ᐅ Who has built a house with an architect? Any experiences to share?
Created on: 13 Aug 2015 21:29
X
xycrazy
Hello everyone,
Until yesterday, we were basically agreed that we wanted to work with a reputable local builder for a turnkey project. However, after receiving the new price update yesterday, we were shocked. It is €30,000 to €40,000 (about $32,000 to $43,000) higher than what was initially quoted to us in the last conversation—even though we are now saving several thousand euros on other costs like excavation, disposal, and the basement due to new circumstances. We are looking at costs of around €1782 per square meter (about $165 per square foot) of heated living space, including the basement and all additional construction costs, but excluding utility connection fees and a double garage for €25,000 (with rooftop terrace). This seems quite high to me. Of course, the builder has an excellent reputation, which we verified, but I’m afraid we are paying a premium for that.
That said, we are now so frustrated that we are considering whether it might be better to work with an architect instead. The advantages in our view would be full cost transparency in the offers, more flexibility, and a better house design tailored to our preferences in terms of appearance. The disadvantages would be the architect’s fee and the lack of price certainty compared to a fixed-price contract. However, there is some hope that it might turn out cheaper—or at least that for the same budget we would get a higher standard, such as a full basement instead of just a partial one, and so on.
I would therefore appreciate hearing about your experiences with architects. Have you worked with them, and if so, how did it go? Did you stay within budget? If not, what was the reason? And if you decided against using an architect, what led to that decision? Perhaps some of you had contact with architects but some aspects put you off? I am open to all feedback.
Thank you!
Best regards
Until yesterday, we were basically agreed that we wanted to work with a reputable local builder for a turnkey project. However, after receiving the new price update yesterday, we were shocked. It is €30,000 to €40,000 (about $32,000 to $43,000) higher than what was initially quoted to us in the last conversation—even though we are now saving several thousand euros on other costs like excavation, disposal, and the basement due to new circumstances. We are looking at costs of around €1782 per square meter (about $165 per square foot) of heated living space, including the basement and all additional construction costs, but excluding utility connection fees and a double garage for €25,000 (with rooftop terrace). This seems quite high to me. Of course, the builder has an excellent reputation, which we verified, but I’m afraid we are paying a premium for that.
That said, we are now so frustrated that we are considering whether it might be better to work with an architect instead. The advantages in our view would be full cost transparency in the offers, more flexibility, and a better house design tailored to our preferences in terms of appearance. The disadvantages would be the architect’s fee and the lack of price certainty compared to a fixed-price contract. However, there is some hope that it might turn out cheaper—or at least that for the same budget we would get a higher standard, such as a full basement instead of just a partial one, and so on.
I would therefore appreciate hearing about your experiences with architects. Have you worked with them, and if so, how did it go? Did you stay within budget? If not, what was the reason? And if you decided against using an architect, what led to that decision? Perhaps some of you had contact with architects but some aspects put you off? I am open to all feedback.
Thank you!
Best regards
B
Bauexperte16 Aug 2015 23:57xycrazy schrieb:
Our costs are about €1782 per m² (10.8 sq ft) of heated living space, including the basement and all additional construction costs, but excluding utility connection fees and a double garage for €25,000 (with roof terrace) Although I don’t know the house or its size, €1,782 per m² (10.8 sq ft) in Baden-Württemberg seems very affordable, especially since you included additional construction costs in the total price per square meter.
An architect is unlikely to deliver a cheaper offer; maybe with “supposedly” better finishes, but certainly not truly cheaper. Also, an architect cannot guarantee you a fixed price.
If that is too expensive for you, you will have to do some work yourself—as much as time and skills allow—or build a smaller house.
Regards, Bauexperte
xycrazy schrieb:
Then you must have talked to the wrong people... We also received some offers from prefab home builders that were higher than the architect’s quotes, no question. But you should compare apples to apples. If I want to build with solid construction and the architect says timber frame construction is cheaper, that may be true—but it’s not what I want and what can be fairly compared in terms of price. In total, we have now spoken with 7 architects. Every single one told us they couldn’t keep the price. Our general contractor is not a bargain hunter but has an excellent reputation here and has been in business for 30 years. Strange that all the architects were (unfortunately) higher. How do these 7 architects usually charge potential clients? Are these quotes provided free of charge?
DaLinux schrieb:
Hello xycrazy,
we are currently in the detailed planning phase with our architect, and what can I say? It’s taking a long time. The specialist planners and involved tradespeople have taken their time, now it’s holiday season, and the process continues like this. We actually wanted to have our house completed this year (roof, windows). But judging by how things are now, that’s going to be tight. Paper is very patient at the moment, and the coordination between parties is too slow.
Among other things, costs have become a significant issue. Not because they have risen much higher than expected. No, having certainty with a fixed price is definitely comfortable. When we talk to a financer right now, we still can only provide rough cost estimates from the architect. Not ideal.
Our reason for going with an architect, as you already mentioned, was flexibility and the hoped-for higher quality standard. At the moment, we are paying the price for this with the downsides mentioned above.
Regards!Your issue is also keeping me from hiring an architect for the planning.Weimy schrieb:
Hello,
we are also building with an architect; for us, there was no other option... our new house will have 230 sqm (2,475 sq ft) of living space, the garage 36 sqm (387 sq ft). The planned costs are €400,000 without a basement but with high-quality fittings including exterior landscaping. Were you able to move in with these expenses?
We have now clearly decided not to go with an architect. It’s crazy what some of them charge. And in the family, there is currently a renovation going on with an architect... The first trade (shell construction) has already become a substantial €25,000 (about $27,000) more expensive... Reason given: the craftsmen showed up...
24h-Trend schrieb:
Were you able to move in with these expenses? Hello,
we only need to complete the painting now. Everything else has been included.
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