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Home > Find an Architect > Hiring an Architect and how the OAA can help > Fees
Fees
Once you have selected your architect, the OAA recommends that you discuss in detail the list of services which you will need for your project. Your architect can prepare a Detailed Task List setting out each of the services you agree will be provided by the architect. He or she will then present to you the fee necessary to provide that range of services. If you feel the fee is not manageable for you, you and your architect can discuss eliminating services, and reducing the fee, until it is acceptable. While it may be tempting to simply continue to reduce levels of service in order to bring down the fee, remember that it is in your ultimate best interest to make sure your architect will provide the necessary level of service to protect you and your investment, and meet the standards of service established by the profession.
Obligations and Responsibilities – Sign a Contract
Any business or professional relationship is bound to be most successful and rewarding when there exists a clear understanding of the expectations of the parties. The relationship between client and architect is no exception. Once you have established the scope of services which the architect will provide, the fee which you will pay your architect, and the other responsibilities each of you will have related to the project, put it in writing.
The architectural profession in Canada prepares standard contracts for use by clients and their architects. Regularly updated, these agreements have been in use – tested – for many years, and attempt to strike a fair balance between your interests and those of your architect. Your architect can draft the agreement based on your negotiations and discussions. Carefully review each clause to ensure that you understand the details, and clarify any miscommunication. Customize the agreement to reflect the details of, for example, the scope of services your architect will provide, and the information about the project or site which you will be providing. Obtain legal advice at your option … then formally execute the agreement to start your project off on the road to success!
Standard Documents are available from the Ontario Association of Architects.
A Guide to Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect Council endorsed the new RAIC’s “Guide to Determining Appropriate Fees for Architectural Services”. The document is free to download for RAIC members.
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