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 10:25Living area 195 sqm (2,098 sq ft), usable area 55 sqm (592 sq ft), which includes the heated utility room; the bathroom in the basement was not yet included.
So, in the basement approximately 45 sqm (484 sq ft) of living area plus heated hallway.
So, in the basement approximately 45 sqm (484 sq ft) of living area plus heated hallway.
Häuslebau3r1 Sep 2015 10:29Sebastian79 schrieb:
Yes, we also stated 25,000 euros - but that doesn’t mean you can’t spend moreWell, that’s obvious anyway – more is always better in this case.
Sebastian79 schrieb:
Living area 195 m² (2,099 sq ft), usable area 55 m² (592 sq ft), including the heated utility room; the basement bathroom was not yet accounted for.
So approximately 45 m² (484 sq ft) of living area in the basement plus a heated hallway.Have you discussed the additional costs of a full basement with your architect? Sloped site?N
Baufie schrieb:This concerns Sebastian, built in 1979, right?
Can you tell me how much of the 250 m² (2700 sq ft) of living space is in the basement and how much is on the ground floor and the upper floor?
S
Sebastian791 Sep 2015 12:43I don’t understand the question – we have a full basement.
And no sloping site – just a slight decline from one neighbor to the other (30cm (12 inches)).
And no sloping site – just a slight decline from one neighbor to the other (30cm (12 inches)).
Sebastian79 schrieb:
I don't understand the question – we have a full basement.
And no slope – just a slight decline from one neighbor to the other (30cm (12 inches)).Sorry, I got confused by juggling living area, usable area, and heated basement, and assumed a partial basement of 50m² (540ft²).Similar topics