If you are thinking of building a house, it is normal that one of the first doubts that arise is: how much does an architect charge for building a house. At Fran Cortés Arquitectos, as a studio specializing in house design, new construction and construction of traditional and prefabricated concrete houses, we receive this question frequently.
The short answer is: it depends. The long answer, and the important one, is that an architect’s fees vary depending on the type of project, the complexity of the design, the execution budget and the scope of services contracted.
In this article we explain clearly how much it can cost to hire an architect to build a house from scratch. build a house from scratchWhat their fees normally include and what factors influence the final price.
What do the architect’s fees include?
When analyzing how much an architect charges to build a house, it is important to understand what services are included. It is not just a matter of “drawing plans”. Typically, a complete commission to build a house from scratch includes:
Basic project
It defines the general design of the house, the distribution, regulatory compliance and urban planning aspects. It is the necessary document to apply for the building permit.
2. Execution project
It technically develops all the construction details: structure, installations, construction systems, measurements and itemized budget. This is where the design becomes a constructible reality.
3. Construction management
The architect construction manager supervises the execution to ensure that the construction complies with the approved project and current regulations.
4. Coordination with other technicians
In the construction of single-family dwellings, the following also intervene technical architect (execution management), health and safety coordinator, geotechnician, etc. In many cases, from the study we manage the whole team so that the client does not have to worry.
Factors influencing how much an architect charges to build a house
Not all homes are the same. The cost of fees will depend on several factors:
Size of the dwelling
Building a small house of 120 m² is not the same as building a single-family house of 400 m². The larger the surface area, the greater the volume of technical work.
2. Complexity of the design
A simple design, with regular geometry and standard construction solutions, will require fewer hours of development than a house with complex volumes, large structural overhangs or unique finishes.
3. Location and regulations
Urban planning and technical requirements vary according to the autonomous community and municipality. Terrain conditions also play a role: steep slopes, complex soils or protected areas increase the complexity.
4. Level of customization
If you want a completely customized design, with a detailed study of orientation, advanced energy efficiency or landscape integration, the process is more in-depth. In our case, the house design is always personalized, which implies an exhaustive creative and technical work.
5. Scope of the assignment
Some clients contract only the project. Others opt for a complete service, including construction management, selection of the construction company, economic control and comprehensive on-site advice.
So, how much does an architect charge for building a house in Spain?
In general terms, an architect’s fees for a single-family house in Spain are usually between 8% and 15% of the material execution budget (PEM) of the work.
For your practical reference:
- If a house costs €200,000 to build, the fees could range from approximately €16,000 to €30,000.
- If we are talking about a single-family house with a budget of 300,000 €, the cost of the architect could be between 24,000 € and 45,000 €.
These figures are neither fixed nor official, as there have been no mandatory scales for years. Each architectural firm sets its fees according to its experience, methodology and scope of service.
How much does it cost to build a house plus fees?
When talking about how much an architect charges to build a house, many users also wonder about the total cost of the process.
As a guideline, in Spain, building a house can cost between 1,200 € and 2,000 € per square meter, depending on qualities and location. To this must be added:
- Project and technical direction
- Geotechnical study
- Topography
- Building permit
- Quality control
- Health and safety coordination
- Connections and urbanization
- Notary and registration fees
In this article we explain it in detail: How much does it cost to build a house in Spain?
Is it expensive to hire an architect to build a house?
This is an interesting question when asking how much an architect charges to build a house. At first glance, 10% of the budget may seem high. However, the architect is not an accessory cost: he is the one who defines the project that will mark 100% of the subsequent expenditure.
A good project optimizes resources, improves energy efficiency, reduces unforeseen events and avoids construction errors that can be much more expensive than the fees themselves. In other words: the architect does not make the work more expensive, but helps to control it.
How much does an architect charge to build a small house?
In the case of building a small house, fees may represent a slightly higher percentage of the total budget, since there are minimum costs associated with technical development that do not depend on size.
For example, a house of 100-120 m² may have fees similar in percentage to a larger one, although in absolute terms they are lower.
This is because the level of technical responsibility is the same regardless of the surface.
Can the price be negotiated?
Yes, but always within a reasonable framework. Rather than negotiating an outright rebate, it is preferable to adjust the scope of service.
For example:
- Limit site management.
- Reduce certain ancillary services.
- Establish differentiated work phases.
What is important is that there is contractual clarity and that both parties have aligned expectations from the outset.
We build your turnkey home
If you’re thinking about building a home, whether it’s a traditional single-family home or a pre-fabricated concrete house, having a specialized architectural firm will make the difference between a stressful experience and a well-managed process.
At Fran Cortés Arquitectos, architects in Madrid, Malaga, Alicante and the Balearic Islands, we design and developWe design and develop new construction projects and construction of single-family houses, accompanying our clients from the first sketch to the delivery of the keys.
If you want to know how much does an architect charge for building a house in Spain? contact us and ask for a personalized estimatethat meets the needs of your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it mandatory to hire an architect to build a house?
Yes, for any new new construction house it is mandatory to have an architect to draw up the project and direct the work.
2. Do the fees include the technical architect?
Normally not. The technical architect (direction of execution) is usually billed separately, although many studios coordinate the whole team. In this article we explain in detail how much it costs to hire a quantity surveyor.
3. When are fees paid?
They are usually structured in phases: one part when the order is signed, another part when the basic project is delivered, another part with the execution project and the rest during the construction management. construction management..
4. How long does it take an architect to develop the project?
For a single-family house, the project can take between 3 and 6 months, depending on the complexity and review times with the client.
5. Is it different if it is a prefabricated house?
In the case of industrialized or prefabricated concrete housing, the technical process is different, but a project adapted to the plot and local regulations is still necessary.
