Phased fees make progress and cash flow legible. Understanding typical allocations helps you compare proposals without obsessing over a single total.
Why fees are phased
Work intensity changes by phase. Phasing also creates approval gates so you do not detail the wrong concept.
Illustrative patterns (not rules)
Many full-service residential proposals put substantial effort in CD production, meaningful effort in SD/DD, and optional or separate CA. Exact splits vary by firm and project.
How to read a proposal
- Percent or dollar by phase
- What triggers phase start
- What is excluded
- Consultant handling
- Additional services rates
Negotiation tip
Negotiate scope clarity before haggling percentages. Cutting CD effort to win a fee war often backfires in the field.