ᐅ Is an architect really that expensive?

Your calculation, as is often the case with you, is based on assumptions and is then treated as if it were set in stone.

The basement was estimated at 65,000 (roughly), but you still have to account for the other foundations when there is no basement—different insulation, etc. You can’t just subtract a lump sum.

And let’s assume your calculation is correct—where exactly is there transparency in costs, and which of my prices are more expensive? Then you would have to build the same house—but you don’t. That’s what I’m gathering from this.

Here we go again, comparing apples and oranges...

P.S.: Don’t forget the double garage.

I just skimmed through the discussion with some amusement and was reminded of the following quote:

"There is hardly anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price only are this man's lawful prey."

Features are one aspect of building, quality is another. And quality is difficult to compare by simply counting the number of electrical outlets or the height of the basement. You only notice it after 10 years when something starts to rot because the vapor barrier was poorly sealed...

Contrary to expectations (but anticipated as cautious planners), without a basement we are now at nearly 1600 €/m² (about $150 per ft²) plus additional construction-related costs – not a luxury project. The main cost drivers were the drilling, electrical work, and various small items… silicate paint, metal rails on the stairs, the pre-wall installation for the shower done by a specialist, and slightly larger windows in the attic… We are building with a general contractor and a designer.

Well, the quality simply cannot be compared – you only see the difference after years or even decades.

But if someone tries to squeeze every cent out of the overall price, they cannot seriously expect to receive quality.

I would bet my life that even cheaper offers are accepted.
Apparently, according to Grym, the winner is the one who builds the cheapest house...

I would have preferred to stay out of this discussion, but I must clarify that the recent posts do not fundamentally reflect the quality of a general contractor (GC) house.
While it is possible to have a house built by the GC without much personal involvement, most homeowners are just as present on these construction sites as they are with architect-led builds, often carrying out their own work.

No one would argue with that – especially not the final flooring and painting contractors. But all the trades before that are always a bit tricky in terms of warranty when dealing with general contractors or main contractors.

At least, that’s the impression I get – it seems this argument is often used to make sure no inexperienced person meddles...

And normally, you’d go to a general contractor or main contractor precisely to avoid having to worry about all that (to put it mildly – building is stressful anyway), right?