Spire Architects

How long will it take?

1. Town Planning Stage

Depending on the complicity of the project, town planning can usually take between 2 and 6 months. In areas of complex projects town planning can take longer and even longer if a VCAT submission is required. Town planning usually incorporates the sketch design phase.

2. Building permit Stage

Again, depending on the complexity of the project the building permit stage can take 2-4 months before a permit can be issued.

Generally, a new project takes around 6 months to gain all permits and documentation ready for construction.

 

How much will it cost?

Architect’s fees vary from project to project, but are generally between 5-10% of the overall construction budget i.e. if your planning to spend $200,000 in renovations then your architects fee would be around $10,000 – $20,000.

 

What do we need to budget for?

This is where a lot of people fall into a trap. Most people come to an architect with a budget in mind and leave disappointed after the true costs of a project are explained. So briefly a construction budget should be broken down into the following areas:

Construction Cost: The actual cost of the construction including the builders margin and GST is usually around 80% of the overall project budget. Your construction cost should include a contingency budget of around 10% for variations.

Consultants Cost: Every project will require consultants and their fees will need to be included in the overall project budget. Your consultants are most likely to be architects/designers, engineers, building surveyors, land surveyors and anyone else required. Your consultants can cost as much as 20% of your overall project budget.

Project Budget Example: A new home budget of $1,000,000 will usually be broken down into the following:

1. Construction budget: $800,000 (including 10% contingency & 10% GST)
2. Consultants Budget: $200,000

 

What is the process?

1. Initial consultation and project brief description
2. Move into the sketch design phase and further consultation
3. After acceptance of the design concept your architect will then prepare documents for submission to the council for a town planning permit.
4. Once a planning permit has been issued your architect will prepare further, more detailed construction documentation for a building permit.
5. Once the construction documentation is complete your architect will issue the document out to tender for the appointment of a builder.
6. Once a builder has been appointed a building permit can be issued.
7. Construction can begin and your architect can administer the building contract.
8. Your project is complete and the defects liability period begins.
9. Once the defects liability period has concluded the building contract ends.
10. Enjoy your new home, defect free..!

 

Why do I need an architect?

• If you desire to have the very best attention to detail spent on your project, then you need an architect.
• If you want to tap into the latest design trends without blowing your budget, then you need an architect.
• If you want to protect yourself and have a professional manage your project, then you need an architect.
• If the thought of dealing with builders and tradespersons makes you nauseous, then you need an architect.
• If the thought of dealing with the local council and sifting through the red tape in the local planning schemes makes you nauseous, then you need an architect.
• If you can’t make up your mind on what you want, then you need an architect.
• If you simply don’t have the time to deal with everything around your project and still want everything done on time, then you need an architect.
• If you want to avoid litigation and cost blowouts from the builder, then you need an architect.
• If you want to achieve your dream and desired outcomes, then you need an architect.
• If you want to get the very best design advice that enhances the quality of each and every individual space within your new home, then you need an architect.
• If you want to utilize good solar passive design and good thermal dynamics maximising your natural energy input and minimizing your energy needs, then you need an architect.
• If you want your designs to minimize your carbon footprint and maximise the useability of green renewal building materials, then you need an architect.

 

What is your experience?

I completed my architectural degree back in 2001 and have been working in the building and construction industry ever since.