“How Much for a Drawing?” - And Other Silly Questions to Ask an Architect
- JI Infante
- Apr 20, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 9, 2023
“How much for a drawing?”
An architect may chuckle a little when he hears this question. Not because it’s funny but because he’s heard this so many times that he’s stopped getting all worked up about it.
No, it’s not offensive, either. It’s just that the question doesn’t have a straightforward answer.
What’s amusing, though, is the surprised look on the prospective client’s face when the architect actually starts to answer it. It’s almost as if they didn’t know that professionals charge that way for services.
Well, maybe they don’t and that’s totally fine until they say, “Really? But it’s just a drawing!”
Now, this is where the architect forces a straight face to keep the turbulence at bay. He keeps calm because he thrives on projects (with reasonable contracts) and doesn’t want to strain the relationship.
“So, what should we ask instead?”
Well, there’s nothing wrong with that question so you can still use that. However, there are a few things that you, as the project owner, should know to help you level off with your trusted designer, such as:
When you go to an architect for his services, or even just to inquire, these are the details that he would usually ask for. He might also need other information like the location and actual site conditions.
Other times, he may even ask to see the project site personally—practically anything that he might need to understand the scale of the project.
It’s important to note, though, that the items mentioned above aren’t the only factors that affect the final cost. Still, an architect or engineer can give you a price range, even without the specifics of your project, as long as the floor area has been identified.
So, be specific if you want a rough or detailed estimate when talking to your preferred designer.
“Do I have to pay for a detailed estimate?”
Yes, and the cost depends on the size and complexity of the project. The calculation usually involves the professional’s hourly rate and the number of hours it would take him to come up with a detailed estimate.
Although, some professionals would usually waive this fee if you agree to a package (i.e design-and-build package).
“I’m only here to inquire. Do I need to pay for a consultation?”
Yes, since consultation itself is a form of service, and is usually charged by the hour.
However, this usually applies to new clients only. So, if you’re a returning client, your succeeding consultations would most likely be waived by your favorite architect.
“How much for ‘for permit’ plans?”
To answer this question, we need a few more details:
The size and complexity of the project
Whether you need the architectural plans only or if you need the complete set (architectural, civil/structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire protection, and ECE plans)?
This may sound a bit overwhelming but that’s why you came to the architect in the first place, right? To help you break things down and tackle them one at a time.
The Size and Complexity of the Project
As a project owner, you should already have an idea of how the structure’s going to be used. For example, the ground floor is dedicated to retail spaces and the second floor is a dormitory.
You should also know the extent of your property and how much space will be for the building. Next in order is the remaining open area, whether it’ll be a garden or parking space.
From there, the architect should be able to come up with a ballpark figure for the construction cost. Then, he’ll get somewhere between 5 to 12 percent of that amount and call it the ‘professional fee’.
The Plans You Need
An architect most likely has allies from the other trades, which is why he’d ask if you want him to take care of the other plans as well. This is because the engineers would need to collaborate with the architect.
In other words, the architectural layout has to be in place first before the rest of the plans can take shape. So, unless you have access to a civil engineer, electrical engineer, and master plumber, you may want to consider delegating all these to the architect.
No, he’s NOT going to prepare and sign all the drawings because a specific plan can only be prepared and signed by a corresponding professional. What he’s going to do instead is call up his licensed professional friends, send them the base plan, and let them do their magic.
“Am I getting my money’s worth?”
To help you visualize where your money goes, here’s a typical list of ‘for permit’ requirements that a licensed professional can help secure for you:
Filled up, signed, and sealed permit forms (5 to 7 sets, depending on your local government)
Bill of materials
Signed and sealed plans (5 to 7 sets, depending on your local government)
Architectural
Civil/Structural
Electrical
Plumbing
Mechanical (for AC systems, generator set, etc)
Fire protection (if required)
ECE (if required)
Specifications (5 to 7 sets, depending on your local government)
Again, depending on the size and complexity of the project, each set of plans can be typically between 2 to 10 pages (sometimes more). So, printing costs alone may amount to a few thousand pesos.
Not to mention the professional fees of the engineers for their design, as well as the 15-year liability on your project that come with the seal and signature.
If you’ve been through the hassle of coming to each engineer one by one for the different sets of plans, then you’ll understand that professional fees are just about the right amount.
And don’t worry about being overcharged. Decent professionals follow a tariff, meaning these fees are standardized at a national level, in addition to the code of ethics.
The Takeaway
The truth is, these questions aren’t silly at all. In fact, we welcome any inquiries about design and construction that may be bothering you, as long as you ask nicely.
Besides helping build dream homes and commercial spaces, we believe we must educate clients within our expertise and hopefully give inspiration, too.
Do you have a question to ask an architect or engineer? Leave us a message and we’ll answer as best as we can.
Comments