The Fees on Construction Projects in Spain (II)

Professional Fees of Spanish Architects in Building Projects (II)

Type of Work, Construction Cost and Fee Proposal

For a proper calculation of the professional fees corresponding to a building project, an architect needs to know the type of work and all data necessary to estimate a probable construction cost.

Types of Building Work

Among the building projects, there are four main types:

• new construction, which involves the absence of previous buildings on site, or the complete demolition of any existing building before proceeding with the planned works
• extension, which implies that there is already a building and that the project implies expanding its built area
• reform, which implies that there is already a building, currently valid for its characteristic use, and that the project does not alter such characteristic use
• rehabilitation, which implies that there is already a building and that such building is not valid for its use, either because of its state of disrepair or because the projected use is different than the one for which the building was originally designed.

Construction Cost

The calculation of the fees for a building project typically goes through the previous estimate of a construction cost. A proper calculation of the construction cost shall require that the architect receives at least the following information:

• project location: municipality and sector within the municipality
• building height, in number of storeys
• list of building uses
• built area for each of the building uses
• pursued building qualities.

Fee Proposal for Building Projects

The calculation of the fees for a building project is complex enough to make it not feasible for architects to offer predetermined rates. They can't also offer their clients a calculation method that can be implemented without specialized knowledge. Therefore, normally, Spanish Architects will fulfil their legal obligation to report the amount of their fees for a building project by providing, upon request, a sufficiently detailed Fee Proposal.

How to Hire a Spanish Architect

Working With an Architect in Spain

How to Establish an Effective Working Relationship With your Spanish Architect

There are stages to engaging an architect on a project. Do your homework upfront on what services you need and on your brief for your architect, and your project will be off to a good start.

Why you Need a Spanish Architect

When you are making major alterations to your home or building an entirely new one, your architect can help you to manage the design, the builders and the money. Architects are trained to make the most of the site, space and materials to maximise what you can get for your budget and reduce your future bills. They are familiar with the construction industry’s working methods and with legislation, regulations, and standards, and can guide you at every step of the project. Architects interpret your ideas with imagination, creating spaces that can be used, enjoyed and valued for decades.

The Project

Before appointing your architect for your project, you need a clear idea about what you want and the services you will need, and how much these will cost. Your architect can initially assist you in defining your project and the services you require from him. Architects offer a wide range of services beyond design, from site analysis and building surveys to project management and tenant related services.

Balance what you need with what you can afford. It could be just an hour’s general advice, help with planning approval or project supervision all the way to completion.

Developing the Scope of Services and Fee Proposal

A Work Breakdown Structure and Detailed Task List can facilitate the development of the scope of services and fees. In addition to better defining and customizing the services and fees for a particular project, the use of the Work Breakdown Structure will ensure that all personnel involved in the preparation of the proposal are following the same parameters.

The Work Breakdown Structure will confirm the scope of services of the contract needed for the project; it’s also used as project management tool during the life of the project.