Compare the scope as carefully as the total: RIBA identifies percentage, fixed-sum and time-charge arrangements, each of which needs a clear understanding of the work included. [1]
Drawings and architectural services
Ask whether the appointment covers feasibility, concept options, the planning application, technical drawings, tender queries and construction-stage services. The RIBA Plan of Work distinguishes these stages; a fee for one stage should not be read as an appointment for all of them. [2]
For a useful comparison, request the number or basis of design revisions, the deliverables and the process for approving additional work. Ask how the fee would change if you changed the brief, paused the project or requested further options.
Structural engineering
An engineering appointment can include investigation, design and calculations, with site involvement depending on the agreed service. The Institution of Structural Engineers advises domestic clients to clarify scope, fees and responsibilities before work proceeds. [3]
Ask specifically whether quotations cover an initial visit, investigation instructions, coordination with the designer, responses to building control and construction-stage queries. These are questions to settle, not services to assume are included in a calculations package.
Building control and party wall work
Building control charges are separate from a designer's fee. Council charges depend on the proposed work, while fees with a registered building control approver are agreed with that provider. [4]
Party wall surveyor costs depend on whether the statutory procedure is required and how matters are resolved. If a dispute arises, the surveyor or surveyors determine the award and relevant costs; it is not simply a standard council application charge. [5]
Ask for the charging basis and what happens if the neighbour appoints a separate surveyor, the design changes or additional attendance is needed. Keep that allowance distinct from the architectural appointment.
Surveys and specialist reports
Do not order every possible report automatically. The council's local validation requirements should relate to the application and the information reasonably needed to assess it. Establish the required documents before allocating specialist fees. [6]
Prepare a responsibility schedule with one line per item. Record who appoints the specialist, who pays them, their deliverable, any dependencies and whether revisions are included. This also helps you spot the same task appearing in two quotations.
Compare the full payable amount
For each quotation, ask for the amount before VAT, the VAT treatment, reimbursable expenses, third-party charges and payment dates. RIBA advises discussing what is and is not included, including payments to local authorities and other expenses. [1]
Finish the comparison by checking whether the combined appointments cover the work needed without gaps or double counting. Keep a single schedule showing each service, its provider, the agreed price or charging basis and the point at which any additional instruction is needed.