What drives the fee
Consulting fees reflect the work the team needs to do. A focused review of existing drawings can have a different scope from a redevelopment requiring civil, structural, mechanical and electrical design. Site visits, missing records, coordination with other consultants, revisions and construction-phase services can also affect the fee.
What to share for a scoped proposal
Send the project address, a description of the existing and proposed use, any drawings or surveys you have, municipal comments, your target schedule and the deliverables you need. Tell the team whether you need early advice, permit or tender drawings, or support during construction.
How to compare proposals
Check which disciplines, drawings, site visits and review rounds each proposal includes. Ask how additional services will be priced if the scope changes. For a building systems project, see how mechanical and electrical design coordination can affect what belongs in the scope.