Have spoken to a number of architects over the last few days about an extension and I am amazed at the variation in the fees they charge. Two were quoting 12% plus Vat, another 9% & Vat to two who where a fixed one charging cost 1950 (incl Vat) for plans, submissions, specifications and then 2100 for suprevised certification of completion incl. site visits and the other 2000 (incl Vat) for plans etc and then 150 a site visit and 350 for cert of compliance.
Not being that well informed about the pro's/cons of each, for a large residential extension - conversion of garage and build over and two story rear extension, should we go for the safer offer of the % as they maybe providing more services i.e in terms of tendering/build specifications or have people gone with fixed price architect's and if so what did they not cover, what areas to be wary of and what services should you expect from them.
What I dont want is someone to do the drawings, planning etc. and then have to find an engineer to provide build specifications to a builder, but can't see how it justifies a % of build cost, surely the work for this extension is fairly independent on what we pay for it which probably is a factor of fittings, cost of kitchen etc.
Any views ?
p.s. it is a 1950's house which also needs some modernisation (Electrics, Replace the Central Heating/Rads, Dry lining, surface cracks, attic insulation etc.)
Not being that well informed about the pro's/cons of each, for a large residential extension - conversion of garage and build over and two story rear extension, should we go for the safer offer of the % as they maybe providing more services i.e in terms of tendering/build specifications or have people gone with fixed price architect's and if so what did they not cover, what areas to be wary of and what services should you expect from them.
What I dont want is someone to do the drawings, planning etc. and then have to find an engineer to provide build specifications to a builder, but can't see how it justifies a % of build cost, surely the work for this extension is fairly independent on what we pay for it which probably is a factor of fittings, cost of kitchen etc.
Any views ?
p.s. it is a 1950's house which also needs some modernisation (Electrics, Replace the Central Heating/Rads, Dry lining, surface cracks, attic insulation etc.)