ᐅ New Construction Shell Phase Decision: Hire a Contractor or an Architect?

Hello,

I am planning to build a single- or two-family house and have an idea of how I might proceed. I would like to hear or read your opinions, as this approach may not be fully developed and might lack many details (e.g., requirements and predefined materials). I would appreciate some support.

Currently, there is a fully serviced plot of land available. I want to build a standard house on it—so no special components and no exceptional thermal insulation, just a maximum energy standard of KfW 70-90. It should be two stories with a full basement (usable cellar) and a gable roof pitched at about 35-45 degrees, possibly with a knee wall depending on the price, since the attic might be converted later. I am looking for a shell construction including roof and basement, without plastering or screeding work. Windows, sanitary installations, heating, and electrical systems would be tendered separately. The house has a footprint of about 125-130 sqm (1345-1400 sq ft) per floor.

What specifications should be made? Building materials? U-value? I was thinking of sending various shell construction companies self-prepared dimensioned floor plans, area calculations, and a volume calculation. Question: What information is needed for a preliminary quote? If the price is acceptable, is it possible to use a structural engineer or architect through the builder?

At the same time, I would also submit my planning to architects or present it in a free initial consultation. What else should I consider or possibly mention when requesting a quote?

PS: Sorry for the spelling mistakes. I wrote this text on an old iPad.

Cheap cheap cheap free. Do you think an architect or structural engineer lives on air? You should at least provide your plans and be transparent.

HilfeHilfe schrieb:
Cheap cheap cheap free. Do you think an architect or structural engineer lives on air? You should at least share your plans and be transparent

That doesn’t really help me right now. Sorry for using the word “cheap.” I have removed it. I believe companies and architects understand that people compare offers, especially when inquiries are non-binding. It’s the same with banks when you request financing and get competing offers elsewhere. “Be transparent”… you’re implying that I want to do something dishonest. I don’t understand that. Could you please explain further?

Your name says it all, doesn’t it?

Find an architect, explain what you want, and pay them; otherwise, you won’t get your house—whether it’s just the shell or fully finished.

The construction industry is working at full capacity; if it’s not you, they will move on to the next person wanting to build. “The customer is king” doesn’t apply when supply is limited.

I think you have the wrong expectations about what an architect does. They create the initial design plans and, if hired for it, also prepare the specifications, manage the tender process, and provide supervision throughout the construction phase.

However, they won’t tell you that the structural shell will cost around 2,500€ more or less—because they still need to carry out the tendering.

Of course, you can and should compare architects to see if their style matches your preferences and also ask what they charge for their work (which is regulated by the fee schedule for architects). But comparing architects and construction companies is, in my opinion, like comparing apples and apple sauce—the sauce is the next step.

Infosauger schrieb:
I am planning to build a single-family or two-family house.

Infosauger schrieb:
I was thinking of sending various shell construction companies my own scaled floor plans, area calculations, and a volume calculation.

Are you aware of the building regulations for two- or multi-family houses/apartment buildings? Also, do you know whether these types of use are permitted on your property?

Infosauger schrieb:
only Max KfW 70-90

What is that supposed to mean?