Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Aug 23, 2010 2:34 pm Hi Am a newbie here who was hoping someone may be able to answer a question for me. After spending the last year paying an architect about $30,000 plus all the other fees associated with getting a new house underway, the 6 builders who quoted for the project have provided us with quotes of at least double and TRIPLE the amount we had stated to the architect we were prepared to pay. So now we are at a loss as to what the architect is responsible for. They have been very silent since I was CC'ed a copy of the quotes with no explanation, no apology, no contact. I wanted to find out from an architects point of view( or if anyone knows who I can contact about this)...mine and their responsibility in regards to this. I am sitting here speechless and frustrated and do not wish to get into an argument with them, yet feel utterly powerless. Do I need a lawyer???? Re: builders outrageous quotes 2Aug 23, 2010 3:02 pm From what I hear, and this is only a few opinions mind you, is that the general rule of thumb when employing a top tier architect for a residential project is about the one and a half rule. That is, if you ask for a $400000 home in reality you get a $600000 one. If you ask for a $600000 home you get a $900000 one. I know alot of architects may have a gripe about this but so far from a handful of building mates in the industry and the one we're chatting to at the moment this is how it has been.
Re: builders outrageous quotes 3Aug 23, 2010 11:38 pm What's the cost per sq m being quoted by the building companies? A double storey home of modest finishes should be in the range of $1400 - $1600 per sq m. You've got a bit of homework ahead of you, but my suggestion would be to check your weekend newspaper "new homes" guide and check out the home designs on sale at your budget price. That will give you a realistic starting point on the size of home you should expect to get. Anyone can do this and your architect should have some knowledge of current building costs. You might suggest that the architect re-does your design at his cost to fit your budget. Your position will be stronger if you have provided wrtten advice about your budget constraints in the initial scope of work. I intitially looked at doing a design through an architect, but was dismayed at the cost per sq m that they suggested. Typically 50 - 100% more than what it should have. Some of this may be due to a higher level of interior finishes, some may be also be due to designs that push the envelope for span widths /structural strength and require lots of steel reinforcing. Difficult site conditions can also add big $ to the total cost. A site classification report from consulting structural engineers will only cost a few hundred, and you need this before you can have an intelligent discussion with building co's on costs. Look at your bill from the electricity company. It should detail the charges. You will need to do some estimating and some calculations. Then charge the… 8 4194 Site works are just about to start on our build with Blueprint in Midvale. viewtopic.php?f=31&t=106894 2 3898 Hi all, We are looking to build a new two storey house in western Sydney. Can anyone recommend a smallish builder to go with? We are trying to stay away from the big… 0 12045 |