How much does it cost for your services?

The decision to build a home is a personal one and each design decision is as individual as you are. Some of our clients have a fairly good idea of what they want and others need more guidance. Because architects’ fees range between5-15% (The higher the cost the less percentage charged) of the construction cost, and in order to provide you with an accurate and fair proposal we prefer to meet with you first to review your ideas. Once we have a clearer idea of your goals and objectives, we will be able to provide you with a fee proposal. We can negotiate services to fee as well depending on your budget. We provide on site consultations at a small charge between $150 and $300.

The lowest fee for architectural and engineering services may not be as good a bargain as a higher, more comprehensive fee after you analyze and understand what is included. It is critical to spend an appropriate amount for professional services or you are underinvesting in the single most important phase of your project. If you let your architect do his best job, he will be saving you money and instilling value at each phase of the project.

John Ruskin, a famous 19th century art historian and scholar wrote, "It's unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little. For when you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because that which you paid for is incapable of doing what it was bought to do. The common law of business prohibits paying a little and getting a lot, it can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is wise to add something for the risk you take and if you do that you might as well pay for something better."

Do you "Design-Build"?

Yes we do. We partner with a contractor to deliver a turn key product.

Do you know any good contractors?

Yes. We can provide you with contact information for several contractors. We recommend that you interview them early in the design process.

Can you work with my contractor?

Absolutely. Bringing a contractor on board early in the design process helps the project.

Are plan books good enough for me?

For most of our clients the answer is no. Many of our past and present clients have spent an enormous amount of time searching, to no avail, for ‘the perfect plan’. We are typically able to take the good parts of different plans and mold them into a plan that meets the clients’ individual needs.

Plan book plans are designed for Anytown, USA. They do not consider local climate, solar angles, direction, specific lot conditions, views and your individual needs. They often need to have modifications made and seldom represent a true savings. Check with us before making changes to stock plans.

Can you just start out with a basic plan for my loan package?

Yes we can; however, we prefer that you have been pre-approved for an amount that realistically represents the estimated construction cost of your project.

What is the difference between an Architect and an architectural designer/home designer/room planner?

An Architect has typically studied design at college for 5 or 6 years followed by 3 or more years of internship with a senior Architect. Only after this 8-9 year period and passing a licensing exam can a person legally call himself an Architect. Anyone can be a designer or room planner. The difference is in education, training and licensure.

What do Architects do?

You have a vision of what you want.

Now you need to make that vision a reality. An Architect will design and draw plans, produce specifications of materials, observe construction, check payment requests from contractors.

Architects see the big picture.

Architects are specially educated to help you define what you want to build, present options you may not have considered, and help you get the most for your valuable investment. They don't just design four walls and a roof -- they create total environments, both interiors and exteriors, that are functional and exciting places in which to work and live.

Architects solve problems creatively.

Architects are trained problem solvers. Need more room for your growing family? Architects can show you how to enlarge your home so you won't have to move. Have a limited budget? Architects can propose ways to get more for your investment than you imagined possible.

Architects help you get the most from your construction dollar.

Architects can reduce building costs, decrease your home's energy needs, and increase its future resale value through good design.

Architects make your life easier.

Building is a long process that is often messy and disruptive, particularly if you're living in the space while it's under construction. Your architect represents you, not the contractors. Your architect looks out for your interests and smoothes the process, helps find qualified construction contractors, and visits the worksite to help protect you against work that's not according to plan.

Allen Architects, LLC, a member of The American Institute of Architects (AIA)