Devon Architectural Design, Fees and Invoicing.

At Woods Design Services Exeter there are two usual methods of invoicing for fees - according to the work stages, or monthly.

For most architectural design projects it is more sensible to invoice when each stage is reached, as the work will not progress smoothly or predictably, unless it is a very large job taking up our whole time where fees will inevitably need to be charged on a monthly basis. There are inevitable pauses, e.g. while awaiting statutory approvals or between tender acceptance and start on site.

The total fee (see Guide to Fee Levels) shall be split on an equitable basis as follows:

• £25.60 per sq.m for work stages A-C

• £12.80 per sq.m for work stage D

• £6.40 per sq.m for work stage E

• £9.60 per sq.m for work stage F

• £9.60 per sq.m for work stage G
  

However this may sound complex for a small project - an easy way to summarise is - 40% (£25.60 per sq.m) to Planning Application, 20% (£12.80 per sq.m) to Building Regulations approval (usually enough information for a builder to construct a small domestic project) and 30% (£25.60 per sq.m) for administering the building contract (if required).

Guide to Fee Levels:

For simplicity, there is one scale of fees for work to existing buildings and new work.

As a general guide we charge an overall fee of 8% based on an average build cost of £800.00 per sq. m.

Therefore, a small extension of say 3.00 sq. m. x 5.00 sq. m. would cost £384.00 plus VAT for Planning Application and £192.00 plus VAT for Building Control Application.

Additional Costs and Information : 

It is essential that you are made fully aware of additional costs that may be associated with this proposal.

• VAT is applied to our fees.

• We pass on our out of pocket expenses at cost price, covering for example: printing, photocopying, postage, travel if appropriate, photography etc.

• Payment is required within 5 working days. Payment cannot be conditional upon planning approval being granted.

• Further amendments, site visits and correspondence following the First or Second amendments.

• Additional A1 copies of the plans may be provided at a cost of £2.80 plus VAT per copy.

• Purchase of Ordnance Survey Location Plans to accompany the Building Regulations Application. Cost £17.83 plus VAT for 4 A4 copies payable to the Local Authority Building Control Department.

• Planning Application Fee (in accordance with LA scale of charges), payable to the Local Authority Planning Department with application. (VAT not applicable).

• Building Regulations Application Plan Fee (in accordance with LA scale of charges and payable with the application to the Local Authority Building Control Department). (VAT applicable).

• Building Regulations Inspection fee (in accordance with LA scale of charges and payable following the first inspection visit by the LA Building Inspector direct to the Local Authority Building Control Department). (VAT applicable).

• Services of a Structural Engineer or Quantity Surveyor (If required). To be charged at cost price. Exact fee to be confirmed by Structural Engineer prior to proceeding with any works.