HOW WE WORK
How much does an architect cost ?
The construction cost of a very basic house extension starts from £2,000 per square metre + VAT, plus the cost of any new kitchens or bathrooms, plus VAT. This budget would allow for a basic standard of finish and will not include luxury items, such as under-floor heating, timber windows, granite worktops or wooden flooring.
To achieve a luxury finish, a minimum budget of £2,500 + VAT, or more per square metre is necessary.
This section has been designed as a guide to those wishing to undertake residential house extensions on their own project or build themselves a new home. It has been based on several similar projects of ours completed recently as of the end of 2019. Every project has its own issues and the scope of service we offer, the consultants needs, and construction costs will also vary greatly from project to project.
*as per 2019 prices
Project Type One
Project description: Single storey rear extension 7m x 5m and associated alterations to form an open plan kitchen living space, with strong links to the garden and lots of natural daylight. The extension required planning permission, but the site is not listed or in a conservation area.
Construction cost budget: £70,000 – £100,000 + VAT
How much will it cost to design?
An estimate of fees likely to be charged by others and the local authority are:
-
Structural Engineer’s Fees £1,000 - £1,800 + VAT
Including site investigation
-
Heat Loss Calculations Fee £100 - £200 + VAT
-
OS Map £20 - £30
Ordnance Survey Copyright License Fee for 12 months
-
Local Authority Householder Planning Application Fee £231
Submitted via The Planning Portal with associated free
-
Approved Inspectors Building Regulation Plan Check and Site Inspection Fees £600 - £800
-
Architects fees
Design Stage
-
Survey £1,260
Measuring the existing building or site.
-
Concept Design £1,260
Drawing up simple plans elevations and working with the client to establish the basic design. Establishing the budget and timescale for the project.
-
Planning Application £900
Preparing and lodging a planning application. Negotiating with planning officers. Addressing objections by neighbours.
-
Building Regulations £1,800
Preparing and lodging a building regulations application. Working with a structural engineer. Working with an energy consultant. Preparing detailed, technical drawings of the project. Addressing queries by the local Building control department or approved inspectors.
-
Pre-Construction (Tender) £1,350
Drafting a Scope of Works document describing every element of the project. Issuing tender packages to building contractors. Reviewing tender returns and negotiating the final construction price.
Construction Stage
-
Construction Contract £2,250
Preparing a detailed construction contract between property owner and builder. Inspecting building work once per week. Writing regular reports to all parties. Issuing a valuation and payment certificate once per month. Controlling variations in costs and timescales during construction.
-
Post-Construction (Snagging) £450
Inspecting the finished building and agreeing a list of defects, or ‘snagging’. Negotiating with building control department to ensure completion certificate is issued. Controlling the release of retention funds to the contractor once a snagging items have been addressed.
Project Type Two
Project description: Rear 7m x5m single storey extension to existing dormer bungalow, extensive internal alterations including – new kitchen, bathrooms, alterations to room layouts, and first floor extension over existing bungalow.
Construction cost budget: £150,000 – £250,000 + VAT
How much will it cost to design?
An estimate of fees likely to be charged by others and the local authority are:
-
Structural Engineer’s Fees £1,000 - £2,000 + VAT
Including site investigation
-
Heat Loss Calculations Fee £100 - £200 + VAT
-
Tree Survey and Arboriculturally Report £500 - £700 + VAT
-
OS Map £20 - £30
Ordnance Survey Copyright License Fee for 12 mouths
-
Topographical Survey Fee £594
-
Local Authority Householder Planning Application Fee £231
Submitted via The Planning Portal with associated free
-
Approved Inspectors Building Regulation Plan Check and Site Inspection Fees £600 - £1000
-
Architects fees:
Design Stage
-
Survey £2,694
Measuring the existing building or site.
-
Concept Design £1,650
Drawing up simple plans elevations and working with the client to establish the basic design. Establishing the budget and timescale for the project.
-
Planning Application £1,500
Preparing and lodging a planning application. Negotiating with planning officers. Addressing objections by neighbours.
-
Building Regulations £3,000
Preparing and lodging a building regulations application. Working with a structural engineer. Working with an energy consultant. Preparing detailed, technical drawings of the project. Addressing queries by the local Building control department or approved inspectors.
-
Pre-Construction (Tender) £2,250
Drafting a Scope of Works document describing every element of the project. Issuing tender packages to building contractors. Reviewing tender returns and negotiating the final construction price.
Construction Stage
-
Construction Contract £3,750
Preparing a detailed construction contract between property owner and builder. Inspecting building work once per week. Writing regular reports to all parties. Issuing a valuation and payment certificate once per month. Controlling variations in costs and timescales during construction.
-
Post-Construction (Snagging) £750
Inspecting the finished building and agreeing a list of defects, or ‘snagging’. Negotiating with building control department to ensure completion certificate is issued. Controlling the release of retention funds to the contractor once a snagging items have been addressed.
Project Type Three
Project description: A new two storey detached 4-bedroom house in urban setting.
Construction cost budget: £250,000 – £350,000
How much will it cost to design?
An estimate of fees likely to be charged by others and the local authority are:
-
Structural Engineer’s Fees £1,000 - £1,800 + VAT
Including site investigation
-
SAP Calculations Fee £600 + VAT
-
Air Pressure Test Fee £350 + VAT per visit
-
Water Calculations £150 + VAT
Submitted via The Planning Portal with associated free
-
OS Map £20 - £30
Ordnance Survey Copyright License Fee for 12 mouths
-
Topographical Survey Fee £594
-
Local Authority Householder Planning Application Fee £487
Submitted via The Planning Portal with associated free
-
Approved Inspectors Building Regulation Plan Check and Site Inspection Fees £1,000 - £1,200
Submitted via The Planning Portal with associated free
-
Building Warranty £4500
Submitted via The Planning Portal with associated free
-
Architects fees
Design Stage
-
Concept Design £3,900
Drawing up simple plans elevations and working with the client to establish the basic design. Establishing the budget and timescale for the project.
-
Planning Application £2,925
Preparing and lodging a planning application. Negotiating with planning officers. Addressing objections by neighbours.
-
Building Regulations £3,900
Preparing and lodging a building regulations application. Working with a structural engineer. Working with an energy consultant. Preparing detailed, technical drawings of the project. Addressing queries by the local Building control department or approved inspectors.
-
Pre-Construction (Tender) £2,925
Drafting a Scope of Works document describing every element of the project. Issuing tender packages to building contractors. Reviewing tender returns and negotiating the final construction price.
Construction Stage
-
Construction Contract £4,875
Preparing a detailed construction contract between property owner and builder. Inspecting building work once per week. Writing regular reports to all parties. Issuing a valuation and payment certificate once per month. Controlling variations in costs and timescales during construction.
-
Post-Construction (Snagging) £975
Inspecting the finished building and agreeing a list of defects, or ‘snagging’. Negotiating with building control department to ensure completion certificate is issued. Controlling the release of retention funds to the contractor once a snagging items have been addressed.
