Problem with Architects Fees

deerpark

Hi, is it normal to have an architect full fee, say 8 percent applied to all aspects of a build including provisional sums of kitchen and sanitary ware? From our perspective pre build we feel the architect has lead us up a path of thinking of a certain cost per square meter including estimated PC sums. Now, following finalising of build and PC sums the cost / sq M has rocketed above expectations. We are trying to remove some but not all of the PC sums from the architects fees saying eg we will manage the kitchen install. He is not budging.

We have a contract. It is a one pager. It is ambiguous on PC sums. Furthermore, he had no input into selecting any of the PC sum based items including kitchen, tiling, sanitaryware - we have gone off and done all of that ourselves in our own time. The bones of it looks like the text below and includes fees on a sliding scale.

Help and advice appreciated on how to manage this situation.

ARCHITECTURAL FEES FOR DOMESTIC PROJECTS.

JANUARY 2013

Architects’ Professional Fees are based on the Construction Cost of a project, and on
the basis that a Normal Service is provided. For New-Build Works, costs of
construction are currently approx. €1200 to €1500 per sq. metre, and for extensions
costs can vary from €1400 to €2300 per sq. metre, depending on the amount of work
to be done to the original structure. In the normal course of a project, competitive
tenders are sought from a number of Building Contractors, and the Fees can then be
adjusted accordingly. Initially, however, Fees are based on an Estimate of Building
Cost, generally in line with the range of costs indicated above.

THE NORMAL SERVICE.

The Normal Service on a Domestic Project is taken to include the following;
1. Meeting with client, and taking instructions/ agreeing the brief.
2. Preparation of Sketch Design Proposals.
3. Discussion with client, further development of the design.
4. Making developed design drawings, agreeing these with client.
5. Making of one Planning Application.
6. Taking further clients’ instructions, preparation of Detailed Design
Drawings and Specifications.
7. Agreement on suitable Building Tenderers.
8. Obtaining of alternative Tenders.
9. Advice in relation to entering into a Building Contract.
10. Preparation of Contract Documents.
11. Making Inspections of Building Works as work proceeds.
12. Issuing of Progress Payment Certificates under the terms of the Contract.
13. Advice in relation to Variations to the costs under the Contract.
14. Detailed advice in relation to Snags/ Completion Items.
15. Issuing Architects’ Opinion on Compliance with Planning Permission on
completion of works.

dubrov

In fairness it sounds like you agreed to a fee of 8% of the total build cost of the project and that is what the architect is entitled to. Architects aren't great at estimating costs and that is not their skillset anyway (see Quantity Surveyor role).

PC sums are just an initial estimate and the actual final costs will be different.
If the associated items are part of the build cost then I would expect them to be included in the fee.

You could always change architect but it sounds like you are about to enter the construction stage.
The RIAI suggest the following cost breakdown:
Initial Design (25%)
Developed Design (30%)
Detail Design (25%)
Construction (20%)

So you might only save about 20% and it could be difficult to find someone else to take over the work.

Of course, negotiation is always possible