When people come to us at Connor Ferris Architects, the very first question is almost always the same:
👉 “So… how much is this all going to cost?”
It’s a fair question. Renovating or building isn’t something you do every day, and the idea of endless fees or hidden extras can put people off before they’ve even begun. That’s why we work differently. Our fees are fixed, confirmed upfront, and tailored to the size of your project. Nothing is left to guesswork.
To give you an idea of how it works, let’s take a little journey through different kinds of projects we see every week.
The Young Family and Their Kitchen Extension
Take a young family in Chelmsford. They’ve got a typical 3-bed house and a cramped kitchen that just doesn’t work for them anymore. What they really want is a light-filled open space where they can cook, eat, and watch the kids play in the garden.
For them, the right move is a small single-storey extension, about 10 sqm. Add in some internal reconfiguration and suddenly their £25,000–£100,000 build budget goes a long way. We guide them through design, planning, and builder-ready drawings with a fixed fee they know from day one.
The Couple Who Needed More Room
Then there’s the couple whose house was perfect… until their teenagers grew up. Suddenly everyone’s on top of each other. The solution? A 25 sqm extension out the back to create a larger living-dining area, plus a loft conversion with en-suite so the eldest has their own space.
This kind of project typically lands in the £150,000–£300,000 range, depending on finishes. Again, everything is broken down stage by stage, so they only pay for the work they need.
The Family That Didn’t Want to Move
Next, picture a family that loves their street and their neighbours but has simply outgrown the house. Instead of moving, they choose to transform it: a big rear extension, a loft, and even a garden office for working from home.
Now we’re talking about a medium project, often between £350,000–£550,000. The result? A completely reimagined home that works for modern family life, all without leaving their postcode.
The Big Dream: A New Build
Finally, some clients come to us ready to create something completely new, their forever home. This might be a 200 sqm new build with a pool house or outbuilding. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of project, and budgets here usually range between £900,000–£1.2m.
These projects are more complex, but the principle is the same: costs are agreed upfront, broken down clearly, and adjusted only if you decide to add extras along the way.
And What About Tricky Sites?
Of course, not every home fits neatly into a category. Listed buildings, conservation areas, or unusual plots can add layers of complexity. That’s where our local knowledge of Essex planning policy really helps. We’ll assess the site, explain the challenges, and give you a bespoke fee that’s still fixed and transparent.
Why People Choose Us
Our clients tell us the same thing over and over: they chose CFA because they wanted clarity. They didn’t want to feel left in the dark about costs, and they wanted an architect who cared as much about their home as they did.
That’s why we:
- Confirm fees upfront
- Break everything down into stages
- Offer a 10% discount for returning clients
It’s not just about numbers, it’s about trust.
Ready to Start Your Story?
Every project is unique, and the best way to know where yours sits is to let us come and see it. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, where we’ll talk through your ideas, and confirm your fee on the spot.
📞 Get in touch today and let’s start shaping your project, with cost clarity from day one!
