ARCHITECTS FEES - What I Charge to Design a UK House Extension

I have always published my design Fees on my practice website, it was one of the most important business decisions I ever made. When potential clients know how much I charge, it makes it easier for them to decide whether to hire me. Very few UK Architects publish fees, so I made this video to show how much I would charge for a house extension project.
If you would like to book a consultation with me you can do so here - www.reallifearchitecture.co.u...
Please read the terms and conditions before you book.
RIBA Plan of Work - www.architecture.com/-/media/...
#houseextension
#architect
#fees
#feestructure
#howmuchdoesitcost
#architecturelovers
#architects
#architecturedesign
#ukconstruction
#houseextension
#architecture
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Why I Publish My Fees
1:07 - How Architects in the UK structure their fees
2:12 - Why do people hire Architects?
3:37 - Why my Fees are split into Stages
5:20 - Stages of House Extension Project
6:02 - Why I think Architects in the UK don't earn enough
7:33 - My Fees for a UK House Extension
2:19 - Are my Fees reasonable?

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

If you would like to book a consultation with me you can do so here - www.reallifearchitecture.co.uk/online-services Please read the terms and conditions before you book.

[@sethhavens1574]

Excellent, thank you for the transparency - a reasonable, holistic and thorough approach 👍

[@seanlander9321]

You’re doing phenomenally better than architects in Australia. Well done.

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Thanks, I worked in Sydney for a year 2001/2 it seemed pretty good, what changed for Architects?

[@wesdef]

You might have not realised enough yet but as a professional in the property market in the UK, you are under the radar gem Nial. I appreciate a lot for this video which helps not only clients, also professionals too🎉 Loves from South Wales- Kemal

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Many thanks Kemal

[@whyyoulidl]

Hey RAL, many thanks for a transparent, no BS and enlightening video. As someone who's familiar with all the processes you highlighted (read: Design & Construction Manager) it's refreshing to see there are Architects like you telling it like it is. Keep up the good work - looking fwd to your next install. ps, my pre-handover snagging/post-PC involvement is highly under-valued; maybe it's time I strike out on my own 🤔

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Thank you.

[@niza4ever]

I didn’t expect your minimum budget to be that high, but As a young architect this is very helpful in understanding clearly and in a transparent way how to set fees etc

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Glad I could be of assistance

[@JohnTaylorphd]

Thanks for a well presented and informative outline of your approach and fee structure. We are currently looking for a new home and are very keen to undertake a “project”. Our modest budget falls below your threshold. But your video has helped to inform our search for a suitable architect.

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

I am glad it’s been useful, that’s the ultimate goal for the channel.

[@agd6908]

Thanks for posting this video, I’ve just discovered your channel. I’m an Architectural Technician that has hovered under the VAT threshold for a few years. I’m struggling to decide if I should go over the threshold or try and work a 4 day week (won’t happen) Assuming demand remains high, I suspect inflation will push me over the edge and I’ll end up working more hours than are good for me. I also publish fixed fees online and clients appreciate it. I often lose out if I have projects with complex design requirements, your flexible approach is better. I was going to remove my fee schedule and replace it with a samples of projects and indicative prices but you’ve made me think twice. Thanks

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

I’m glad you found this useful, best of luck to you.

[@keithhogg7228]

Chartered architectural technologist & building surveyor here - I like your approach & content - cheers :)

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Thank you !

[@_dan_here_]

Nope. Our architects have given us a fixed price and we keep going with the drawings until they are correct. 6th re-design now and we have nailed it. Although, they missed out some fundamental requirements in the first 4 drawings. How do you manage re-designs because your first designs were not what they asked for? You can't charge for a re-design if your first design was off brief?

[@daniel-1998]

Great video. Thanks

[@569CJC]

Great video, everything you said was clear and concise, and made perfect sense. I think considering you're doing a lot of talking, I'd recommend getting a microphone to make it easier to hear your voice. Thanks for the content!

