On average, what will it cost to for an architect to design a house plan?

[krissbm]

I am saving money to build my house. Can some one roughly tell me what it could cost to get a plan for a four bedroom bangalow house....nothing complicated.

[Buenchico]

Quote:
"Many architects will charge you a fee that represents an agreed percentage of the total construction cost. The percentage will be calculated using a sliding scale produced by the RIBA. The bigger the project, the lower the percentage fee you will have to pay. With a construction cost of around �50,000, your architect's bill is likely to be around �5,000. If the construction cost is �100,000, the architect's fee is likely to be closer to �9,000. It is as well to clarify what is and is not included in the architect's definition of 'construction costs'. His fees should cover the cost of him.

However, you may prefer to negotiate a 'lump sum' fee for your architect's services up front. This approach has a lot to be said for it as it removes any uncertainty from your budget planning, and protects you against any unforeseen overspends as the project progresses."

Source (which has lots more information which you might find useful):
http://www.self-build.co.uk/default.aspx?conte ntid=e6931c04-364a-4fe9-9510-c273291fd670

Chris

[buildersmate]

Its a myth that you have to pay the RIBA sliding scale - that's what RIBA would like to think their professional members get paid. Its a bit like the suggested selling price - you can negotiate.
Architects are 'top of the house design food chain - they have the qualifications and experience, and RIBA administers their professional stds. You could also find an architectural technician - has similar skills but not a member of RIBA - more cheaply.
House design is an art not a science - the best thing is to find someone who you are confident in, and whose previous ideas and work you like. If its a bog-std design use a technician.

[Toby J]

Slightly biased view from an Architect but one who comes from a family of builders, trained and worked as a technician before becoming an Architect, these days I run a small practice. It might be fairer to say that a technician or building surveyor 'could' be just as good, they may be better for your particular circumstances and I have no qualms in advising this. However, if you are after a quality service, then check that your 'designer' has Indemnity Insurance. All architects have trained for far too many years and are registered with ARB. ARB ensures we carry insurance and upholds professional standards on behalf of the public. Architects need not join the RIBA and don't have to use their guidance on working methods and fees etc, although the whole idea is that this ensures quality. We do 30-40 domestic jobs annually, fees range from a few hundred to thousands, depending on the particular project and our involvement, we often negotiate and aim to work within budgets but also have standards to maintain, mainly because we want to minimise risks for you, as this equates to problems for us. You may be better off with a simple plan drawing service, you will no doubt be willing to manage the process yourself, take on the risks and be confident in tackling all eventualities. Whoever does the work won't be able to change the fact that the price you pay equates to the time allocated to your project, a low fee will have a low level of input. It is reasonable to say that on the whole you�ll get what you pay for. Architects spend a lot of money each year just to operate, maintaining their professional status and insuring clients against anything they might get wrong (and are bound to continue this insurance for a number of years); I would like to think this demonstrates we're serious about providing a reliable, honest and good quality service, if that's what you�re after.

[Toby J]

PS ... to answer the original question rough rules of thumb: depends on a lot of factors but assume a range of 8-12% of the build cost for a complete service. Roughly split 30% Planning, 30% Building Reg's, 10% Tender, 30% Site (using a standard form of contract - look up JCT website on Google). Your architect will do you a detailed quote and may do it for less by negotiation of course ... but do be careful to understand where the corners will be cut. You may opt out of the Tender and Site stages, if you have a builder in mind and enter into a contract directly with them. Consider site insurances, as well as NHBC, Robust Details or similar compliance - also check up on the Code for Sustainable Homes (BRE website). Watch out for Party Wall Act and Health & Safety. Check out the ASBA website. There you go, some 'free' professional advice, can't be bad - you are responsible for checking the validity of my statements however!!! ;->

[Gitssac101]

The link from Buenchico is gone now but that website has more up-to-date advice on architect fees at http://www.self-build.co.uk/choosing-architect