How much will a building project cost me? Building design and construction costs demystified
Your project will attract costs such as net construction cost and VAT, professional fees (some consultants charge VAT, others don’t) and fees concerning statutory permission.
When it comes to the building cost, we recommend choosing builders who are VAT registered, who are either limited company or LLP and who have good reviews.
The standard VAT rate for construction works is 20%, but your project may qualify for a reduced rate e.g., 0 or 5 per cent – check https://www.gov.uk/vat-builders for further info.
The professional fees vary. Factors affecting the costs include the size of the architectural practice, credentials of the professionals within the practice, its location, turnover and overheads as well as scope of service required by you. That’s why a good brief comes in handy.
Interested in knowing more? Check out: Architect vs Architectural Designer/Technician?
In a snapshot, MarbleAir Architects can help you with variety of services Services | Interior Design & Architecture Services (marbleair.com) , namely:
- Site survey
- Conveyancing
- Feasibility study and site appraisal
- Concept design
- Planning Permission
- Interior Design
- Garden/Landscape design
- Visualisations
- Technical Specification & Drawings
- Structural Engineering
- Building Control Approvals
- Inspecting Building Works
- Contract Administration
- CDM Regulations
- Project Management and coordination
For any other specialist analysis and reports excluded from the above list, we have a team of sub-consultants we reach out to whenever additional information is needed.
Did you know? The applicable VAT rate for professional service is usually 20%, but some practices fall under VAT threshold and therefore don’t charge the tax.
Nothing wrong with using the service though. You need to be confident that you’ve appointed the right professional, who can deliver the service promised.
Always ask for clarity because the majority of fee proposals you get a chance to review will only state net amounts.
Statutory permission fees also apply; the two main application fees you should consider are planning and Building Control submission fees.
Calculate your planning fee with the Planning Portal’s fee calculator: Planning Portal
The Building Control’s sign off can be achieved via appointing an Approved Inspector (a private Building Control) or a council-based Building Control. There are a number of approved service providers, who you can find all about here: Approved inspectors directory – Planning Portal
We prefer approved Building Inspectors to sign off our projects because these companies are much better to work with, the main benefits including; much quicker response time and consistency in giving on-site advice. Contractors love them too!
We tender the service out to provide our clients with overall choice and the best cost comparison. The service will incorporate checking of the building plans, site inspections to sign off stages of building works and issue of completion certificate.
If you’d like to find out more about how much your project could cost, get in touch –
happytohelp@marbleair.com or call us on +44 (0) 1491 528912
Happy to help!
