Expert: Paul S. Brown, AIA - 10/21/2004

Question
Hello Paul,

I'm doing some rough draft designs of a home I want built for my family.  This will be the first home I will have had built.   I have some "basic" questions: (1) what are typical fees charged by architects, (2) what if changes to the plans need to be made along the way, (3) is a basement living area typically the cheapest part of the house (if so, how does the cost/square compare)?

Thank you.  

Answer
Hi David:
Fees charged by Architect vary widely, and sometimes vary wildly. :)
Don't be afraid to shop around.  The fees depend upon what you need.  If you want to turn over all the 'work' to a real professional, be prepared to spend between 10% and 15% of the construction cost on design fees for the Architect and engineers, etc.  Some charge even more.
If you want to do more of the work yourself, and purchase selected services on an hourly basis, this can also work; but you won't be able to ask for help on questions that arise as the result of work that you did yourself.  Hourly fees for a registered professional architect will start at a minimum of about $65 / hour, and go up from there.  Some architects can charge over $170 / hour.  And, you may be asked to give a retainer up-front.
For changes, if you go 'full service', minor revisions should not be a problem within the fee if decisions are made in a timely manner.  If you purchase hourly services, you will pay hourly for all changes.
Is the basement living area cheapest?  Probably, depending on materials and finishes and ground characteristics.  If you are contemplating a 'normal' concrete foundation, and soils are 'normal', and finishes are 'normal', then the subgrade part should be about 70% of the cost of the above grade  part, on a SF basis.  If you are figuring $150/SF for above grade, then this would be $112.50 for the basement.  Don't take this as an estimate' on my part; just an attempt to help give general guidance.
Good Luck!  I hope it goes well and you have lots of fun!