We were recently contacted by a homeowner in Boulder County for Architect Consulting Services regarding an estimate for fees, with regard to subject consideration. We compared equivalent overall square footages of livable space, for each option. Additional services included a preliminary cost estimate for comparative construction costs as well, but below is a recap of findings for Architect fees.
Of course every project scope of work will be different, so consider this relative to an ‘average’ quality of materials for the home itself. Consulting engineering costs such as: Civil, Soils, Structural, Energy, HVAC/Electrical/Plumbing, etc. are separate fees as needed.
A new custom home project of 3,000 sq. ft. would require a full set of plans, consisting of approximately (20) sheets of 36”x24” prints. The Architect fee is about $85,000-$110,000.
A Pop-Top/Second Story Addition, for simplicity sake, of 1,500 sq. ft. on to an existing 1,500 square foot first floor major remodel, would need about (12) sheets of prints. The Architect fee is about $50,000-$65,000.
Regarding timing for completion of plans, a New Custom Home project will need about (6-7) months of work and a Pop-Top/Second Story Addition and First Floor Major Remodel will need about (4-5) months of work. Colorado City/County building department processing time will vary, but will yield a couple months less, respectively.
Let us know if we can provide Consulting work for your proposed project, which would include: schematic architectural design plans, site/land improvement considerations, zoning requirements, existing building conditions if any and construction cost estimates produced for your evaluations.
Best Always! Barry R. Shaw, AIA, GC