Logo McCaren Design
26 Lockyer Street
Plymouth
PL1 2QW
Tel: 01752 209 417
Fax: 01752 301 667
Email: mail@mccarendesign.co.uk
Fees
 
Stage A & B
 
Stage C
 
Stage D
 
Stage E
 
Stages F & G
 
Stage H
 
Stages J & K
 
Stage L
 
Stage M
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FEES & STAGES
Architect's fees are related to the size and function of a building (commercial / residential / warehouse) and are usually based on a percentage of the final construction cost for a project. Dependent on the size and nature of the project, this percentage can range from 7 to 18%. McCaren Design will assess each potential project and decide on the correct fee percentage to charge based on the RIBA’s indicative fee scales, we are happy to supply full details of these scales on request.

In the initial stages of a project it is often impossible to estimate the construction cost since this does not become clear until the design has been developed to a detailed level. Therefore McCaren Design usually charge an agreed lump sum figure for the preliminary stages of a project. Once the client is happy with our design proposal we are then able to determine a budget estimate for the construction costs, and will charge a percentage based fee from this point onwards.

On some projects it may be more suitable to charge an hourly rate for our services, (for example, if we are employed purely to produce 3D visuals).

In addition we charge for all reasonable expenses and disbursements. VAT is payable on all our invoices.
Click here to download our Schedule of Expenses
and here to download our Terms and Conditions.

 

PROJECT STAGES – SERVICES
Most architects work to a standard template of project stages defined by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). For guidance, a brief explanation of each stage is given below. McCaren Design will tailor their service to meet your needs whether this is on a partial service basis (eg. producing drawings for a planning application – Stage A – D only) or a full service basis (managing the contract and seeing the project through to completion – Stage A - L). The service we provide at each stage is as follows:

Stage A-B  Prospect / Speculative (Pre-Appointment & Appointment)
We provide a free consultation to assess the clients’ requirements, this is usually a visit to the site or property in question. This consultation is followed up with a letter confirming our understanding of the project, an estimate in broad terms of the cost and timescale of the project, and details of our fee.

Stage C  Outline Proposals (Feasibility Study)
If appointed we begin by preparing ‘as existing’ drawings based upon a dimensional and topographic survey of the property, the adjoining site and the Highways.   Using the survey drawings as the basis, we design a number of sketch schemes to investigate the feasibility of the proposals.  These are then presented for consideration and comment.

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Stage D  Scheme Design (Planning Application)
Assuming that one, or a combination of a number of the outline proposals are acceptable, a scheme design will then be drawn up for final approval. At this stage we also prepare a brief specification identifying the main items of materials and workmanship to be included in the final design.

Once the final design has been approved, it is usually necessary to submit the proposals for Planning Permission. The required consultation period for Planning Applications is normally eight weeks, during which time the local authority will publicise details of the project for public comment.

Stage E  Detail Design (Building Regulations Application)
Assuming Planning Permission is granted, the next stage is to prepare detailed drawings and brief specification notes for the Building Regulations Application, again, this is submitted to the local authority, and usually takes four weeks to process.

Stage F-G  Production Information (Tender)
At this stage we produce a Specification and Schedule of Work which are sent with an Invitation to Tender to a small number of contractors. These documents detail the terms and conditions of the contract, and the quality of workmanship and materials. They also list each main work item to be included in the Contract on an elemental or a room-by-room basis.

The Schedule of Works permits the Contractor to price each item, ensuring that as far as is reasonably possible, all items required to complete the works are covered. The use of the Schedule of Works also ensures that there is parity of tendering with all pricing by Contractors being calculated on a like-for-like basis.

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Stage H  Appointment of Contractor
Having hopefully obtained a tender which is within the budget price, we would usually draw up Contract Documents that formalise the agreement between the Client and the Contractor.

Stage J-K  Contract Administration (Construction / on Site)
Once the Contractor makes a start on site, we make periodic visits, normally once a week, to inspect the works to ensure that they are being carried out in accordance with the Contract Documents.

During the contract period we carry out the routine Contract Administration, this means providing the client with monthly valuations of the work carried out to date, so that the client can pay the contractor. We also deal with any queries from the Contractor, the Building Inspector or other interested parties.

Stage L  Practical Completion
When the works are satisfactorily completed a Certificate of Practical Completion is issued, this starts the 6 month Defects Liability period, during which time the Contractor is obliged to remedy any defect arising from the works.

Stage M  Final Account
At the end of this 6 month period and assuming that all outstanding defects have been rectified, a Final Certificate is issued terminating the Contract.

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