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Thanks, I increased the recording volume on my camera since making this video. I think that solved the problem

[@paulbanks8583]

Good video well presented 👍 I'm chartered Building surveyor if I had a quid for every time I get asked how much is it going to cost I reckon I could retire 😁 I fully agree with giving a clear fixed costing over a percentage fee. Its much better for all concerned the client knows what they are paying for and you know what you're income is likely to be. Keep the videos coming. Paul

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Thank you

[@TechOne7671]

Interesting, fair play to you.

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Thank you

[@a.j.b.8658]

Newly subbed 👍 I like your style 💕

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Thank you!

[@ABB-bw6tc]

I like the drawings very much

[@annaw7437]

Such a fair and logical approach!

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Thank you

[@annaw7437]

@@RealLifeArchitecture I have a question! Sorry, I couldn't join your last live. If you had £330k mortgage. Would you buy a small piece of land +build a small basic/modest 2bed house, or would you buy a £250 derelict bungalow and try to refurb/modernise it? Also do u pay stamp duty for a build or only when u purchase a ready house? Thank you x

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

@@annaw7437 thank you for your questions but I don’t think I am qualified to answer. You need a financial advisor / accountant to advise on those issues.

[@annaw7437]

@@RealLifeArchitecture ok thank you. I was thinking more generally, like what is more expensive these days - Building from scratch or renovating. But I do realise than the most accurate answer would be "it depends". Was just fishing for your perspective :)

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

@@annaw7437 building on a green field site has the potential to be cheaper per square meter, compared to renovating. But this depends. If the site is remote or steeply sloping or has poor ground conditions the costs will go up. A lot.

[@mad_archviz6478]

Not sure where my comment went regarding how to stay organized, but that would be great! And yes, I am an Architect but have always worked for a company until recently.

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Are you in the UK?

[@mad_archviz6478]

@@RealLifeArchitecture Yes I am

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

@@mad_archviz6478 if you haven’t already done so, check out the Real Life Architect forum Join the Real Life Architect Online Forum kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn6Waqmql8hsZqM

[@vitalijsmihejevs5518]

Really good thank you for sharing this. I believe you are reasonably priced. I do like your approach. Would you share how you deal with refusals? How customers react, do they blame your for refusal?

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

If you mean planning applications, these seldom get refused. It’s more usual to have to change the design somewhat than get an outright refusal. The planners will usually alert me if the expect to refuse an application. In that case the client can choose to withdraw the application and re-apply. If the don’t, the application will be refused but then the client has the right to appeal. They can’t appeal if the application is withdrawn

[@vitalijsmihejevs5518]

@@RealLifeArchitecture thank you for reply!

[@E_Clip]

Very interesting info, thanks for that. Even though Im not an architect, I do work with them to do Archviz (mainly USA clients). So my questions is not relevant to the topic at hand, but I'd like to have your opinion. My question is about Architectural 3D renderings since that's what I do. Im curious how are those priced in the UK and do architects like yourself do them for most projects, do you do them yourself or perhaps hire 3D Artists?

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

I use Sketchup and do it myself. Only some projects get 3D visuals, usually if the design is complex and requires explanation.

[@E_Clip]

@@RealLifeArchitecture Right, that makes sense, thank you. So in what range are 3D renderings priced at over there? Lets say 1-2 renderings of a new house' exterior and 3-4 interior renderings. If a client were to ask to provide those in photo real quality, how much would you charge extra for that, if any?

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

@@E_Clip I have no idea how much a specialist might charge, I would charge by the hour for 3D work. I’ve never done photo realistic images and if a client wanted them I would use someone on Fiverr

[@E_Clip]

@@RealLifeArchitecture Thank you!

[@dom_h]

Would you suggest looking for a builder or architect first? It seems both sides often have recommendations for the other.

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Architect first. Always.

[@martymountebank5995]

Do your fees include for the structural engineer? Do you work with a. QS for the financial aspects such as 5he final account?

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

No, on both counts. The engineers fees are separate, paid direct to the engineer by the client. I would work with a QS if any were interested in the kind of work I do but most seem to only take on jobs with budgets far above where I’m at

[@RogerRoving]

For what it’s worth, I reckon that your fees are very reasonable.

