations, and assistance in the governmental review process; -investigation, evaluation, consultation, and advice; -planning, schematic and preliminary studies, designs, working drawings, and specifications. But an architect is also the best choice for: coordination of services and/or documents by technical and special consultants; -technical assistance in the preparation of bid documents and agreements between clients and contractors; -contract administration; -construction observation. Therefore, contact us in order to see the quality of our architecture and engineering services.
WRITTEN CONTRACT FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
Here you have some frequent asked questions about written contract for architectural services.
WHAT SHOULD THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES CONTRACT DESCRIBE?
A written contract for architectural services contain,at a minimum, the following items: 1. a description of services to be provided by the architect to the client; 2. a description of any basis of compensation applicable to the contract and method of payment agreed upon by both parties; 3. the name, address, and license number of the architect and the name and address of the client; 4. a description of the procedure that the architect and the client will use to accommodate additional services; and 5. a description of the procedure to be used by either party to terminate the contract.
The contract could include the following: -the title and address of the project,- a narrative description of the project including any unique or special requirements. - a definition of the project schedule with critical time frames for events such as funding cycles, third-party approvals, completion of design services, start and completion of construction, occupancy date, etc - an estimated construction budget and a description of what it includes.- a provision for fee and construction budget cost escalation or contingencies for changes in the project scope during design and construction phases. - a provision for fee and construction budget cost escalation or contingencies for delay in schedules. -a clarification of when the client?s approval must be given in order for the architect to proceed to the next phase. - an itemized listing and description of the architect?s basic services. - the proposed fee for these basic services. - a definition of additional services and procedures for authorization and compensation. - a definition of reimbursable expenses and the procedures for authorization and compensation. - a listing of the project consultants that may be needed (i.e., engineering, geotechnical, landscape, etc), and a definition of the procedure for hiring and compensating them. - a schedule of when fee payments are due and in what amounts. - a definition of the amount of any required retainer fee and how, when, and where it will be applied to the total fee for services. - how final payment is computed if the contract is terminated. - a clarification of who is responsible for keeping project account records and when they may be reviewed. - whether construction observation services are included, and if they are part of basic or additional services. - whether assistance with bidding and/or establishing a contract between a contractor and owner will be provided and if it is part of basic or additional services. - a clarification on ownership, use, or reuse of the project documents. - a procedure for handling disputes between the parties should the need arise (for example, arbitration or mediation).
INFORMATION ON QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE FROM SEVERAL ARCHITECTS
Here you have some frequent asked questions about information on qualifications and experience from several architects.
ARCHITECTS HAVE DIFFERENT FEES. WHAT SHOULD I ASK TO CHOOSE THE BEST ARCHITECT?
You should ask some general information such as: -How long have you been in business?, -How many persons are employed by your firm? -Do you have a valid architect?s license? If so, what is your license number? -How have you kept current in your practice? -Do you intend to use consultants for this project? If so, who do you propose to use? What are their qualifications? What has been your experience with them? - What percentage of your practice involves the type of structure I intend to build? - Do you carry insurance? If so, what type(s)? How long have you carried each type and what are the policy limits?
But you should always Experience - Have you recently designed the type of structure I intend to build? How many times? - When and what was your most recent project? - May I see examples of your previous projects that are similar to my project (sketches, photos, plans)? - May I have the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the clients for these previous similar projects? - What was the actual construction cost versus budgeted cost for these projects?
You should also never forget the architectural services: - What services did you provide for these clients during the design, bidding, and construction phases? - What services do you propose to provide for my project during each of these phases? - Who will provide these services, you or your employees?
And you could also ask details about the fees: -What will the fee schedule be? -How will your fees for my project be determined and what services do the fees cover? -Will you provide probable construction cost estimates for my project? - If consultants (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, geotechnical, testing and inspection, etc) are necessary, are their fees included in your basic fee or are they separate services? -What additional costs (e.g., permit and other governmental fees) or services (e.g., time spent obtaining necessary permits and other approvals) do you anticipate for my project? -How do you establish your fees for additional services and reimbursable expenses? - Will there be a charge for redesign if it is necessary to meet the construction budget? -Will there be additional charges for changes required by the building department or other government agency? -How are additional charges computed for design changes requested by me or requested by a contractor?
And of course, don't forget to see the architect's practice time: -Can you meet my proposed schedule?
WHAT INFO SHOULD I GIVE TO THE ARCHITECT IN ORDER TO HAVE DETAILED ARCHITECTURE FEES?
Here you have some frequent asked questions about what info should I give to the architect in order to have detailed architecture fees.
WHAT IS THE BASIC CRITERIA FOR A PROJECT THAT I SHOULD PROVIDE THE ARCHITECT?
Prior to selecting an architect, you need to develop basic criteria for your project and provide this to the architects you are considering. The basic criteria for your project should include, but not necessarily be limited to : - the size, appearance, and functional requirements of your project; - the services you expect the architect to perform; - what you intend to spend for design fees, if known. - what you intend to spend for construction; - how the project will be financed and, if known, by whom. - anticipated starting and completion dates of your project; - how you intend to construct the project.