HOW WE WORK
How much does an architect cost ?
A Guide To Architect Fees In Cheshire 2023
The construction cost of a very basic house extension starts from £2,300 per square metre inc VAT (at 20%), 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 £3,000 including 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 Mid 2023. 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 Mid 2023 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. We have assumed 30m² of internal works to the existing dwelling in the costs below in addition to the extension. The extension required planning permission, but the site is not listed or in a conservation area.
How much will it cost to design?
Structural Engineer’s Fees
£1,000 - £1,800 + VAT
Including site investigation
Heat Loss Calculations Fee
£350 - £450 + VAT
OS Map
£20 - £30
Ordnance Survey Copyright License Fee for 12 months
Local Authority Householder Planning
Application Fee £239 including The Planning Portal submission free of £33.
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, Specification etc. (Technical Design)
£2,800
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)
£420
Establishing suitable contractors for the project, Issuing tender packages to building contractors. Reviewing tender returns and negotiating the final construction price.
Construction Stage Construction Contract
£5,000
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)
£595
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
How much will it cost to design?
Structural Engineer’s Fees
£1,000 - £2,000 + VAT
Including site investigation
Heat Loss Calculations Fee
£350 - £450 + VAT
Tree Survey and Arboriculturally Report
£600 - £800 + VAT
OS Map
£20 - £30
Ordnance Survey Copyright License Fee for 12 mouths
Topographical Survey Fee
£700
Local Authority Householder Planning Application Fee
£239 including The Planning Portal submission free of £33.
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, Specification etc. (Technical Design)
£4,900
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)
£420
Establishing suitable contractors for the project, issuing tender packages to building contractors. Reviewing tender returns and negotiating the final construction price.
Construction Stage
Construction Contract
£10,200
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)
£1,000
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
How much will it cost to design?
Structural Engineer’s Fees
£1,200 - £2,000 + VAT Including site investigation
SAP Calculations Fee
£300 + 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
£700
Local Authority Householder Planning Application Fee
£495 inc The Planning Portal submission 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
£5000
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, Specification etc. (Technical Design)
£9,000
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)
£730
Establishing suitable contractors for the project, issuing tender packages to building contractors. Reviewing tender returns and negotiating the final construction price.
Construction Stage
Construction Contract
£13,600
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)
£1,200
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.
