Help with a cost budget for architectural fees!

[The OC Builder/Developer]

I just am getting involved with a non-profit housing program here in the Southern California area. They provide a variety of services such as : emergency housing, transitional housing and program housing all for the purpose of helping those most in need.

Anyway, I am putting together a cost budget for the design and construction of 3 homes on a single lot (200' deep by 75' wide). These 3 homes are all Type V one-hour wood framed construction, 2 story, slab on grade, attached 2 car garages, lower spec. finishes (typical subdivision housing here in CA).

The 3 homes have 1,855 SF, 2,045 SF and 1,920 SF respectively. This totals 5,820 SF with an estimated cost of $65.00 per SF total $378,300. in construction cost.

What would be a reasonable fee for the architectural cost budget purposes? I am thinking 5% to 7% ($19k-$26k)? This would include design development (zoning is in place), CD, corrections to get through plan check process and then with a couple of site visits if even necessary. Also,would like if you have any idea as to the structural design cost budget?

I would appreciate your feed back and thoughts. This budget is due on October 8, 2008 (next Wednesday).

Thanks in advance.

Donald Schmidt

[Rich]

A typical cost here for design/engineering would be 3.50 / sf. I would say that may be a little low for CA though.

[Richard A Hetzel]

Sixty-five dollars per square foot is a pipe dream.

[The OC Builder/Developer]

I just finished putting together the preliminary cost budget for these 3 homes. The direct construction cost is sitting at $84.80 per square foot.

This is for a 2 story, slab on grade, wood frame, 3 coat conventional ext. stucco (16/20 sand finish), composition roofing, 8' ceilings, pre-manufactured truss and the interior spec. level is that of an entry level housing (i.e. fiberglass one piece tub/shower, recessed cabinets, P-LAM kitchen counter tops, vinyl windows, paint grade stair railing, etc.). The exterior has no stone veneer nor any trim or banding around windows so it is a very basic house with an attached 2 car garage.

This $84.80 SF is direct cost and does not include any general conditions, site work, supervision or profit/markup. When it is all said and done the overall budget is shaping up to be in the $130. per SF range (5,820 total SF x $130./SF = $756,600.).

Thanks for your feedback I will let you know what comes of my meeting this next week with the owner.

Regards all, Donald

[mjpliv]

$130 SQU FT sounds closer to being accurate!