OUR APPOINTMENT & FEES

Etchells Architecture have no 'standard' fee; we work with our clients to determine a suitable scope of services and a fee to suit their budget. From this we estimate the time involved and calculate our fees. Several options for our appointment can be considered:

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Lump Sum: A fixed fee works well for clearly defined packages of work.

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Percentage Fees: Fees are based on a percentage of the estimated, then later actual construction cost, and is proportioned between the work stages. This works well where the scope of work, and budget, is not clearly defined from the outset.

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Time charge: This option may be appropriate when the scope of services is not yet fully defined or a task is open-end, such as dealing with contractual dispute or dealing with protracted planning negotiations.

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Expenses: Are typically charged in addition to our fees, and these include the cost of printing, document copying, purchase of documents, postage and couriers, travel and reimbursement of any payments made on your behalf. 

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Payment Schedule: Payment is generally on a monthly basis, or on the completion of milestones such as the end of a work stage with an initial 'on account' payment on instruction.

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VAT: 'Value Added Tax' will be payable on all professional fees and the construction works. If the building project is a 'new build' the works may be exempt from VAT, but the VAT will still be due on all professional fees. For some complex projects we would recommend the services of a specialist building VAT Consultant to help you navigate through the legislation. 

 

HOW MUCH WILL MY PROJECT COST?

Project Budget: This is the amount the client wishes to spend on the project. This sum will need to include build costs, design and consultant fees, expenses, local authority approvals, a contingency for unforeseen works, VAT and other taxes. We will always assist our clients in setting a realistic Project Budget, and tailor our proposals accordingly.

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Cost Estimate: From the outset we advise our clients on the overall project build cost, however we are not cost specialists and would normally recommend the services of a Quantity Surveyor, or cost consultant, to prepare and update a full ‘cost plan’ at key milestones.

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Tender Costs: Tenders priced on a completed design will be the clearest indication of final construction cost. However, these can be altered as the project develops on site, due to the scope of work increasing or decreasing