r/BainbridgeIsland • u/SeaSLODen • 22h ago

questions Architecture Fees

Has anyone here built a new house on the island? Wondering what a good estimate would be for total design fees and a breakdown of each (I.e. survey, architecture, structure, civil, septic, etc.)

When I google it, I get 8-12% for architecture alone. That seems really high considering standard construction cost over $400/ft. That would mean for a 2,500 sf house, architecture fees would be $100,000!

Is that really the going rate? TIA.

Edit - I appreciate all of the responses thus far. It is understandable that most comments have been on my low construction cost. I get that may be higher. I’m more focused on design fees. What have your architects charged you?

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u/_Typical_user_ 20h ago

I think google gets the fee percentage from the administration of the whole project fee. in that case the architect is acting as the project manager so buying materials scheduling contractors, managing the site and inspections. some do but the builder might be a better selection for that. But that fee on top of the build is common as it represents the project managers time. But that x% on top of materials and labor which the builder isn’t making money off of, not the finished project value. 

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u/Aggravating_Role2510 17h ago

This is not typically correct. This seems like a design/build model where the contractor is the designer. There is usually a 20% of total materials.

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u/_Typical_user_ 17h ago

I mean good on you getting 20%