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Latest News AccuRATE V1.1.3.0 The latest version of 2nd Gen BTP Assessment tools has been released. DoP agree to a new Pilot to commence early February 2007. BASIX (DIY) Review ABSA instrumental in securing DoP DIY Sustainability Tool - DoP Review...not independent but a starting point Visit the ABSA Site for further details. DIY found to lower the standard of Residential Building BTP in NSW - varies between 200% to 400% below Simulation Method when compared with NatHERS and far more variation expected to AccuRATE.
| What do Architects Charge?Architects will usually negotiate individually with you to a set level of fees based on the services you require for your project. It is best that this happens as early as possible so as to make sure that everybody understands their obligations and the scope of service which you require. The basis of the fee can vary and is dependent on the type and complexity of the your project. The fee may be agreed based on a percentage of the building cost of your project, on an hourly rate if the project extent is not clear or simply agreed as a fixed fee if all the project details are known. Flexibility exists enabling you and your Architect to settle on a fee structure that fits your individual circumstances. An Architect will usually request you to sign a Client/Architect Fee Agreement which spells out the rights and obligations of both parties as far as project extent, service extent, the fees applicable for payment and the timing for payments. This agreement will also include details for the resolution of any disputes which might arise between you and your Architect. This is necessary because there can be misunderstandings between even the closest of friends and unless there is a method for resolution of matters which concern you there is the likelihood that the dispute will end in costly litigation. That is the last thing that either you or your Architect want to have happen. There will be more information about Fees later. Service ScopeNormally on small projects such as individual houses and simpler projects there are four broad stages of the service provided by an Architect:
Your Architect will discuss the extent of your project with you and together you will determine what the project will contain, and what level of detail you want for your project. This will minimise your worry and ensure that your project will turn out the way that you want it to and pictured it. Schematic StageWith your architect you will determine and solve whether you should build up or spread out, whether you build down a slope, where the cars and pedestrians enter - with the help of your architect you will improve your original concepts.In other words an individual solution for your building problems tailored just for your site and your building needs. Together with your architect you will consider such things as:
An architect can save you literally thousands of dollars by efficient and effective space design as a result of the detailed information your architect discusses and agrees with you for your project. Your architect will have a working knowledge of the local authorities regulations as they relate your project and your architect will advise you of any restrictions in discussing your project requirements. Design DevelopmentThis is the stage where your architect will develop many of the concepts raised with in the Schematic Stage. Your architect can assist you with selecting from a range of materials for the exterior which might be suited to your design he can outline the merits of each and provide you with a comparison of the likely cost of each. With your architect you will discuss in detail items such as heating and cooling and the efficient use of energy and these as well as other items such as walls, floors, ceilings systems will be incorporated into your project. Cost saving can and usually are made as a result of material selection at this stage. Your architect constantly receives information from trade suppliers about new products and equipment coming onto the building market and as a result your architect can provide impartial information about the variety assisting you to make a more informed judgment about what might best suit your project needs. No architect has an association with a supplier and no architect is likely to take a commission for recommending a particular item over another. This may not be the case with other design consultants or building companies. Contract DocumentationBy this stage you are more than likely satisfied with your projects design, budget and you have decided to proceed with your building project. The Contract Documentation stage is a major part of your Architects work on your building project. This where he prepares:
Also your architect liaises with Council and other authorities about technical matters as they relate and need to be satisfied for your building project. Contract Documentation is the term used to describe drawings and other instructions needed to make sure that your building project is built to your requirements and to a standard expected by your local building authorities. Working Drawings Working drawings are technical documents which show such things as set-out dimensions, boundary set back dimensions, materials, levels, wall heights, internal bathroom, kitchen and laundry arrangements, beam sizes, window and door sizes and locations as well these documents will need to be coordinated with:
Your architect will ensure that all the detail matters discussed with about your project are included in these working drawings. The benefits to you are:
The specification included with the contract documents is written technical document which sets out the materials to be used and the standard of workmanship required of each trade involved in a building project. The specification sets out the various stages of the building process and special conditions required which may be peculiar to your particular building project and generally the tasks to be carried out by each tradesperson. Typical trade headings might be:
