We tailor our services to meet the needs of each individual client. We offer an initial free consultation, enabling us to understand your project requirements, develop a brief and provide advice on the best way to deliver your project.
We have gathered together some of our most frequently asked questions below. However, if you have any project specific questions or would like to discuss the process further, please contact us using the form at the bottom of the page.
We aim to provide fixed costs for all architectural services. This is usually achieved in a 2 step process: providing a fixed cost feasibility study, and reporting full project costs and project services based on a design which meets your brief. Once this is agreed, the fees will not increase unless there is a change to the initial working scope.
Building costs are dependent on the scale, design and complexity of the proposal. However, in 2024 we are seeing typical building work being tendered at the following rates: -
Residential (new builds/extensions):
Excludes supply of kitchens, plumbing fixtures, flooring/tiling and is dependent on structural alterations.
Approximtely £2,500 + VAT / sqm (as of late 2024)
Commercial (fit-outs/refurbishments):
Costs can vary depending on the project scope, specification and complexity.
As part of the Feasibility stage, Ian McGregor Architects provide budget cost estimations based on similar recently completed projects. This provides clients with information on current building rates, allowing clients to make informed decisions before moving ahead with approvals.
If a more detailed cost breakdown is required, we would advise the involvement of a Quantity Surveyor. A Quantity Surveyor (QS) will be able to provide a detailed Cost Report, with a breakdown on the build costs and overall budget cost estimation for the works.
Ian McGregor Architects typically carries out an initial Feasibility Stage as the first step of any project. This includes:
- Measurement survey of the property
- Existing and proposed design drawings
- 3D visualisations
- Communicating the design proposal
- Cost estimations of the building work
- Reporting the project costs and project services for taking the project through to completion.
At Ian McGregor Architects, we work with clients from the initial conception of the project right through to its completion. This includes dealing with all aspects of the project, including: liaising with the council; appointing the structural engineer and consultants; organising building contractors; and inspecting the building work on site.
We work with a group of trusted local building contractors. We invite the most suitable candidates for the project to provide us with fixed tenders. Once we have chosen the best placed contractor for your project, we allow them to run through the details with you. This allows the opportunity to meet the selected contractor to ask any questions and confirm they are happy to go ahead.
This is fully dependent on the type, size and complexity of each individual project. However, the typical timeline for most projects is as follows: -
- Feasibility study: 2-4 weeks.
- Planning: 2-3 weeks to prepare the drawings, then a further 8 weeks once the application is submitted.
- Building warrant: 2-4 weeks to prepare the drawings, then 10-12 weeks once the application is submitted.
- Tender: 3-4 weeks, in which time the contractors report their tender costs. This is when you have the chance to meet the chosen contractor and ensure everyone involved is satisfied to proceed with the project.
- Construction: The appointed contractor will confirm the duration of work at the tender stage.
At Ian McGregor Architects, we work with building contractors who provide fixed price tender costs. The only scenarios where additional costs would arise is if you wish to alter the project on site, change the specification, or something unknown is discovered when opening up the existing building (typically groundworks or structural items).
If you have a question for our team, please get in touch via the form below. We will get back to you as soon as possible.