Price of architectural drawings?

Question

I purchased a new building and want to renovate the interior/exterior. I know there's no set formula, but does anyone have an idea of what I should expect the price to be for these drawings? I found a website that estimates about 9% - 10% for the scope of my project, which means I could spend $20,000 for drawings on a $200,000 project.

Anyone? @Jay Hinrichs

Anyone?  @Jay Hinrichs

Scott Mac · Answer

Hi Nate,

Just off the top of my head (without addressing your question directly).

If you know what you want--have pics from the internet it will be easier than propose an idea, change, propose an idea, change etc.

On screen artwork is much better than the old (and beautiful) (Mad Man Style) hand drawings. It's faster and you can compare two (ie) roof colors on the fly.

Have a rough budget to discuss with the Architect. No use in looking at a $2M facade makeover if the project only supports $1.5M.

Understand there are product shortages right now...if you cannot get the Moen Commercial faucets the Architect speced at $X installed can you get Koheler faucets at $X (x) 3 installed. Consider allowing for such instances in your budget.

An Architect with a crew to do the work that he/she has used in the past might be a budget saver in the long run.

Watch your property tax increases as you build out and once you are done--some places tax percent complete and time over runs with no income coming in eat into the budget.

Actual colors can be a pain, consider having an in-situ (that's latin by the way) color board area on the building where you can try a few similar colors (and finishes) live and live with them for a week or so before deciding on an exact palate and finish.

The more specific you can be (the more you know exactly what you want) the less Architect time you will burn.

Using someone who has recent build experience in your area, with similar projects may help prevent costly errors re inspection times, and local code knowledge during budgeting... ie does your HVAC have to pass retail inspection, or Mall inspection...a costly difference, especially once in place. (costly in terms of time, 2nd inspection scheduling, and materials and labor). A few of these "Blips" on the Radar can add up to cost over runs pretty quickly.

You overall goal should be to open with a Certificate of Occupancy "On time and On Budget". That means paying HARD attention to the daily progress (and having a realistic budget).

Just my 2 cents.

Nik Moushon · Answer

There are lots of different ways that architects price projects. a percentage of construction costs is one way. This percentage varies with the type of project (i.e commerical, residential, hospitality, medical etc), the scope of the project and the complexity. The percentage can range of 3-5% all the way up to 15-20%. This usually isnt used when doing renovations though, mostly new construction. Another is hourly, usually with a cap and then theres usually just a lump sum based on what the architect thinks they can get it done for and still make a profit. But all of these vary from office to office and city to city. There is no set expectation on what it should be. There are too many variables. Best way is to find a couple different firms in your local area and ask for proposals. A lot of firms will do this for free. This will give you a feeling of whats the going rate for work in your area. Just remember pretty much every firm is going to be swamped and in high demand right. So expect higher than normal prices for work and the fact that they might not fit you in for 3-6 months.

Jay Hinrichs · Answer

just need to call around .. I know for our standard house projects we buy pre made plans and they are less than 1% of the project.

for custom plans and working through a city like Charleston that has a very intense historic board.. price is 20 to 40k

chicago remodels require architect not sure what my clients spend there.

so I know i am no help  but I suspect in Wyoming pricing would be lower than red hot markets.

Also partnering while in principal can happen.. it would be very rare on a one off project.  The amount of money your going to spend on an Architect in this Scenario is not worth giving up any equity..

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Interior renovations, external facelift, paved parking, handicap parking and ramp, signage, and landscaping. Includes elevations, floor plans, 3D models, etc.

These guys have designed some of the newest commercial properties in our area and do excellent work, which is why I chose them.

Scott Mac · Answer

Part of your color board(s) (in addition to exterior) might 3 (different ones) or so of these to help with interior fit and finish decsions.

For instance a brown palate, a cinnamon palate, and a grey palate to choose from.

View them indoors under the light temps (and aprox. candlepower) you will be using.

Hint: Sherwyn Williams Commercial (might) be able to do them for you --depending on your budget with them (they will help you pick their stuff).

Courtney Duong · Answer

Nathan.  Our residential RE agent just landed a 100K+ warehouse deal and she will help managing the warehouse work too.  She got 2 quotes:  1 was $44K and 1 was $24K so she went with the lower one.

Ronald Rohde · Answer

Whatever it ends up being, almost all my clients tell me its too much. Keep that in mind for your final outcome/bill!

Ken Naim · Answer

@Nathan G. I did a $200k reno last year. The architect cost $3,500. It really depends on how much time the architect needs to put in and if you choose a big firm, or an individual and your needs are. A $200k sea wall vs. a $200k condo reno will have very different architect costs.

Ash Patel · Answer

You can also have individual subs do their own drawings.  My guys don't charge me if I do the work through them.

Will Barnard · Answer

That makes sense, sounds like it is within a reasonable price point for said services on commercial. My comments above were based on residential.

Price of architectural drawings?

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