The phrase “it’s just a small project” has probably caused more confusion, blown more budgets, and strained more relationships than we’d care to admit. It sounds harmless, maybe even charming - the architectural equivalent of a quick favor. But that phrase carries weight. Because behind every modest addition, bathroom remodel, or garage conversion is the same professional rigor we apply to larger work … just without the benefit of scale. Whether it’s fees that don’t shrink as expected, construction costs that defy logic, or clients caught off guard by the number of decisions they’ll need to make, these projects demand clarity, patience, and experience. So today, we’re talking about what architects need to communicate, anticipate, and prepare for when the work is small but the expectations are not. Welcome to Episode 180: Size Doesn't Matter.  [Note: If you are reading this via email, click here to access the on-site audio player]  Architectural Fees Don't Scale jump to 3:50 One of the most misunderstood aspects of residential design is how architectural fees are determined. Many clients assume that a smaller project should result in a proportionally smaller fee. But architectural fees don’t scale like that. A 400-square-foot addition still requires site measurements, code research, zoning analysis, (possibly) consultant coordination, and detailed documentation. Whether the project is 400 or 4,000 square feet, many of the baseline efforts remain the same. You still need floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, building sections, wall sections, electrical layouts, and coordination with structural engineers or energy consultants. And while the documentation may be shorter, the care and precision required to make a small project work can sometimes take even more time. For example, a kitchen renovation might involve more detail and coordination per square foot than an entire house. The AIA has published guidance on fee structures in the "Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice," (this is a book that I highly recommend) which notes that project complexity and risk should be used to help determine compensation, not just size. As architects, we must be clear in helping clients understand that fees represent time and expertise, not floor area. If you charge a fixed fee or percentage of construction cost, be sure to explain what that covers and what it doesn’t. Helping clients see the value in pre-design services, permitting assistance, and construction observation can prevent misunderstandings later. Saving the best for last, just because it’s a small project doesn’t mean the liability is small. Professional risk remains, which means the time spent to get it right matters, regardless of scale. the post that I referenced in our discussions was this one ...*the penalty of drawing too much -  Excessive or Essential? The Entire Timeline jump to 9:43 Clients often think the timeline for a small project will be quick. And to be fair, the design phase might be shorter than that of a ground-up custom home. But that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Permitting can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the jurisdiction. In some cities, small additions are routed through full plan review just like new homes. And once the project is permitted, the construction timeline is subject to the availability of contractors and materials, site conditions, and even weather. It’s our responsibility to help clients understand the full arc of the process. According to a 2023 survey from Houzz, the average design-to-completion timeline for a kitchen remodel is around 8-12 months, even when the construction itself only takes 2-3. Why the gap? Because there are lags built into the process. Design review boards, HOA approvals, contractor bidding windows, and permit review times all add up. When you add in backorders on appliances or materials, things can shift quickly. That’s why it’s so important to map out the process at the beginning and set realistic milestones. Being transparent about what’s in your control and what isn’t will help keep trust intact when things inevitably shift. Having a clear design schedule, a list of deliverables, and contingency plans for delays is part of being a professional. And the smaller the project, the more noticeable even short delays can be. Finding the Right Contractor is Hard jump to 14:36 For small residential projects, contractor selection isn’t just about qualifications — it’s about willingness. Many reputable general contractors are booked with larger, more profitable jobs and simply won’t entertain small additions or renovations. Others might agree to the work but assign it to their most junior staff, resulting in delays, poor communication, or inconsistent execution. As an architect, you often find yourself acting as a matchmaker, helping the client find someone who is both capable and available. But it’s not always easy. In many cases, the best choice is a smaller GC who specializes in remodels or residential work. These contractors understand the quirks of working in occupied homes, phasing construction, and dealing with tight site conditions.   But availability is limited, and their schedules can be unpredictable. Some clients consider acting as their own GC, which can work in rare cases, but often results in schedule overruns and missed coordination. According to the National Association of Home Builders, over 70% of remodeling jobs in 2022 were handled by contractors who also reported being overbooked for more than 3 months at a time. That means the contractor search should begin early in the process, not after the drawings are complete. Make sure you and your client have the same definition of "qualified." You’re not just looking for someone who can build; you’re looking for someone who can communicate, coordinate, and collaborate. It’s also a good idea to review prior projects and talk to past clients. Help your client understand that the relationship with the contractor is as important as the specs on the plans — maybe even more so. After all, they’ll be living with the results. Constructions Costs Are Not Linear jump to 20:37 It’s one of the first hurdles in almost every small residential project: explaining why a seemingly simple renovation costs so much. Homeowners often have a mental equation that says "less space = less money." but in reality, costs per square foot often go up as projects get smaller. That’s because certain trades are still required regardless of scale, and the overhead doesn’t vanish just because there are fewer square feet to the project. Let's take a look at kitchens and bathrooms as an example. These are among the most expensive spaces to build because they require plumbing, electrical, ventilation, millwork, tile, and appliances or fixtures. According to the Journal of Light Construction's 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, a midrange kitchen remodel in the U.S. averages over $79,000. That’s not a custom kitchen, and that’s not a big kitchen. The cost per square foot for an upscale bath room (that is not the main bathroom) can easily exceed that of a new living room or bedroom addition, averaging just below $80,000. Clients need to know this before they get too far into the wish list phase. We also have to educate clients on hidden costs: mobilization, demolition, temporary protection, permit fees, utility upgrades, and finish upgrades. When a contractor is asked to come in for a small job, their fixed costs don’t change much — and that means those costs get distributed over fewer square feet. As the architect, it’s important to tie cost discussions back to decisions: complexity, quality of finishes, number of trades involved, and construction logistics all impact the final budget. Help your client align their expectations with reality, and be prepared to guide them through prioritization if scope and budget don’t match. Cost estimating tools, even rough ones, can be valuable here. A good faith effort at outlining potential costs early in the process often leads to smoother approvals and fewer surprises later. Squeezed Out by Larger Projects jump to 25:45 One of the hardest things to explain without sounding dismissive is that small projects don’t always get the same attention as large ones - from either the architect or the contractor. It’s not because we don’t care. It’s because all offices, regardless of size, operate on a limited pool of time and resources. When you have a 5,000-square-foot custom home under construction and a 500-square-foot porch addition in design, you’re naturally going to have to triage your attention. Same goes for most general contractors - although I highly doubt that the same contractor that would build a 5k new home would even look at a porch addition. This isn’t a justification for dropping the ball - far from it. It’s a prompt to plan ahead. You need to be honest with your client about what your involvement will look like week-to-week. Can you review shop drawings within 48 hours? Are you attending site meetings? Is someone else in your office taking the lead? These aren’t just internal staffing decisions; they’re part of the client experience. Likewise, make sure the builder isn’t stretched too thin. If they’re juggling five job sites and only showing up for an hour a day, progress will crawl. It helps to set expectations with a communications plan. Weekly email updates, pre-scheduled check-ins, and clearly defined response timelines can reduce client anxiety and keep everyone aligned. If the project requires a sprint of focus to meet a milestone, carve out the time and communicate that commitment. When you’re transparent about how resources are allocated, clients are usually more understanding and you can avoid the frustration of unspoken assumptions and unmet expectations. Doing More with Less of Everything jump to 33:03