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
S
Sebastian791 Sep 2015 06:14Of course, not including the land – that should be obvious...
And why undefined? All costs are included... except for the land and its additional costs, which an architect normally doesn’t handle anyway.
And why undefined? All costs are included... except for the land and its additional costs, which an architect normally doesn’t handle anyway.
If the approximately 250 m² (2,690 sq ft) include the basement living area plus a double garage – I won’t comment on the costs yet because we are still in the building phase.
However, the commonly cited price per m² that I often see does not match our experience, even though we built to a high standard with many corners and recesses.
That said, we also did some of the work ourselves...
However, the commonly cited price per m² that I often see does not match our experience, even though we built to a high standard with many corners and recesses.
That said, we also did some of the work ourselves...
Sebastian79 schrieb:So if the 250 m² include the basement, that fits with what I have heard so far. But if it is 250 m² plus 120 m² (1,292 sq ft) of basement living area, then something doesn’t add up.
Almost 250 m² (2,690 sq ft) with basement living space plus double garage – I won’t say anything about the costs yet because we are still under construction
But the prices per m² that are often mentioned here don’t match our situation – even though we built with a high standard and many corners and projections.
However, we also did some work ourselves...
S
Sebastian791 Sep 2015 08:27No, that’s included in there – otherwise, that would be crazy ;o)
Häuslebau3r1 Sep 2015 09:49Well, that is quite a significant amount in terms of labor costs... I currently find it difficult to handle or estimate. So far, it has always been said that you can expect a maximum of 25,000€.
But first, the decision still needs to be made about who will take the initial steps with us and ultimately who will be responsible for the construction.
But first, the decision still needs to be made about who will take the initial steps with us and ultimately who will be responsible for the construction.
S
Sebastian791 Sep 2015 09:52Yes, we also stated 25,000 euros, but that doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to spend more.
merlin83 schrieb:
If the 250 sqm (2700 sq ft) includes the basement, then that matches what I’ve heard so far. But if it’s 250 sqm (2700 sq ft) plus an additional 120 sqm (1300 sq ft) living basement, then something doesn’t add up. Can you tell me how much of the 250 sqm (2700 sq ft) living area is in the basement and how much is on the ground floor and upper floor?
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