Know the Value of your Money

by | Aug 20, 2022 | 5 Things you need to know

Learn where spending up-front can save in the long run

Architects Are Not Expensive, They Are Essential

An architect’s fees are an investment in your project and should not be seen as an unnecessary expense. A good architect will manage your project from start to finish, ensuring a smooth process through design, council applications and construction – not engaging one will cost you more in the long run. The Architects fees represent a small percentage of the overall project cost, and an even smaller percentage of the overall value of your project. Did you know that real estate fees are usually more than an Architects?

Cost, Time and Quality

Cost – fully documented and specified design minimises the number of potential cost variances. More documents = less guesswork from the builder. Paying more up-front saves money in the end. (We have seen many examples of projects where cheap fees resulted in a more expensive build).

Time – time is money. An experienced Architect knows what needs to be done when, knows how to negotiate the red tape & bureaucracy and can administer the building contract, saving significant time (and therefore money). They are an essential team member.

Quality – The architect not only documents and details your project, they will be the ones to make sure that it is built to the highest level of quality and that no shortcuts are taken by builders and trades.

What You Can Expect to Pay

Most architects will calculate fees on the basis of construction cost, some as a percentage, others as a fixed fee. Although this may initially seem like a large amount, the work that is required for your project is significant. Architecture is a labour and time intensive process and your architect carries significant legal and technical responsibility and liability. They are expected to know everything about everything and carry your project from start to finish.

- Peter Couvaras
Peter started the Couvaras Architects from the dining table in 2005, and has built a reputation for delivering buildings that not only function well, but deliver an element of delight. He is responsible for client engagement and managing the team.

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