Is now a bad time to build?
Is now a bad time to build?
Because each project has its own brief and requirements, I tailor the fee to your specific needs. I find this approach fair, as the fee directly matches the scope, you get everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
It’s also for this reason that I do not charge a percentage fee. A percentage fee is exactly that: a percentage of the building cost is the fee you pay. I find this a difficult model to justify for two reasons:
First, if the construction cost goes up, so does the architect’s fee. That might be fair if the design changes and there is more work to do, but equally it seems unfair if its market fluctuation or because you choose a more expensive fridge.
Second, if we work well together and I create a budget-efficient design that saves you money, then I would earn less for doing a good job. On balance, that’s a bad outcome for both of us.
Of course a fixed fee isn’t a perfect model either, but if we both stick to the agreed scope, your fee remains the same. While there is always some risk of design changes—requiring additional work and cost — clear communication helps us reduce that risk.