If you are thinking to build your house or do some reform, insurance, on occasion, have you ever wondered How much does an architect charge in Spain (fees) for a project.
From our Architectural studio in Málaga we are going to work out this question, although we have to clarify one thing: this is not only how much earn an architect in Spain (fees), there are many more factors as to the price that has to be taken into account.
In addition, at the end of the article, we'll give you some tips and tricks for you to know how to choose a good architect and not die in the attempt.
In this post, we delve into:
How much do you charge an architect for a project of a house in Spain? Architect's fees
At the time of taking the plunge into the adventure of reform or build a house new, you should not leave what's important in the hands of anyone. You need to be clear that it is best to take the side to a good specialist who knows really make your project work or reform within the limits of the budget and maximizing resources.
There is a fixed fare you can tell which is the price for an architect for a new building project or a reform, since everything that depends on many factors and you also have to know that the professional fees are free, that is to say, each professional you decide on how much to charge.
However there is a rule by which we tend to rely most of the architects is to calculate their fees on the basis of the PEM (Budget of the Material Execution of the work in question). That is to say, the fees will be higher based on the total cost of the promotion. This is logical since his liability extends to value of the home and the costs of insurance, cost of visa and others, that you will have to pay, also are a function of that value.
What is the EMP then?
Here we will enter the most important aspect that you should understand to understand how much you charge an architect.
The PEM refers to the costs of materials and workmanship they need to carry out work. That is to say, the cost of pure work without a manager, project manager, toll work...and without the benefit of the builder.
If this PEM add them to the general expenses of the work (the salary of the manager, the head of the work, the fenced plot, the scaffolding, the vehicles movement of materials, tower crane, the % general expenses of the construction company...) and the benefit of the builder you have the PC (budget of hire), which you will have to add the VAT that corresponds to him in order to obtain the total cost of the work.
This PEM is not what you have at the start of the project, but once you are drafted the same, since one of the documents of the project is the so-called “Measurements and budgets,” which details all the elements and amounts of materials that leads to the house.
This document of “Measurements and budgets” is divided into chapters (chapter paint, chapter installations, chapter glasses...) and chapters in the game (painting interior walls, painting of exterior walls...socket, push button, point of light...glass railing, glass, metal, aluminum...), each game has its units and its price, when you add the game it would give us the price of each chapter and by adding all the chapters would result in the PEM.
Then How can we know what he is going to collect the architect if I don't have the REP at the start of the project? Therefore on the basis of their experience in architectural services similar you can always set a minimal cost, to determine the PEM to approximate the housing and, hence, their fees.
This estimated budget is necessary to have it in her head before the start of any construction, since that will give us the clue to know if we are going to be able to conclude our house or not; and without him it is impossible to give the green light to the project.
This budget, as mentioned, is used to see the feasibility of the technical projectsto assess the rates of tax and licensing of the work that we will charge for the city, the acts of notary and registry, that is to say, it allows you to get an idea of what will be the total cost of the work and see if it fits with the initial budget that you have in mind.
How much do you charge an architect of this PEM?
As licenses, the fees of an architect or technical architect are you a percentage based on the Budget Execution of the Material.
This percentage can range from 6%-8% of this PEM. Therefore, it is very difficult to have a schedule of how much you charge an architect but a range of prices and, to remind you that the fees are free and a professional can budget for those fees, older or younger.
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How much do you charge an architect for a renovation project? Price reform project
The first thing to keep in mind before you know how much charge you a architect for a project of reform, is what parts containing the same. Depending on the project of reform the price may vary. The fees of an architect for a house are not the same as for a multi-family home, but they have in common these parts:
- Flat
- Memory of project
- Studies of safety and health
The reforms can be complete or partial, and must take into account if they affect the structural elements or not, make the price of the final project. On the basis of that a comprehensive reform of a floor can cost around 60,000 euros, taking the part of the wetlands of the large part of the budget along with the change of the aluminium joinery and without touching structural elements.
We could estimate a average of 3000 euros in the charge by an architect for a project of reform. But if we want to that we also make follow-up visits so that everything is to our liking'd have to add another 1,500 euros.
But to be more concrete, we will explain how to distribute the fees of architects below.
Currently, the official Colleges of Architects of Spain recommend architects ' fees are distributed in the following way according to what is established in the Royal Decree 2512/1977:
- Preliminary draft.
This is the phase of the work which set out the general nature of the work. Must be paid as soon as the client accepts the work, and constitutes 10% of the fees. - Basic project.
Is the phase of the work in which they are defined in a precise way the general characteristics of the work by the adoption and justification of concrete solutions. The percentage of this phase can be up to 30% of the fees. - Project execution.
Is the phase of work on the development of the basic project, with the full determination of details and specifications of all the materials, construction systems and equipment. The fees of this phase reach 30%. - Direction of the work.
Is the phase in which the Architect carries out the coordination of the team in order to achieve the full realisation of the work, in accordance with that established in the project corresponding execution. This percentage also amounts to approximately 30% of the fees of the architect.
