ᐅ Are structural engineering and thermal insulation calculations part of the HOAI?

Hello everyone,

We recently received a quote from the architect (HOAI, fee zone 3, minimum rate, renovation surcharge and additional costs each 5%) – totaling just over 53,000 and then noticed in the fine print that "structural calculations and thermal insulation calculations" are not included. This seems to be because these services are not provided by our architect.

• Is this correct / permissible? Or should these items be included?
• Are the "parameters" for the quote acceptable, based on a cost estimate of around 325,000 Euro?

Thank you!

Yes, structural engineering and energy calculations are separate. Zone 3 is correct for a single-family house, and the minimum rate is also fine. I’m not sure about the additional charges.

Ahem, silly question: The architect’s offer is based on estimates since there was no formal tender for the trades. If the actual costs differ later on, will the fee be recalculated? Or is the fee fixed once we sign now?

Phew, details – just take a look at the HOAI. In my opinion, it depends on the individual agreement, as long as it stays within the limits of the HOAI.

junge_familie schrieb:
Um, silly question: The architect’s offer is based on estimates without a tender for the trades. If the actual costs differ later, will the fee be recalculated? Or is the fee fixed once we sign now?

That depends somewhat on your contract setup and which version of the HOAI you follow. According to the 2013 version, a cost calculation must be carried out at the end of service phase 3, from which the eligible costs and thus the fee are determined. In other words: yes, up to service phase 3 the fee can increase, after that it usually does not. Whether this is actually practiced that way is another matter...

A few additions: drainage planning is sometimes charged separately, as are structural engineering and energy-related services (the latter have been nicely clarified). A minimum fee sounds reasonable in principle; we pay a three-quarter rate...
Does the offer cover all nine service phases? Or only phases 1 to 8? The latter has become common recently...