Architecture - Specification writing

How much will it cost?

I provide a project-specific fee quotation for every enquiry based on the size and complexity of the project, the procurement route, and the programme.
The quotation may be based on an hourly rate, a rate per work section, a percentage of the total estimated construction cost, or a lump sum, as appropriate to the project. An hourly rate, with an agreed maximum, is generally the most appropriate.

The fee will generally be between 0.4% (for smaller or more complex projects) and 0.25% (for larger or less complex projects) of the construction cost, excluding the Contract Preliminaries.
It is sometimes possible to provide a specification for very straightforward projects, using the Minor Works Version of NBS Building, for less than 0.25% of the construction cost.

The fee will generally be between 0.4% (for smaller or more complex projects) and 0.1% (for larger or less complex projects) of the construction cost, excluding the Contract Preliminaries.

The fee will generally be a maximum of 0.1% of the construction cost, excluding the Contract Preliminaries.

I am always happy to provide a quotation for writing the Contract Preliminaries in addition to the Work Sections.

For specifications suitable for incorporation into Employer's Requirements documentation, e.g. for Design-and-Build and PFI-type contracts, the fee will be around 75% of the cost of the contract specification as set out in the examples above, e.g. approximately 0.075% of the construction cost for projects over £10m.
If the project is well-defined at the Employer's Requirements stage, with the expectation that the architect preparing the Employer's Requirements will be novated to the successful tendering contractor, then the fee for preparing an Employer's Requirements specification, and subsequently expanding this into a contract specification, will be around 125% of the cost of the contract specification as set out in the examples above.

I am always happy to provide a quotation for partial services, even down to writing a single Work Section if necessary. Partial services can be very useful for project teams, already using NBS Building, who are working to tight deadlines.

Fees will generally be lower if:
The project is straightforward in procurement route, construction method, and products selected.
I can be provided with a substantially-complete set of construction drawings, both General Arrangement Drawings and Details, before starting work.
Most communication will be by email and visits to your office can be kept to a minimum.
Your offices are within the M25, or anywhere within the triangle bounded by the M4 (London to Bristol), the M5 (Bristol to Birmingham), and the M40 (Birmingham to London).
Fees will generally be higher if:
The project is complex in procurement route, construction method, or products selected.
I am required to produce the specification concurrently with you producing the construction drawings.
Regular visits to your office are required.
Your offices are outside the M25, or the triangle bounded by the M4 (London to Bristol), the M5 (Bristol to Birmingham), and the M40 (Birmingham to London).

Want to know more?
... or just want to discuss your ideas, please contact me.

With thanks to Louis Hellman

Page reviewed: 31 August 2010