[@Hamishmcbeth]

Really interesting video, thanks for posting. Out of interest, why do you only do a handful of projects per year (approx. 6 I think you said?) ? Is it the vat threshold? Work life balance? Quality over quantity? Or all of the above?!

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

It’s because that’s as much as I can handle. These jobs are very detailed and complex, they swallow a lot of time

[@macmaniac3080]

Can’t be more open and honest that this…

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

👍

[@bogstandardash3751]

I find your approach fascinating. Though this is my anonymous KZbin account, I handle lower key residential extensions as a qualified technician. I do find selling the value of good design a harder proposition as a lot of the enquiries I get are box at the back types, or pd lofts. Competition seems fierce in the south of England and the 4k a square metre that the builders want is squaring a lot of work away frankly. I do look after the bregs (English equivalent of a warrant) for a more salubrious firm, but the jump to fancier and more design influenced projects keeps getting away from me. I charge half what you do, but even the I find that a good amount of client are happy to go with the bargain basement guy for the sake of 500 quid. Though Ive recently gotten very good at archicad, I intend to use it to demonstrate the difference and value of what I provide over the local competition. Should also be useful for the creation of prompt feasibility studies.

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

I tried Archicad about 8 years back. I had used it as a student and was worried about falling behind. It was too slow for the type of project I work on. 2D CAD is quicker, for me. Regarding fees, keep in mind that I’ve been doing this for almost 14 years and have built a reputation for high quality projects. I know I’m expensive but it’s supply and demand. As long as people demand the type of project I provide, and relatively few local Architects offer the same, I can charge healthy fees.

[@bogstandardash3751]

@@RealLifeArchitecture absolutely and more power to you. I wasn't critical of your fee structure, just casting an envious eye. With regards to Archicad, it's best to creat a good template and set of standard details. Once you get good it's really useful for coordinating the structural package and the stored wall/floor/roof types let you create sections quickly. Essentially it cleans up lots of dreary drafting processes. I love the schedule automation for things like windows and beams. I'm sure you'll be fine sticking with 2d however, I still get bregs enquiries from people how want me to work with the previous chap's hand drawn plans.

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

@@bogstandardash3751 I get hand drawing from clients previous architects. At least one every year

[@leonroscoe2864]

Hey mate, I'm just finishing my first year in Architecture and I was wondering if you wouldnt mind answering a few questions for me? I really like your videos and theyve been helping me out nicely! Did you make your own firm as soon as you became registered, or did you do another pathway? If so what was it, I'm incredibly interested as what you do seems to be what I want to do! (ie, own firm and take on designs as I wish). If you don't mind me asking, what kind of costs do you have to pay in running your own firm, and how much do you end up taking home? Thank you!

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

DM me and let’s talk

[@leonroscoe2864]

@@RealLifeArchitecture Woah thanks for the reply! How do I DM sorry?

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

@@leonroscoe2864 try insta or TikTok Real Life Architecture

[@zororat]

Is 10-15k a good estimate for fees for an average sized new build?

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

There are several problems with this question; 1. I can’t comment on the business practices of other UK architects. 2. Fees tend to be dependant on how many stages the Architect will be involved with. Look up RIBA plan of work. The more stages, the higher the fee. 3. The best benchmark is to base the fee against the estimated construction cost. Check out www.ribabooks.com/The-Fees-Bureau

[@bobulatorul]

Did I hear right that the total cost of this EXTENSION was £400k? If yes, that’s total madness! Absolute utter madness that an extension of that size would cost this much! These prices make absolutely no sense whatsoever if true! It costs £500/£600k to build an actual house that is like 10x bigger than that extension. How can an extension cost this much please explain to me!

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

This was a high end project, and it involved adapting an existing structure. It would cost £300k - £400k today. See this video for a full explanation vm.tiktok.com/ZGeMYTo5y/

[@ABB-bw6tc]

I am agog about the salary comparison to a teacher vs an architect

[@cindygirlification]

I believe architects need to get their hands dirty working with the trades. Understand the skills that turn the materials into the planned building.

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

I totally agree

[@John-boy70138]

Yes VAT is a killer!

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

True