Cost guide
The cost of architectural and engineering services in Ireland is driven by the complexity of the project, the level of detail required, and the reputation and experience of the professionals involved. Larger, more complex projects naturally incur higher fees due to the increased time, expertise, and resources needed.
Typical cost in Ireland
€1,500 - €15,000+ for initial design and planning, with ongoing fees often calculated as a percentage of build cost.
For residential projects, initial architectural design and planning stages might range from €1,500 to €5,000. This typically covers concept design, planning application drawings, and basic structural advice. For larger extensions or new builds, these fees can rise to €7,000 or more.
Engineering fees, particularly for structural engineering, are often separate and depend on the building's size and complexity. A basic structural report for a small extension could be €500-€1,000, while a full structural design for a new house might be €2,000-€4,000.
Factors that increase costs include the need for detailed site surveys, advanced engineering analysis (e.g., for difficult ground conditions or unique designs), and extensive project management. Conversely, simpler projects or those with less demanding structural requirements will be at the lower end of the scale.
Typically, initial fees cover design, planning submissions, and basic structural calculations. Excluded are usually the costs of planning application fees to the local authority, site investigations (like soil testing), and detailed construction drawings that go beyond the planning stage. Building control compliance can also be a separate, additional cost.
When comparing quotes, look beyond the headline price. Understand exactly what services are included in each proposal. Ask for a breakdown of fees for different project stages and ensure you're comparing like for like in terms of the scope of work and the experience of the professionals.
Project management and supervision during construction are often charged as a separate percentage of the build cost, typically ranging from 5% to 15%, depending on the level of involvement required from the architect or engineer.
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Yes, most architectural and engineering services are subject to VAT at the standard rate of 23% in Ireland. Ensure you clarify if quotes include or exclude VAT.
For smaller, well-defined projects, a fixed fee might be possible. However, for larger or more complex projects, architects and engineers often prefer to charge based on time and materials or a percentage of the build cost due to potential design changes or unforeseen issues.
Planning application fees vary by local authority but for a dwelling house, expect to pay around €220. This is separate from architectural and engineering fees.
Yes, structural engineers typically charge more than services engineers (MEP - Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) for initial design stages, reflecting the complexity of structural calculations. However, MEP design can become very costly for larger commercial projects.
Prices are indicative guides only and vary by job, location and provider. Always confirm with the business.
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