What affects the cost of building design?
Building design fees depend on your site, the complexity of the proposal and how much documentation you need. A useful quote starts with a clear scope, so you can see what you are paying for and which other project costs to allow for.
Compare the work included in each quote
A concept design and a full set of construction drawings serve different purposes. Before comparing fees, check whether each proposal covers the same stages and deliverables. Ask how design revisions are handled, when payments fall due and what happens if the brief changes.
Haven's design process includes pre-design work, concept design and construction drawings. The scope for your project should explain which of these stages you are engaging Scott to complete.
Why one project can need more design work
A difficult site, changes in floor level or an existing building with limited documentation can affect the amount of investigation and drawing work. A tightly defined brief may also be easier to develop than one that changes substantially after the concept stage.
For a renovation, tell your designer what is known about the existing house and what still needs checking. For a new home, a site survey and clear priorities help establish the starting point.
Allow for costs outside the design fee
Ask about survey work, engineering, energy assessment and certification, as well as any application fees relevant to your proposal. Some services may be arranged separately. A written list of inclusions and exclusions helps prevent assumptions about who is doing what.
Your construction budget is a separate figure. Discuss it early, and ask when builder or cost advice would be useful before the design becomes more detailed.
Prepare a brief that gets a useful response
- Identify the property and whether the work is a new home, renovation or extension.
- Describe the result you want and your most important requirements.
- Share the site information and existing drawings you already have.
- Give an approximate construction budget and explain your timing.
You do not need all the answers before you contact Scott. If you have not chosen a design professional yet, read building designer, architect or draftsperson to understand what to check.
Design fee questions
How much does a building designer cost on the Sunshine Coast?
The fee depends on the site, the complexity of the design and the documentation included. Ask for a written scope and project-specific fee proposal. A concept-only quote and a quote including construction drawings cover different amounts of work.
What should I send when asking for a design quote?
Send your site address, a description of the work, any existing plans or survey, your approximate construction budget and intended timeframe. Explain whether you need a concept, construction drawings or help through several design stages.
Does a design fee cover the whole cost of getting ready to build?
Do not assume it does. Ask which costs are included and which are separate, such as surveys, engineering, energy assessment, certification and application fees. The services required depend on your project.
Talk to Scott about your home
Share your suburb, what you want to build or change, and where you are in the planning process.