Every architect does things a little bit differently when it comes to compensation. At our Long Beach architecture firm, we typically charge our clients by the project, meaning, we give them an upfront price for the total cost of their project. However, there are certain projects for which we may choose to charge an hourly rate, such as for consulting services. Whichever method we use, we do our best to communicate clearly from the beginning about the price.
Most of our clients prefer to be charged a flat fee, so they are able to budget for the design portion of the project. That being said, even if we do choose to charge an hourly rate, we do our best to give our clients an estimate of how many hours we expect the project to take, so they can also budget accordingly. If, during the course of the project, we determine that it will take longer than originally expected, we will be sure to communicate that to the client. We know no one likes surprises on their final bill. Good communication is key here.
When we charge a flat fee, the price we give the client upfront will be the final price, unless the client wants to change the scope of the work on their end after the contract is signed. It also may happen that a client will want to make substantial changes after their plans have already gone through the approval process with the city. In these types of situations, we will always inform the client what additional charges will be incurred if they want us to proceed with the work.
At Grisafe Architecture, our compensation rates are competitive with other Long Beach architects. However, we believe the level of service and the experience we provide exceeds what other architects typically deliver. We see ourselves as true advocates for our clients, always looking out for their best interests.
Although hiring an architect (or any type of professional, really) is not inexpensive, the cost is well worth it when you consider the fact that an architect can help you avoid costly mistakes, and can also keep a project from dragging on longer than it needs to. If you are on a tight budget for your Long Beach home improvement project, tenant improvement project, or ground-up build, choosing to do it without an architect is not recommended. A good architect can help in many ways other than just by providing you with architectural drawings. He or she can help you navigate the permitting process, connect you with other trusted professionals, and help manage the building process. They may even be able to make cost-saving suggestions that will help offset the cost of their services.
If you have any questions about the cost of the architectural services at Grisafe Architecture, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to set up a consultation with you to discuss your project in order to provide you with an estimate.
