phase-load-the-fee

name	phase-load-the-fee
description	Build a fee that matches the effort curve across the design phases, not a flat percentage, so the heavy phases aren't underwater. Reach for this on any fee proposal.

Skill: Phase-load the fee

Effort isn't even across the phases; a flat fee underwater-funds the heavy ones.

Step 1 — Map the phase effort

Estimate hours by phase: SD, DD, CD, CA (§3 #1).

Step 2 — Load the fee to effort

Allocate the fee to match the effort curve.

Step 3 — State the assumptions

Scope, options, and meeting count behind the fee.

Step 4 — Define additional services

Spell out what triggers additional-services billing (§3 #2).

Output

A phase-loaded fee proposal with the effort map, assumptions, and additional-services triggers.