Architectural Fee Estimate Template

An owner budgeting a project needs the design fees as well as the construction cost. This template estimates fixed fees for each design phase, construction administration by the hour, and the structural engineer's fee, so the owner sees the whole design budget before you write the proposal.

  • Design phases (fixed fees)
  • Construction administration (estimated)
  • Consultants
  • Online approval by your client
Free, no account needed to start. Not legal advice.

Use it after a first meeting, when an owner asks what design services for their project would cost.

The full template

Every line, price, and note is yours to change when you use the template in Clientary, and your client's details fill in from their record.

In the editor, the totals add up as you type. Once you send it, your client accepts it online, and it's ready to become an invoice. Edit this template online

Second-Story Addition, Design Fees

Architectural services for a 1,200 square foot second-story addition and renovation, from schematic design through construction administration. Design phases are fixed fees, and construction administration is estimated by the hour. Structural engineering is included through our consultant.

Design phases (fixed fees)
Schematic design$6,500.00
Design development$9,500.00
Construction documents$14,000.00
Permitting and bidding$3,500.00
Construction administration (estimated)
Site visits and contractor support (hours) (40)$6,000.00
Consultants
Structural engineering (estimated)$4,800.00
Total$44,300.00

Notes

This estimate is valid for 30 days. It doesn't include permit fees, a survey, or a geotechnical report, which you engage directly. Printing and travel beyond 50 miles are billed at cost.

We'll confirm the scope, schedule, and terms in a proposal once you're ready to go ahead.

How to use this template in Clientary

  1. Edit it online. Change any line item, price, or note, or add your own. No account needed.
  2. Preview it as your client will see it. Fill in who it's for and pick a design.
  3. Start your free trial to send it. Confirm you'll have it reviewed, since templates aren't legal advice, and your estimate is waiting in your new account with your client's details filled in.
  4. Send it for approval. Your client accepts it online, and you can turn it into an invoice or a project.

Learn more about estimates in Clientary.

Frequently asked questions

How do architects estimate their fees?

Most start from the scope and the hours each phase will take, then check the total against what similar projects have cost as a share of construction. Fixed fees by phase are easiest for an owner to budget.

Are engineering consultants included in an architect's fee?

Sometimes. Some architects include structural and other consultants in their fee, and others have the owner hire them directly. An estimate should say which, so the owner can budget for both.

Is this architectural fee estimate template free?

Yes. Read and copy the full text on this page, or edit it online and see it as your client will. When it's ready, start a free Clientary trial to send it or download it as a PDF.

Has a lawyer reviewed this template?

No. It's a general starting point written by Clientary, not legal advice, and it hasn't been reviewed by a lawyer for your situation or the laws where you and your client work. Have your own counsel review it before you use or sign it.

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