TL;DR There are 7 ways to calculate the value of an architecture project, and each one has an ideal situation. In practice, the mature firm combines 2 or 3: it uses R$/m² as an internal reference, the billable hour for extras and packages to present to the client. Using only one method is the mistake that generates most poorly calibrated proposals.

1. By R$/m² (built area)

How it works: R$ X per m² × area. Simple.

When to use: a known typology, a firm with a living table. Good as a starting point.

Risk: it ignores complexity unrelated to area (a difficult client, a tight deadline, sophisticated specifications).

2. Billable hour

How it works: an estimate of hours × the value of the hour.

When to use: atypical projects, consulting, out-of-scope extras.

Risk: the architect always underestimates the time. To mitigate this, multiply your estimate by 1.4–1.6.

3. Percentage of construction cost

How it works: X% of the estimated construction cost (usually 6–12%).

When to use: a premium project, a client who thinks like an investor.

Risk: construction cost varies a lot during the project. Lock the percentage to the initial budget, not the final one.

4. Fixed price (closed-bid)

How it works: "This project costs R$ X." Without breaking down the math.

When to use: a client who decides fast, a clear scope, a project you have already done 5 times.

Risk: if you underestimate the scope, you pay the whole error. There always has to be an internal calculation behind it.

5. Modular scope

How it works: a project split into modules (preliminary design / construction documents / 3D / interiors), the client chooses.

When to use: a client who wants to start small, a tight budget, an initial exploration.

Risk: the client buys only the preliminary design and disappears. Solution: charge more for the preliminary design than a proportional module.

6. Three-tier packages (essential / complete / premium)

How it works: 3 ready-made options, with growing scope.

When to use: whenever possible. It raises the average ticket by 18–34%.

Risk: the client gets paralyzed if the 3 options are too similar. Differentiate the scope for real, not just the price.

7. Milestone-based

How it works: the total price divided into installments tied to deliveries (signing, preliminary design, construction documents, delivery).

When to use: always. It is not a way of pricing: it is a way of charging. It combines with any other method.

In Limify

Use the 7 methods in a single proposal

Limify combines R$/m², the billable hour and packages in the same proposal. You price internally the right way and present it to the client in the way that sells.

Try it free

How to combine the 7

A stack that works in 90% of cases:

  1. Internally: calculate by billable hour and R$/m². Use the larger of the two.
  2. Present: 3 packages (essential / complete / premium).
  3. Charge: milestone-based, always with a down payment.
  4. Extras: billable hour outside the agreed scope.

The client sees a package, you protect the margin with a double calculation, cash comes in milestone by milestone as you deliver. Everybody wins.