Budgets and Rates to Hire a Technical Architect
A technical architect's fees are established based on the difficulty and scale of the project. For construction or renovation projects, labor is calculated at around 4% of the Material Execution Budget (PEM). For obtaining a habitability certificate, the price is around 150 € on average.
The amounts are indicative and come from the original imported guide. The final budget depends on the scope, materials and previous condition of the space.
Service Levels and Pricing
Select the service level that best fits your project and budget. Fees vary depending on the complexity and scope of the work.
Basic
Ideal for simple procedures and small-scale projects. Includes technical advice and essential documentation.
Standard
The most popular option for renovations and medium-scale projects. Includes complete technical plans and site supervision.
Premium
For complex projects and large-scale renovations. Includes comprehensive oversight from design through completion with certifications and guarantees.
Share your project details and get free contact with professionals who work on similar projects.
Prices for building technicians
See what homeowners usually pay for the most common tasks. Use these ranges to fine-tune your scope and avoid missing key items in your budget.
Habitability certificates processing
Building permits processing
Technical Building Inspection (6-unit building)
Construction or renovation management (150 m² dwelling)
Safety and health coordination (150 m² dwelling)
Tips for hiring a building technician with Reformia
A building technician's fees are set based on the difficulty and scope of the project. For construction or renovation projects, labor costs are calculated at approximately 4% of the Material Execution Budget (PEM). In the case of an occupancy certificate application, the average price is around 150 €.
1. Look for references. One way to ensure good work from a building technician is to seek references from other users who have already hired their services.
Additionally, it's advisable to make sure they are specialized in the area for which you need them. For example, it won't help to hire a building technician whose specialty is permits if you need them to coordinate safety and health on a project.
2. Talk to several building technicians before deciding on one in particular. There's nothing wrong with comparing quotes or specialists. Before choosing one or another, make sure to hire the one that best fits what they need to do for you. Therefore, the ideal is to find a building technician who stands out in the field for which you want to hire them.
3. Make sure of their negotiation skills. In certain projects, it will be necessary to have a building engineer with sufficient capacity to negotiate or make claims.
They must ensure that projects are executed perfectly, so they must be a good coordinator and able to manage teams. It's possible that on more than one occasion they will need to make claims to various agencies and must know how to do so competently.
A building technician's fees are set based on the difficulty and scope of the project. For construction or renovation projects, labor costs are calculated at approximately 4% of the Material Execution Budget (PEM). In the case of an occupancy certificate application, the average price is around 150 €.
What is usually included in a quote
Each professional may structure quotes differently, but most project budgets follow this logic.
Typically included
Often not included
Steps to Hire a Technical Architect
A building technician's fees are set based on the difficulty and scope of the project. For construction or renovation projects, labor costs are calculated at approximately 4% of the Material Execution Budget (PEM). In the case of an occupancy certificate application, the average price is around 150 €.
1. Define the project scope
Clearly define which technical architect services you need, from simple procedures like habitability certificates (250 €) to building inspections (1,200 €) or full construction management. Documenting the exact scope prevents misunderstandings and enables accurate budget comparisons across different professionals.
2. Request quotes from multiple professionals
Contact 3-4 registered technical architects and request detailed quotes for your specific project. Prices vary significantly: from basic services (250 € - 800 €) to premium projects (5,000 € - 15,000 €), making multiple quotes essential for finding the best value for your investment.
3. Compare rates and services offered
Review each quote analyzing not just the total price but also what services are included. A building permit procedure may cost 400 €, while safety and health coordination reaches 3,000 €. Check whether the quote covers meetings, site visits, and complete final documentation.
4. Verify professional credentials and previous experience
Verify that the technical architect is registered with their professional college and request references from similar completed projects. Experience in administrative procedures, technical inspections, or project management is essential to ensure quality work, especially for complex, higher-cost projects.
What can change your final price
Even similar projects can end with different budgets. These are the factors that most often push costs up or down.
Project scope and complexity
Larger and more complex projects require more time for analysis, structural calculations, and coordination with other professionals, which significantly increases the technical architect's fees.
Percentage of the Material Execution Budget (PEM)
Fees are typically calculated at around 4% of the project's total PEM, so the higher the construction investment, the higher the technical professional's fees will be.
Type of intervention (new project, renovation, or refurbishment)
Refurbishments and comprehensive renovations usually have different rates than new construction projects, generally being more expensive due to the need for prior inspections and adaptation to existing structures.
Administrative procedures and required permits
Obtaining building permits, habitability certificates, energy efficiency certificates, and other municipal procedures increase the final cost depending on the quantity and complexity of required management.
Main services a building technician or construction surveyor can provide
A building technician's fees are set based on the difficulty and scope of the project. For construction or renovation projects, labor costs are calculated at approximately 4% of the Material Execution Budget (PEM). In the case of an occupancy certificate application, the average price is around 150 €.
If an occupancy certificate is required before occupying a residential unit (these certificates determine the intended use of the property) or different types of certifications, such as energy certification (mandatory certificates where a property's energy performance ratings must be registered), to buy, sell, or rent a property, you can turn to a building technician.