How much charges a technical architect? Fees quantity surveyor
It is important to know what are the differences between an architect and a technical architect and know what their roles are to understand what is it based on your salary.
While the architect who designed the building, the technical architect or quantity surveyoris responsible to make sure that everything is done according to the marking in the architecture project carried out, applying all of the tests that may be necessary for the quality control of the same so as to require the construction of all the certificates of the materials you're using in work.
You can also be in charge of the coordination of Health and Safetyof the work, but would be a function for hire separately.
Its main functions are:
- Address of the physical realization of the work: From materials to the organization.
- Fixation of the budget execution of the material of a work: Specifies the necessary money and the cost of the work
- Control of quality: Not only of the quality of the materials, but of the execution of the work. Is responsible for the work shall conform to the standards of quality objectives and legal requirements.
- Coordination of safety and health: it Is responsible for the elaboration of a study on health and safety in the making of the work.
Your fees also depend on the PEM, so we can say that there is a scale to know how much it charges a technical architect.
In this part of the direction and coordination of works, so much the quantity surveyor and the architect have fees similar and usually stick to a 1.8% or 2.44% of the PEM. Basically it is the same charged by the architect in his direction work. This would have to be added to the coordination of sys (health and safety) as we have commented.
Tips for choosing a good architect
We have reached the final part, but not the least important. Here we will give you a few tips on how to choose a good architect.
Make a study of possibilities
Research what possible architects you can carry out your project. In cases like this, it is very important to take into account opinions of real people and see the projects that have been made previously (in their websites tend to be).
Investigates architects have heard that they work well and are professional, contrasts the views with its portfolio web, ask friends and acquaintances. Make sure that the architect you choose is professional and can do a quality job.
Direct communication
It is best to meet them in person to see what you convey. Here you have to tell what is your project idea, what are your expectations and desires, budget, timelines and availability so that they can develop a personalized quote for you.
Study fees
Studies different proposals and evaluates prices. Here you will have to see what offers you each one and what price. This is not only how much you are charged a architect for the project, but also what you included in the budget.
Frequently Asked questions about the Fees of an Architect in Spain
How much do you charge an architect for a project of home in Spain?
There is a fixed fee for the services of an architect. Professional fees are free, which means that each professional you decide how much to charge. However, the majority of architects base their fees on the Budget Execution Material (PEM) of the work. The PEM refers to the costs of materials and labour required for the construction, not including overhead expenses and the benefit of the builder.
Generally, the fees of the architect range from the 6% and 8% of the PEM. The higher the total cost of the work, the greater will be the responsibility of the architect and, therefore, their fees.
How do I know how much I will be charged a architect if you still don't have the PEM?
An architect with experience in similar projects and can provide an estimate of the PEM based on the general characteristics of your project. This initial estimate will help you to get a rough idea of the total cost of the work and to determine the feasibility of your project.
What is included in the fees of the architect?
The fees of the architect usually cover the following phases of the project:
- Draft: Definition of the general characteristics of the work (10% of the fees).
- Basic project: Precise definition of the characteristics of the work with specific solutions (30% of the fees).
- Project execution: Detailed development of the basic project specifications, materials and construction systems (30% of the fees).
- Work direction: Coordination of the team for the successful execution of the project (30% of the fees).
How much do you charge an architect for a renovation project?
The cost of the fee for a reform depends on the size of the project. Factors such as the size of the property, if this reform is integral or partial, and whether it affects the structural elements will influence the final price. As a reference, a comprehensive reform of a floor can cost around 60,000 euros, of which the fees of the architect could be around 3,000 euros.
If, in addition, requires the supervision of the work by the architect, you will have to add an additional cost.
What is a technical architect and how much to charge?
A technical architect, also known as the quantity surveyor is responsible for ensuring that the construction is done according to the architectural project. Its main functions include:
- Direct the physical execution of the work.
- Develop the budget.
- Control the quality of the materials and the execution of the work.
- Coordinate safety and health in the work.
Like the architects, their fees are based on the PEM and are usually around 1.8% or 2.44% of the same.
What should I consider when choosing an architect?
It is important to investigate and compare different professionals before making a decision. Looking for recommendations, check out their past projects and set up a personal meeting to discuss your needs and expectations. Be sure you understand their fees and what they include. Do not hesitate to ask for clarification on any questions you may have.
What it is advisable to choose the architect with the lowest fees?
Although the price is an important factor, it should not be the only criterion for decision. The quality of work, experience, and communication are fundamental aspects for the success of your project. It is advisable to be wary of deals excessively cheap, because that might imply a reduction in the quality of the service.
Conclusions in order to know how much you charge an architect
In this post we have seen many of the aspects required for decide on an architect if you're in the process of reform or work. All this is important to know and will help you make a decision much more successful.
Finally we'll give you an advice, a little trite, but it's always true. Be careful because in many cases, the cheap comes out expensive. If you find price of projects of architects, especially the cheap, look at them with a magnifying glass, in the case of architecture, it is worth paying for quality work, professional and well done.
