THE HONG KONG AND FAR EAST BUILDER
43
ARCHITECTS' SERVICES AND FEES
The scale of Architects' professional charges are clearly laid down by the Royal Institute of British Archi- tects as are the services rendered for such fees. In Hong Kong, this scale is not, we suspect, strictly adhered to, as some architects are somewhat inclined to succumb to the bargaining spirit of clients whose tendency to shop around for architectural services is not sufficiently discouraged here. Another tendency which has been greatly deplored in the past, but against which no decided co-operative steps have been taken, is the practice commonly indulged in of architects accepting commissions, at very reduced rates, only to draw up plans and sign them for submission to the Building Authority without further concerning themselves with the manner in which the work is carried out. It is known that in some cases architects may not even be requir- ed to draw up the plans. R.I.B.A. conditions of engage- ment clearly state what is expected of the architect and the remuneration therefor.
Architects' fees cover the taking of the client's instruc- tions, preparing sketch designs, making approximate estimate of cost by cubic measurement or otherwise, pre- paring drawings and specifications for the purpose of ob- taining tenders, advising on tenders and preparation of contract, selecting and instructing consultants (if any), furnishing to the contractor two copies of the contract drawings and specification and such further details as are necessary for the proper carrying out of the works, such periodical supervision and inspection as may be necessary to ensure that the works are being executed in general ac- cordance with the contract, issuing certificates for payment, and passing and certifying accounts.
The Architect's fee is based on a percentage of the total cost of all works executed as follows:-
(a) If the contract and/or order exceeds £4,000 the per-
centage is 6%.
(b)
If the contract and/or order does not exceed £4,000 the percentage is 10% in the case of works costing £200 graduated to 6% in the case of works costing £4,000, as the special character of such works may render appropriate.
(c) These percentages apply to the great bulk of an Architect's work but the charge may be reduced to 5% in the case of extensive works of a simple char- acter which involve continuous repetition of units.
NOTE: As from 1st December, 1947, where the total fees chargeable do not exceed £1,150, the R.I.B.A. sanctioned a sur- charge of 15% on the first £1,000 of the fee.
In the case of alterations of and additions to existing buildings a higher percentage may be charged, but not ex- ceeding twice the amount due for new works of the same cost.
In works in which designs for fittings, furniture, appointments, decorations, garden work or complex detail or construction are main features, special fees will be charged adequate to the circumstances.
In addition to a percentage on the total cost of executed works, the Architect is entitled to charge in respect of all works included in the tender and/or order but subsequently omitted, not being merely provisional or contingent sums, two-thirds of the charge due upon them had they been executed.
If a project, or part of it, is abandoned or deferred, or if the services of the Architect are dispensed with, the Architect is entitled to a proportion of the fees commen- surate with the amount of work done.
When the work is executed wholly or in part with old materials, or where material, labour, or carriage is provid- ed by Client, the Architect is entitled to calculate his fees as if the work had been executed throughout by the Contrac- tor and with new materials.
The above mentioned fees do not include the following services:-
(a) Advising as to the selection and suitability of sites. Negotiating as to sites or buildings. Surveying sites or buildings and taking levels, and making surveys, measurements, and plans of existing buildings.
(b) The preparation of further sketch designs neces- sitated by a material alteration in, or addition to the Client's instructions, or altering the working drawings and specification in consequence thereof prior to the commence- ment of the works. Altering drawings, or preparing new drawings, and other services occasioned by variations or additions required by Client after the commencement of the works. Making additional drawings for the use of the Client, Clerk of Works, Contractors, or Sub-Contractors, drawings for and negotiating with ground landlords, ad- joining owners, public authorities, licensing authorities or others.
(c) Party Walls, Rights of Light and other ease- ments, reservations or restrictions.
(d) Litigation, arbitration, or valuation.
(e)
Delay in building operations by causes beyond the control of the Architect such as "force majeure," bankruptcy, obstruction by parties.
Fees for these services are based upon total time oc- cupied in dealing with individual cases, including travelling time, with certain minimum fees stipulated exclusive of out-of-pocket expenses and other disbursements.
Rates of charges are also laid down for approving plans submitted by Lessees and inspecting buildings during progress; the laying out or development of estates for land surveying, and the preparing of plans and maps; and for participation in litigation and arbitration proceedings.
In Singapore the Architects' Ordinance 1926 fixes the fees chargeable by architects and the scale, upon which some here are working, is graduated from 10% when not exceeding S$5,000.00 to 71% when exceeding S$20,000.00. In both the R.I.B.A. and the Singapore Ordinance, fees are chargeable upon all trades irrespective of the amount of work in any trade which involves upon the architect.
The architect is entitled to payment immediately on completion of work when it involves the preparation of preliminary sketch plans, and/or the preparing of sketch designs and making approximate estimates. On a contract being carried out, payment for services are made from time to time as the work proceeds.
The Institution of Structural Engineers have also a scale of fees for their Members. The fees laid down by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Royal Institute of British Architects are the same for their respective work.
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