It’s helpful when doing up your home or going into an architectural project to separate your build costs from the professional fees. If you have a clear breakdown of your budget from the start, you will better know what to expect. Professional fees, from those of an architect, engineer or interior designer, can vary widely depending on the scope of work and their own experience.

Here are some common professional fees that you may incur during a home renovation:

Architect fees

Architects can charge either a fixed fee or a percentage of the total construction cost for their services, which may include everything from obtaining planning permission to overseeing the construction process. When factoring in the overall professional fees, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) provides guidance on architectural fees based on the type of project and the stages of the work. For a residential project, they suggest that these professional fees can range from 7% to 12% of the total construction cost for a full service, which includes all stages of the design process from planning to construction.

Contractor fees

When looking at professional fees, contractors typically charge a fixed price for their work. Their quote will include the cost of labour as well as the provision of materials and equipment. Contractor fees vary depending on the type of construction, the size of the project and the current cost of materials.

Interior designer fees

Another component of the professional fees is the interior designers. They either charge a fixed fee per room or an hourly rate for their services. They can help you develop a colour scheme, source furniture and plan the layout of a space. Their fees can range from £50 to £150 an hour, depending on their expertise and reputation.

Structural engineer fees

Structural engineers are part of the spectrum of professional fees and will also charge you a fixed fee or an hourly rate. Their role includes assessing the structural integrity of the building and designing the necessary repairs or improvements. Depending on the company and size of the project, expect to pay from £100 to £300 per hour.

Planning fees

How much you have to play for planning applications in the UK will depend on whether you’re creating a new build or adding to an existing building, as well as the total area of your proposed work. A typical extension to a single dwelling house typically costs £206. You can find more information on the Planning Portal.

Other fees

In terms of other professional fees during your project, you might also encounter such as surveyor fees, opening up works and CCTV surveys, electrician fees, and plumber fees.

It’s easy to see how the professional fees for renovating a house can add up quickly and significantly impact the overall cost of the project. It is essential to factor these costs in from the start and compare quotes before going ahead with any work.