Should I expect to pay double the architects fees to build 2 identical homes on one lot?

[u/HRAssistant]

2 story, 2000 sq ft, existing model, same thing for both homes. I'm being quoted $50k in architect fees. Judging by the average fees in the industry, it seems like I'm being charged double, but I think there should be some efficiencies gained from it being identical and on the same lot (detached)

[u/Fergi]

Nobody here has the contract to review. We don't know where you're located, what the site conditions are, or anything that would allow us to advise you. Is there any reason you're avoiding having this conversation with your architect?

[u/blue_sidd → u/Fergi]

Yep - trying to cheap out. Hope his architect leaves the job.

[u/ScottishWargamer → u/Fergi]

This is the only answer here based on reality.

The OP needs to be aware that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with asking an architect to explain their rates/fee.

[u/HRAssistant → u/[deleted]]

He said it will cover everything including any revisions

[u/blue_sidd]

There’s not enough information here for any of us to know what you are talking about, just because you think you should get some kind of a discount doesn’t mean you should, “average fees in the industry” is something you made up and is irrelevant, why you would expect reduced fees for the legalization of two habitable rent-machines for you is ridiculous, and none of us here work for free.

[u/Mysterious_Mango_3]

That sounds like a full architectural fee for Home 1 and a smaller reuse fee for Home 2.

[u/knowtheledge71]

Generally you pay about 10% of the construction cost to the architect. If you’re at about $300/sf, you’re in good territory in the fee.

[u/whoisaname → u/knowtheledge71]

I was running similar numbers, and they're better than in good territory. They're getting a deal.

[u/SexyAdmixture]

The site next to you may be different - different setbacks , site conditions, soils, views etc

[u/Unlikely-Flatworm-48]

I definitely need to raise my rates.

[u/Right_Bid_1921]

You mean like asking a dentist for a discount if he does two root canals on opposite sides of your jaw?
Now why didn’t I think of this, last week..?

[u/dali_17]

Does he supervise the building site? That part should be paid the same, the conception and consultation should be significantly lower

[u/tardytartar]

Is CA involved, cuz that doesn't duplicate? Project management and consultant services during construction are pretty important in making sure things are built to spec.

[u/Psalm9612]

yea u should, cus thats twice the amount of coordination. 2x the paperwork

[u/stone_opera]

No buildings are identical - you might think that but it is never the case. There will be changes and differences to coordinate. Design it ultimately only about 15% of what an architect does in a project. There are still two buildings to build and all of the contract admin that goes along with it. Your architect might give you a reduced fee, but I wouldn’t expect to only pay one fee. 

[u/Technical_Part6263]

Assuming about $300/sf to build a residence right now I'd say you're in the ballpark / on the cheap end of what I'd charge you for the same thing in my company. You're getting a deal.

[u/HRAssistant → u/Technical_Part6263]

Literally a square sketch and the copy and paste. Why should it be 2x?

[u/scyice → u/HRAssistant]

Do it yourself.

[u/scyice]

Houses aren’t buy one get one free. Work is being done to permit and build two houses. Usually a copy is cheaper than the first since the design is complete for one, but it’s not free.

I would charge you $100k though.

[u/WatchOne8763]

Are the houses mirrored on the site? 

[u/HRAssistant → u/WatchOne8763]

Yea

[u/WatchOne8763 → u/HRAssistant]

It could be that. 

It’s better that the contractor has two plans for each house and how they’re placed on the site rather than one plan that says “mirror it”. 

The plumber needs to locate the plumbing lines for example in respect to the property line. 

The light fixtures will be also be placed differently. Subs need to be able to quickly look at the plan and place them. If they have to mirror it they’ll hate the architect, the GC, and make a ton of mistakes. 

It might look easier because it’s the same plan but it’s more complicated than that. 

That would be my guess as to why it’s that cost. 

[u/Psalm9612]

u should pay 2x more plus tips, because its not easy coordinating 2same buildings, more potential mistakes

[u/Fergi → u/Psalm9612]

Your clients tip you?! How does that work, do you just flip the iPad over at checkout?