The specification is more specific about what is required for your project and as a consequence your Architect establishes the standards (usually high) that the builder is to follow from the start. The specification together with the contract drawings and other documents form the Contract Documents 'bundle'. Contract AdministrationYour architect and you have agreed about the details of your building project and your architect has completed the building technical documents, lodged and received your development and building applications from the local authorities. The next step is to find the contractor who is going to build your project. Tendering Your architect probably has a few contractors in your area with who he has worked over the years - if your building project is a home then you may have the name of a contractor as well. Your architect will contact these contractors and supply them with the technical documents he/she has prepared to obtain their price to complete the construction of your building project. Once the successful contractor is selected - with the assistance of your architect - the most important phase of your building project can start. But first your architect will assist you with the selection of and preparation of a contract to be completed between you and your chosen contractor. There are a number of contracts available to choose from - your architect will most probably advise you select one which is recognised by the RAIA as that type usually provides you with equal rights with your contractor and allows for your architect to act on your behalf with the contractor during the building work. This will ensure that a building expert is acting for and looking after your interests while the building work is being completed on site. Starting Construction Holes will be dug trenches will appear and your peace and quite will change - that is if you are building a renovation. If your not then your site will take the appearance of a war zone. Sheds will appear trucks will come and go people will be constantly moving digging materials arriving. Stay in contact with your Architect and builder through your Architect so you can be kept informed of the progress of building and what will happen along the way. Any decisions that have to be made - and there usually are some as things in the ground are not what they seem when viewed from the surface. There may be changes to footings necessary because something has got in the way or something has been found that was not supposed to be there. Your Architect will be visiting and monitoring progress on a regular basis that way he can establish if the builder is on time if he is including all the details - pipes, electrical conduits and drains and that they are in the right locations. It might and usually does rain - your architect will monitor any delays which rain has caused and verify claims for time extensions to which the builder might be entitled. Progress Claims As time goes on and there is progress on site your contractor will submit to the architect claims for payment for work completed. Your architect will assess the progress and advise you of payments which he is entitled to. As part of contracts where architects are involved a proportion of claims is withheld from the builder and placed into a joint account. This money is used to defray against defects which might become evident once the builder has completed his work and your architect has certified practical completeness of your building project. More on that latter. Variations Your architect has clearly defined in the completed contract documents what your building project is in great detail so there usually are no variations and as a consequence confusion. However, there can be some - typically while in the ground - and as a consequence of finding site soil conditions are not quite what was expected causing problems with loads footings are able to support your architect in conjunction with your consulting engineer will usually find solutions to any problems and minimise cost. Your architect will mediate with your Builder to reduce any friction and dispute that could arise. Of course if you happen to win the lottery and want to change things then you can - your architect will assist you and prepare any variation documents that may be required. Design and Construction - Of course if you have contracted with a design and construction company then there interest will naturally be to interpret the construction document's details in their favour (since they are one and the same person). Many people who build without an Architect find it difficult because of their inexperience to remain detached during negotiations between themselves and their builder and usually they find themselves distressed as a result. If you have not engaged an architect and are an inexperienced client then you will probably need to obtain some expert assistance in situations such as these. Your Architect has experience in dealing with such matters and will remain impartial advising you as well as your builder of your rights as they relate to variation claims. CompletionYour Architect protects your interests during the final stages of construction by issuing Notices.
At the issue of the Notice of Practical Completion your builder will no longer be liable nor responsible for Insurance of your project. With the issue of the Final Certificate the building project has been completed and your Architects services to you would have similarly been completed.
Fee StructureThe basis of the fee can vary depending on the type and complexity of your project. Fees may be worked out as a percentage of the total building cost, on an hourly rate, or simply as an agreed fixed sum. Fees for domestic work may range from 7.5% to 19% for a full service - all four items listed in the scope above. If you require only partial services (not all of the items listed) fees may be less than those stated. Fees for other larger projects can be discussed with your architect. We would be pleased to provide more information on fees for any particular project requirements you may have. Please contact us on +612 9894 7214 or email your details and project information to our office to obtain a detailed project fee proposal specifically tailored to your needs.
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