I don't know if this is the right forum to ask. I don't know much of anything...

We have a thirty year old lake house on a beautiful lot on a beautiful lake in the middle of nowhere. We now live here full time and intend to do some major interior updates--new master bath including design that can include using some closet space if necessary. New flooring and updates to two other bathrooms.

We also need to replace some rotting doors/window in a breezeway and garage which is the result of a drainage problem that must also be fixed.

In a "If I could afford everything world" I'd build another garage, and turn the existing one into an office & bunk room.

I don't have A Clue how much money building a separate garage would cost. We'd have to design it to tie onto the house some way to pass the architectural requirements for the neighborhood or tear down our very nice shed because we're only allowed one free standing structure. But, I think a simple covered walkway will suffice.

So, do I go to an architect first to get a plan drawn and hope I can eventually afford to construct it?

So, can anyone ballpark a figure of what an architect fee would be for a design?

I'm a builder in the Austin area and we're seeing architect fees around 5-10% of construction costs.

That could also vary based on their level of involvement - design only? Design + selections? Design + construction management/permitting?

i paid around 5% the cost of the project.

Highway6 said:

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So, do I go to an architect first to get a plan drawn and hope I can eventually afford to construct it?

So, can anyone ballpark a figure of what an architect fee would be for a design?

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Yes, but and architect and/or builder should be able to estimate what it will cost before much is drawn. It is a little tougher to estimate cost when in a remote location. You might want to call a builder or two in your area to see what architects they have worked with and what costs look like near you. Could be that your project is simple enough to just go through the builder.

The response above is a pretty good number to start with but I would say that as cost of construction goes up design fee percentage goes down. For instance if you want to spend $50,000 on an addition/renovation you might get a design fee as high as 25%, because $12.5k in professional services goes pretty quick for project startup, measuring existing building, etc. If you want to spend $500,000 on construction you might get down to that 5-10% design fee. Remember you get what you pay for and probably ought to talk to at least 2 architects.

Thank you very much!

It can depend on the architect fee structure. Some might bill by the hour. Some might bill by the square footage of the project. I've worked with both. Thankfully, I had a great architect in both instances, and I was satisfied with the costs incurred.

After you pay the architect and get a cool looking product, send it to the engineer and some of your tradesman for approval. I find there is a massive disconnect between art and practice and you will avoid some issues like "I don't know why my roof leaks, the chimney that is in the middle of three valleys is flashed like it says."

And when you hire a contractor and roofer make sure they can actually read plans and install what is on the plans and not what they think is best or what they have done for 20 years because you know things like building codes never change.

Fight!

I was only joking hence the winky face. Believe me there are a lot of bad architects that don't have a clue of how a building is supposed to come together just like I have had plenty of conversations with subs about how x y or z is actually better.

To the op we typically charge 5-6% on new construction, houses typically 1-4 mil with some getting stupid expensive and the percentage comes down, and up to 8ish for renovations/additions based on project size.

Jason_InfinityRoofer said:

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After you pay the architect and get a cool looking product, send it to the engineer and some of your tradesman for approval. I find there is a massive disconnect between art and practice and you will avoid some issues like "I don't know why my roof leaks, the chimney that is in the middle of three valleys is flashed like it says."

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I would assumer any good architect would already have multiple engineers he can send his plans off to.

ECC said:

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I'm a builder in the Austin area and we're seeing architect fees around 5-10% of construction costs.

That could also vary based on their level of involvement - design only? Design + selections? Design + construction management/permitting?

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We are starting a feasibility study for our lot. The architect we spoke with said his costs are generally around 8%. He works primarily with 5-6 builders who prioritize his jobs.

He sounds extremely detailed and does all engagement of everything: permitting to builder site visits etc. my only issue: I thought that was the role of a good builder: to manage the plans and schedule on their own?

Also, he said builders are generally having a 20% fee but alluded to a 5% bump in overhead/inflated costs?

I don't want to go cheap and have regrets, but damn costs really add up when you say 8% + 25% out of a budget.

Brazos Co. Architect here since the 80s
I like things clean & simple and no waste of time/money.

Never would I covert a garage, esp. old ones.
Your office can be delivered.
https://lpratthomes.com/tiny-houses/beach-view/
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/109349102424072/?hoisted_items=1181405025700456
Google your area for Tiny Houses ... delivered

A connection could be pergola covered with metal or translucent Lexan.
EZ to get ACC OK prior to purchase using the product ads & reps.
https://www.fifthroom.com/pergolas/




Otherwise, email me, so long as you are in Texas as my license requires.
Rates going up but $85/new, $95/remodel-addition ... ~same $/TotalSF as unlicensed draftsmen if not less with more services/plans/details/3Ds