How do I determine my fees and compensation?
Glad you asked!
I can’t pluck numbers out the air. We need to get to know one another, and I need to fully understand what you want and where we will be building before I can even start working on a proposal. The following steps one and two are required before I can prepare a proposal for full architectural services.
ONE: Initial Consulting Session –
The initial consulting session is the first step in the process for all projects: architectural, ADU, and legalizations. During this meeting you get my undivided attention for up to 75 minutes. We will discuss your project in general terms, including likely schedule and construction costs. For architectural work and ADUs, I will come up with 1 or 2 potential solutions that address your needs. I will not try to sell you my services, but rather answer your questions and provide useful information.
For our initial meeting, I require a fixed fee of $795 for a virtual session or $1095 for an on-site, in-person session. The Permit Problem Assessment sessions, which require more preparation time cost more, $995 for a virtual session or $1295 for an in-person, on-site session. The fee is payable upon booking the meeting. You can book your first appointment here on this website.
The next step depends on the nature of your project. If it is to build a new home, or remodel or add on to an existing home, the next step applies. If it is to add an ADU to your property, or to solve a legalization problem, we move on to step THREE.
TWO: Reality Check feasibility study –
The Reality Check is the second step in the project process. It is a stand alone service during which we define the problem to be solved and establish the budget and the schedule for the project. We also research the Planning and Building Code issues that will affect your project. The preparation of the Needs + Options Review is a flat $2495. See the Reality Check page for more information.
Once we have completed the steps above, if you want to move forward, I will prepare a proposal for full architectural services. I find that by completing the process above, you have a better understanding of your goals and what is possible, and I have have a better understanding of both your needs and goals which allows me to prepare a more accurate proposal.
THREE: Full Service Proposal –
For Full Service architectural services, I use a combination of compensation amounts:
- time and expense based on my standard billing rates, or
- fixed amounts for specific discrete, limited activities
I think it is best to know what I am committing to before I commit myself. That is why I require that we proceed with a REALITY CHECK, for complex projects or the ADU Readiness Review or the Permit Problem Assessment before preparing a proposal. These services will outline not only what you want to achieve, but what the challenges and limitations will be, as well as describing a way forward. After we complete the Reality Check or consulting services, I will prepare a proposal for my services to complete the project.
The proposal will either a time + expense proposal, or a stipulated flat fee. If it is a flat fee, I will offer you three options to choose from. My services will be bundled into a Basic Service Package, a Standard Service Package, and a Premier Service Package. The cost of each package will be based on the services provided as well as the size and complexity of the project as well as the location.
The services included in each of the Service Packages can be seen below.
Each of the service packages will be a flat fee proposal that includes the cost of travel, postage, and required printing. There are exceptions and limits, which are spelled out in my proposal.
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