Understanding The Cost Of An Architect In Charlotte, NC

If you plan to build a home, a budget will be a huge part of your planning.

You want the best house you can build with the money you have available. Understanding the cost of an architect plays a role in developing that ideal project.

We can’t give you exact numbers on the fees other local architects may charge, but we do know the price ranges you’ll encounter. 

What’s more, we provide insights into the fee structure that might suit you best and why an architect should be the last budget item you skimp on.

Below, we'll explore the factors that contribute to the cost of an architect in Charlotte, NC, and unpack how architectural fees impact the total construction cost of a project. In this blog post, you'll find:

• Architect fee structures explained
• A cost range for different types of projects
• The advantages of working with an architect
  

Architects calculate their fees in different ways. This is commonly referred to as the architect's fee structure.

Architects may charge a percentage of the construction costs, a fixed rate, or an hourly rate.



Percentage-based fees

Some architects base their fees on a percentage of the overall construction costs. These are especially popular in new-build projects. 

Charlotte architects usually charge between 8%-15% of the total costs, but percentages could be higher if the project is complicated.

It's also common for architects to base their percentage on the price per square foot of the project. That means that if the scope of your project grows, so will your architect fees. 

But if you stay within the original scope, your costs will likely contain no unpleasant surprises.

If you add more space, the architect fees will increase, so you can control your budget and prevent unexpected increases.



Fixed-rate fees

Architects may choose to charge a fixed rate for a project. This flat rate would include any architectural services necessary, from foundation plans to design revisions. 

This is an attractive fee structure for homeowners, as it won’t result in any additional costs regardless of the challenges an architect may unearth during the project. No matter what arises, the fixed fee is agreed upon and signed into contract.

Architects will typically only use this fee structure for uncomplicated projects that are unlikely to have surprises and changes.

Hourly-rate fees

Some architects may prefer to work hourly, charging a flat rate for each hour the client engages their services. 



It's a great way for budget-conscious clients to manage their architect cost, but it does come with a warning label. If the project takes unexpected turns and more architect hours are required, that line item may drive up the overall project costs.

Builder/developer key takeaway: When working with builders, architects often quote jobs at a percentage of the overall construction costs or a price per square foot fee. Builders should estimate architect fees at between 8% and 15% of the overall project cost. The percentages may be higher for extensive projects or those which include additional complexities.

Homeowner key takeaway: Hourly rates can help homeowners save money on small projects like one-room renovations. Agreeing on a fixed rate for new residential projects or a multi-room overhaul may be wise.

Architect Fees Vs Construction Costs

It’s important to understand that architect fees are not part of the materials, labor, or other costs of constructing your home. Though the fee structure may be a percentage of the construction costs, architect fees do not cover any costs like labor or materials.

However, one of the benefits of working with an architect is our ability to help lower construction costs. 



We specialize in finding affordable alternative materials for your budget and connecting you with reliable contractors to ensure your project stays on schedule.

Advantages Of Working With An Architect

Though working with an architect is an additional construction cost, it's often vital. An architect brings these unique advantages to your project:

• Creative solutions: If your home presents problems you don't feel equipped to solve, an architect is the right choice for your project. They'll recommend ideas you hadn't considered, designs you couldn't have dreamed of. And they'll see opportunities to add design-elevating touches like extra storage in places you wouldn't have thought possible.

• Informed advice: Local architects have been in the trenches of building in the Charlotte, NC, area. So they know the challenges each project might face and, importantly, which department at the code enforcement office to speak to if something goes awry with project planning or administration.

• A gentle nudge: If you feel unsure about making design choices or like a sounding board for your design ideas, an architect is a brilliant resource. They offer a powerful combination of design training and practical knowledge that ensures your ideas are feasible, beautiful, and within budget.

• Professional relationships: Architects know every builder in the area—the good, the bad, and the ugly. So when you work with an architect, you enjoy the benefits of those professional connections, like peace of mind knowing your contractors are committed to delivering quality work on time and on budget.

Sometimes, it's required: In certain circumstances, your local authorities will require that an architect consult on your building project. For projects of exceptional size or complexity, projects in areas of natural beauty, or in areas with strict neighborhood regulations, engaging an architect may be compulsory.

The Number One Reason to Not Skimp on an Architect

Hiring a good architect will help save you money on the actual construction of your project. 

The cost of an architect will be a fraction of the total cost of construction. Is it wise to skimp on a smaller budget item for your construction or renovation project, even if it might end up causing you to spend more on the larger budget items?

We can suggest cost-effective design alternatives while ensuring they still look and function well.

And a good architect will help make sure that there are no problems that come up during the building process. 

During the design process, a great architect will make sure that all the components of your design fit together in a way that makes sense. 

We can also be around to help with construction administration and make sure that the builders are following the construction drawings. 

This bridge between concept development and actual construction will help ensure that no expensive mistakes are made.