Pricing Policy

Professional Fees

Our services are normally charged by fixed lump sums which are bespoke to each and every job we do. As your requirements and property will be unique to you, so will our quotations – there are no standard rates or one size fits all. Occasionally (and generally on larger scale projects say over £900k) we may charge by percentage fees, or a time-charge fees – this can be discussed and agreed at the time of appointment.

Costs reflect the time required to complete your requirements, as well as the level of qualification, experience and expertise of the team members responsible for delivering the project. Costs are also dependent on a project’s complexity (for example, listed buildings, conservation areas), geography, size and sector.

Our senior staff are assisted by a support team that perform standard technical and administrative tasks throughout the design, planning and construction process.

V.A.T. is applicable to all quotations at the current rate.

Unit3 architects will bring a breadth and depth of knowledge and skills to your project, which you should therefore consider an investment as opposed to a cost.

Quotations

Quotations are generated from the information or Design Briefs received from our Clients, and are calculated in terms of the necessary expertise and expected time required to undertake the project. We endeavour to be accurate with quotations, but if you feel we have not included something, or have offered a service that you no longer need, our quotes can always be discussed and revised accordingly.

Unit3 quotations are normally broken down into a series of stages that follow the principals of the RIBA Plan of Work. This technique allows for a clear and concise project methodology to occur as well as seeing exactly what services you will be paying for at each stage.

Quotations are always provided free of charge and we don’t pester people if you decide that you don’t wish to go ahead.

Pre-Appointment Consultations

At Unit3 we believe that a positive relationship between Client and Designer is critical to achieving your dream project – and we want you to be confident in appointing us as your Architects. Consultations are an opportunity to meet with your prospective architect, review the design potential for a property, and discuss the creative vision for your project prior to formal appointment.

If you would like to meet with a member of our team before making any final decisions, we are happy to offer a one hour consultation, either at your property or in our Liverpool office. This is charged at a flat rate (+VAT) and is additional to any fee quote provided. Please get in touch for current consultation rates.

Invoicing

Architect’s fees will either be charged at the end of the RIBA Work Stage, or monthly as a portion thereof, plus expenses and VAT as required.

Over the course of a typical project, which might take a year or so from start to finish, you can expect the total fee to be spread more-or-less evenly for cashflow purposes.

The Contract between Unit3 and You (the Client)

Our ARB and RIBA code of conduct requires us to record our fees in writing before we undertake any services with you.

Once you agree a fee proposal (quotation) with us, we will forward an appointment document (contract) for you to sign – this document will include any terms and conditions, insurance details, method of dispute resolution and any provision for expenses such as printing and travel. Depending on the size of the project, the appointment document will be either a simple ‘Letter of Appointment’, or a more in depth RIBA Professional Services Contract.

Other Expenses

In addition to your Architect’s fees, you should also be aware that you will also need to pay for any other professionals that may be required on your project – most likely a structural engineer and possibly a party wall surveyor.

If your site or building(s) are extensive, you may also need to commission a measured topographical / building survey, tree surveys, ground investigation surveys etc – all before the project starts.

Similarly, it should be noted that on larger schemes, the Local Planning Authority will likely request as part of any planning application ecological surveys, transport assessments, noise assessments, drainage strategies / designs, lighting assessments etc.

Allowance should also be made for all statutory fees (namely the planning permission and building control applications) which are not included as part of the Unit3 quotations.

You may also need to appoint a Principal Designer to comply with health and safety legislation, which Unit3 have the skills and capabilities to undertake – this can be discussed and fees agreed separately if requested.