How Much Does an Architect Cost in San Diego?
Many people dream of building their own home and being able to create exactly what they want and need, whether that includes a fancy theater room or chef’s kitchen. Business owners often need to have a combination of form and function with a structure that not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also serves many different purposes for employees and clients or customers. Architects are highly educated professionals that perform a very important role in the design of structures like buildings. Because of the important role architects perform, it can be costly and therefore daunting to consider hiring one. However, knowing more about what architects bring to a project and understanding how much it costs to hire one before beginning a project, can set potential clients’ minds at ease.
What Do Architects Do?
Architects design structures such as residential homes and commercial buildings. Having thorough design plans and well-drawn blueprints is essential to having a quality built structure at the end of the construction process. In addition to drawing the blueprints, architects may also obtain permits and determine construction costs. Their skillsets often include finely detailed drawings and project management. These designs can include floor plans, foundation plans, cross-sectional views, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system plans.
Cost Overview
The overall cost of hiring an architect depends entirely on the size of the structure to be built and whether their involvement entails only drawing the plans or overseeing the entire project. Architects typically cost around 5 to 20 percent of the construction cost. This fee accounts for initial drafts and coordination with the general contractor. Usually, it also includes the architect overseeing some of the construction processes. Commerical architects usually cost approximately 3 to 12 percent of the construction cost. The fee takes into account planning and drafting plans for new construction as well as supervising during the process. This fee usually doesn’t cover major revisions during the process, permits, or materials. Full-service architects on large or complicated structures can cost upwards of $300,000.
Architect Fees
The fee for only drawing plans typically costs $2,000 to $80,000, whereas the full service throughout the construction process begins at around $15,000 to $80,000 at an hourly rate of $100 to $250 or $2 to $15 per square foot, based on the average local professional cost and experience. Interns usually cost less than $100 per hour, whereas a very experienced senior architect could be as much as $350 per hour. Concept designs usually cost about 5 to 8 percent of the total construction cost. Custom builds come in a bit higher at 8 to 15 percent and remodels are the highest at 10 to 20 percent. The average cost of hiring an architect is around $15,000.
Another important thing to consider when hiring an architect is that there is always wiggle room in costs. Hourly rates for labor, changes in material costs, and specific permits can cause differences in total costs. Individual project costs may or may not be included in quotes, things like inspection fees, taxes, and contractor fees can also affect the cost. Simply, remember that a quote is just that, a quote. The most important thing is to communicate regularly with the professionals – the architect, general contractor, project manager, and any other supervisory individuals.
It’s important to understand that these highly educated professionals have the knowledge, expertise, and skills to help create dream homes and functional commercial spaces. Experienced architects also have developed a network of contractors to build these spaces. Although it may seem that an architect may be expensive, considering they design the foundation for the entire structure, it is well worth the cost.
