How Much Will the Design Cost?
Every home project is unique — whether you’re planning a small extension or a full renovation — and the level of architectural input varies accordingly. Rather than offering one‑size‑fits‑all pricing, we tailor our fee proposals to suit the scale, complexity, and ambitions of your project.
The guide below gives a helpful overview of typical costs. For a clearer picture of what your own project might involve, we’d be delighted to talk it through with you.
Guide to Domestic Project Costs
Construction costs depend on several factors:
- the size and shape of the building
- the complexity of the design
- site access and working space
- chosen materials and finishes
- timing and any construction constraints
- geology, underground services, proximity of trees and hedges
As a broad indication, many domestic projects in 2025 fall within £2,500–£3,500 per m² (excluding VAT and professional fees). Costs vary across the UK depending on local labour rates and site conditions.
For more information, check out regional construction cost variations
Example Project Budget
A rough total project budget should include the following, assuming a notional £100,000 contract sum for a domestic project:
Item..................................................Approx. Cost
Contract sum ..................................£100,000
VAT ...................................................£20,000
Topographic survey (if required)...£2,000
Statutory and other fees.................£10,000-£20,000 (10-20%)
Estimated Total Project Budget ....£150,000 ( including a 10% contingency)
(VAT currently applies to work on existing homes, but not new builds)
Architectural Fees
We offer a flexible, ad‑hoc service so you can choose exactly the level of support you need at each stage:
- Architectural work is charged at £90/hour
- No VAT is currently applied to our services
- For most domestic projects, the total architectural fee typically falls between 5%–10% of the construction cost, depending on complexity.
For a notional 9% fee on the example above, the breakdown across RIBA stages would be:
Stages 1-3 (Concept to Planning) ...............~£3,000
Stage 4 (Technical Design to Tender)..........~£3,000
Stage 5-6 (Construction and Completion) ..~£3,000
Every Project is Different - Let's Talk About Yours
This guide is only a starting point. Your home, your goals, and your site conditions will shape the real picture.
If you’d like a clearer idea of costs for your specific project, we’d be very happy to help.
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