ᐅ Minimum Scope of Services for Architect and Structural Engineer, and Possible Owner Contribution?

Hello,

we plan to have a 140 m² (1,507 sq ft) house with a basement built using solid Poroton blocks, situated on a slight slope, as a shell construction. We intend to do the interior work ourselves (budget around 250,000 euros).

We want to keep the costs as low as possible, including fees for the architect and structural engineer.

Questions:

1. From a rational point of view, which services should I at least commission?
2. Which tasks can I handle myself (cost calculation, interior planning, etc.)?
3. Are there any other useful tips to keep the architect’s fees low?

Hello,

m2thearius schrieb:
1. From a rational perspective, which services should I at least commission? 2. Which services can I handle myself (cost calculation, interior design planning, etc.)? 3. Are there any other useful tips to keep architect fees low?

Only the architect is authorized to submit the official plans, so they must prepare all relevant documents for the building permit application and, after your approval, submit them to the local building authority. You will also need a structural engineer, as they are responsible, among other things, for foundation design based on the soil report and for liability concerning the energy efficiency verification.

Once the building permit is granted, and the soil report and structural calculations are completed, you can basically manage the construction yourself—if you feel confident enough—and coordinate ongoing costs according to your plans and preferences.

Kind regards

Ok, thanks for the reply.

What percentage of the total construction cost can I expect to pay for the services of a structural engineer and architect for the tasks mentioned, assuming a standard basic setup?

I feel confident managing cost control and budgeting during or before the construction phase.

Beyond that, is it advisable for the architect/structural engineer or even an independent expert to inspect the progress of the shell construction regularly? Or can I trust the general contractor I hire for the shell construction “blindly”?

Hello,

m2thearius schrieb:
...
3. Are there any other useful tips on how to keep architect fees low?

It is important not only to optimize the costs for the architect, structural engineer, etc., but the overall expenses as well.
When there is a high proportion of self-performed work, the construction method itself can have a significant impact. Many self-builders approach things the wrong way around. The interior finishing, especially the building services (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems), requires considerable expertise. In addition, there are often competing demands between the different trades. This can quickly overwhelm a layperson. Moreover, there are various safety-related requirements. Without precise sizing and planning—for example, of the heating system, hot water supply, and ventilation—and adequate supervision during the construction phase, the planned "savings" can quickly turn into losses.
Furthermore, for the building completion notification, the relevant specialist contractor declarations are required.

Best regards

m2thearius schrieb:

What percentage of the total construction cost can I expect to pay for the services of a structural engineer and an architect when using standard basic fittings?

m2thearius schrieb:

I feel confident managing cost control and budgeting during or before the construction phase.

What about planning and site management? And by planning, I don’t mean the permit planning (building permit / planning permission), but the detailed execution planning.

m2thearius schrieb:

Is it also advisable for the architect, structural engineer, or even an external inspector to regularly review the progress of the shell construction?

Definitely. Ideally, have someone who not only oversees construction monitoring but also takes full responsibility for site management. You will save yourself a lot of trouble if you have someone who knows exactly what is happening on site at every stage and can direct how the work should be carried out.

You should not cut costs on planning and site management. There are definitely other areas where you can save.

Best regards

€uro schrieb:
especially the building services, require significant expertise.

My girlfriend’s father is a specialist in heating and plumbing. He has worked for a local company for nearly 30 years and has already offered several times to take care of these areas for us. That means two major concerns less that I would have to handle.

E.Curb schrieb:
what about planning/construction management? And by planning, I don’t mean obtaining the building permit/planning permission, but the detailed execution planning

I have absolutely no knowledge about construction management and planning. Here I definitely need a professional— but which one?

Can I trust the company I hire for the shell and basement work (they will surely assign a site manager)? Or should the architect visit every 4 weeks as well? Or is an independent building inspector a better choice?

What exactly is included in the different architectural services? As far as I understand from Bauexperte, item 4 must be done by the architect. And item 8 should partly be done as well. What do the other items include? I already have very clear ideas about the appearance, size, and floor plans of the house, so what else is still needed?


1 – Basic evaluation Max 3%
2 – Preliminary design Max 7%
3 – Draft design Max 11%
4 – Building permit/planning permission design Max 6%
5 – Detailed execution planning Max 25%
6 – Preparation for tendering Max 10%
7 – Assistance with tendering Max 4%
8 – Construction supervision Max 31%
9 – Project management, documentation Max 3%