What should I budget?
When considering a renovation, addition, or new home, construction costs are often the main focus. While they are a significant factor, it’s essential to take a holistic approach—accounting for all aspects of your investment to ensure a well-balanced budget and a successful project.
Soft Costs
Architect Fees, Consultant Fees (engineering, survey, soil testing, etc)
Site Costs (not including aquisition)
Utility connections, grading, sidewalks, patios, drives, and landscaping
Fixtures, Furnishings and Equipment
Furniture, window treatments, etc.
Construction Costs
Cost to build the structure. Includes mobilization costs, builder fee, project management, materials, systems, labor
Hiring an architect means you recognize the value of thoughtful design. While this can lead to a higher investment because you prioritize design, it doesn’t have to. We help you define the right budget for your needs and ensure your investment is used wisely. Even working with an architect for schematic design can significantly impact your return on investment—efficient, creative planning can transform a space from merely functional to purposeful and experiential, something you feel the moment you walk in.
Understanding Construction Costs
Construction costs on average rise about 3% per year, but from 2020-2023, inflation drove prices up 30-40% compared to 2019. To help you navigate this evolving landscape, we offer fixed-fee feasibility and schematic design packages that explore design options and pricing before committing to a full project.
In the Twin Cities and surrounding areas, new home construction typically ranges from $325-$500+ per square foot, depending on factors like site complexity, construction quality, and finish levels.
Remodels and additions are more challenging to estimate, as costs depend on the extent of changes to the existing home, the structural work required, and any unforeseen conditions. That’s where our pre-design and schematic design process provides valuable cost insights. With five years of pricing experience and seven years in design-build, Katy offers realistic budget projections, accounting for future design development and structural requirements that builders may overlook in early schematic estimates. By anticipating potential expenses from the start, we help you make informed decisions before committing to a full design investment.
Architectural Fees & Pricing Approach
At Ashlar Architects, we believe in a flexible and transparent pricing model. While architectural fees typically range from 8-15% of construction costs, often billed hourly, we take a different approach to support both exploration and budget clarity.
Our Hybrid Pricing Model:
- Fixed Fees for Early Stages – Pre-design and schematic design are billed at a fixed rate. This ensures cost certainty while we explore ideas and define the project direction.
- Hourly Billing for Later Stages – Once the design is established, we transition to an hourly model for design development and construction documents. This allows us to tailor services based on project complexity, budget, and your level of involvement.
As a small firm with low overhead and a proven process, we rarely exceed 10% for full-service design, and you control the level of service based on your needs. Our goal is to provide a balanced and efficient design process that works for you.
How Long Does the Design Process Take?
Designing a custom home or remodel is a multi-phase process that carefully balances creativity, functionality, budget, and regulations.
For a new home or large remodel/addition, expect the design phase to take 6–12 months, depending on the project’s complexity, your level of involvement, and other external factors. Taking the time to refine the design ensures a well-planned, high-quality home that aligns with your vision and budget.
For interior-only remodels like a kitchen or primary suite, the design phase is typically faster. However, due to the detailed process and the time needed to develop thoughtful, well-crafted solutions, it usually takes a minimum of 4 months and can extend up to 9 months, depending on the project’s complexity.
Will a Small Home Design Be Faster?
Not necessarily. While we love designing small homes, creating a compact yet functional space requires careful planning. Architects add value by making smaller homes live larger through smart, efficient design. While a smaller home may cost less to build, balancing all your needs within a limited footprint can be a complex process.