design fees

As you will appreciate, the design process is of utmost importance in building your new home and we spend a lot of time in achieving the best solution possible.  Costs are incurred in providing preliminary concepts, development of the concepts, final design drawings, explanatory specification and quantitative estimate of an original design proposal which are not related to the preparation of working drawings or the actual bill of quantities for the construction of the home. To offset these preliminary costs we introduced a fee equal to approx. 1% of the design budget in order that we may devote the time to present to you a concept which is most suitable to your needs and properly develop the overall design of your home.

This Design cost is not part of the DA Application Drawings, Construction Drawings documentation nor of the future building agreement with the Builder.

Should you decide to utilise our services an up front retainer is required, which is part of the concept  design figure. The balance is payable on completion of the concept stage. 
 

schedule of standard design and documentation fees for full service:

•1.0% of your approx. budget for design concept

•1.0% of your approx. budget for development of your concept into final design drawings for DA submission and the coordination of external consultants for DA documents

•2.0% of your approx. budget for producing C.C. drawings for council approval and the builder with standard specifications, electrical, services and slab layout, window schedules and wet area details. Full construction details for Tender documents are generally not required or included but can be provided at an extra cost.

We understand that you will probably want a fixed fee structure for your feasibilities so we will inform you of the fixed fees after the initial discussions.

Getting Approval and Construction Drawings

Upon your final approval of the preliminary price, design drawings and preliminary finishes we will prepare the documentation for Development Approval. The fees outlined above include initial communication with Council officers to ascertain restrictions on development, however, prolonged application approvals and appearance at Council meetings are charged at an hourly rate as scheduled.  Should the application not be approved for reasons outside our control and instructions then the fees are forfeited. Please note that all efforts are made and avenues explored to ensure that your application is approved.

While the approval process is in progress we will get Builders’ prices for construction (if applicable), the final selections will be made and all documentation will be updated accordingly and the construction drawings will be completed in 2 stages – basic drawings and then details.  If we are getting Tender prices for your building then we will have the estimates updated to form a “Fixed Price” Tender.

Interior Design

We recommend that you also encompassed our Interior Design Service at a fee of $3,750.00 which will include the selection of finishes, materials and colours and electrical layout to complement the architectural intent of your home. Please note that light fittings, furniture, and loose furnishings are not part of this service but is available at an hourly rate.

Landscape Design

The total lifestyle concept would not be complete without a complimenting landscape. We offer this service in varying degrees of  intensity ranging from basic concept design to a complete landscape and lifestyle design. For more complex designs the fee will be negotiated after a brief is discussed.

please note

All of the stated scheduled fees do not include GST, any fees paid to Council or external consultants such as engineers, surveyors BASIX report etc. However it does include the co-ordination of their services for obtaining a DA approval.

Please be assured that you will receive professional attention at all stages of our association and that you will be more than happy with the completed undertaking.