References
A building technician's fees are set based on the difficulty and scope of the project. For construction or renovation projects, labor costs are calculated at approximately 4% of the Material Execution Budget (PEM). In the case of an occupancy certificate application, the average price is around 150 €.
Both new and existing homes must have an occupancy certificate, as it is the document that guarantees compliance with minimum habitability standards required for any residential unit. With it, you can register, for example, water, electricity, and gas services.
Occupancy certificate prices may vary depending on your location. Additionally, they will be determined by the property's characteristics, usable area, etc. You must also include in the price various fees that vary depending on the autonomous community. An occupancy certificate for a residential unit costs, on average, around 100 €. For commercial premises, the cost can rise to 150 €.
- Projects for renovations or rehabilitation that are not comprehensive and do not change the structure of the property.
- Projects for new building construction that are not for residential use and have a maximum of one floor
- Demolitions and teardowns.
- Projects for construction and works that are not considered buildings, such as swimming pools.
Technical building inspections
You can hire a building technician to conduct a technical building inspection or ITE. This document must reflect the weaknesses and elements that could affect the safety of residents and the property itself.
The building technician must inspect the foundation, structure, interior and exterior facades, party walls, roofs and terraces, and plumbing and drainage systems. In any case, the municipal ordinance may also require the professional to inspect other elements.
- Official State Gazette. Building Development Regulation Act (Act 38/1999, of November 5). https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1999-21567
- Official State Gazette. Act 25/2009, of December 22, amending various acts to adapt them to the Act on free access to service activities and their exercise. https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2009-20725
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda. Aid program for improvements to energy efficiency in residential units. Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda. https://www.mivau.gob.es/ministerio/proyectos-singulares/prtr/vivienda-y-agenda-urbana/programa-de-ayuda-las-actuaciones-de-mejora-de-la-eficiencia-energetica-en-viviendas
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a technical architect for a renovation?
The cost of a technical architect for a renovation is generally calculated around 4% of the Material Execution Budget (PEM). For example, if your project has a budget of 50,000 €, the technical architect's fees would be around 2,000 €. This percentage can vary depending on project complexity and the professional's experience, ranging between 3% and 6% for more complex projects.
What exactly does a technical architect's work include?
A technical architect is responsible for technical direction of the construction, supervising project compliance, quality control of materials and labor, permit processing and administrative documentation, and preparing work certificates. They also coordinate between different trades and ensure that construction complies with current regulations and approved plans.
How long does it take a technical architect to process a habitability certificate?
Processing a habitability certificate has an average cost of 150 € and is generally completed within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the municipality and the complexity of required documentation. The technical architect is responsible for gathering all necessary documentation, conducting the technical inspection, and submitting the application to the relevant authorities.
Do I need a technical architect for any type of work on my home?
Yes, it is mandatory to hire a technical architect for any work involving structural modifications, significant layout changes, or renovations requiring municipal permits. For minor renovations such as painting or flooring changes without permits, it may not be required, but their advice is recommended to ensure regulatory compliance and protect your investment.
How should I choose the best technical architect for my project?
It's important to verify that the professional is registered with their professional association and has specific experience with projects similar to yours. Request quotes from several technical architects, compare their fees (remember they typically charge around 4% of the PEM), and review references from previous clients. Also consider their availability, communication skills, and whether they offer additional services such as administrative guidance or permit management.
Got more questions? Contact us!
Got more questions? Contact us!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a technical architect for a renovation?
The cost of a technical architect for a renovation is generally calculated around 4% of the Material Execution Budget (PEM). For example, if your project has a budget of 50,000 €, the technical architect's fees would be around 2,000 €. This percentage can vary depending on project complexity and the professional's experience, ranging between 3% and 6% for more complex projects.
What exactly does a technical architect's work include?
A technical architect is responsible for technical direction of the construction, supervising project compliance, quality control of materials and labor, permit processing and administrative documentation, and preparing work certificates. They also coordinate between different trades and ensure that construction complies with current regulations and approved plans.
How long does it take a technical architect to process a habitability certificate?
Processing a habitability certificate has an average cost of 150 € and is generally completed within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the municipality and the complexity of required documentation. The technical architect is responsible for gathering all necessary documentation, conducting the technical inspection, and submitting the application to the relevant authorities.
Do I need a technical architect for any type of work on my home?
Yes, it is mandatory to hire a technical architect for any work involving structural modifications, significant layout changes, or renovations requiring municipal permits. For minor renovations such as painting or flooring changes without permits, it may not be required, but their advice is recommended to ensure regulatory compliance and protect your investment.
How should I choose the best technical architect for my project?
It's important to verify that the professional is registered with their professional association and has specific experience with projects similar to yours. Request quotes from several technical architects, compare their fees (remember they typically charge around 4% of the PEM), and review references from previous clients. Also consider their availability, communication skills, and whether they offer additional services such as administrative guidance or permit management.