ᐅ What is the cost of structural engineering for a single-family house?

Lumpi_LE schrieb:

The HOAI fees don’t exist without reason, and even those are actually quite low. For a 200m² (2153 square feet) single-family house with 3 corners and 5 edges, the fees are around €25,000.

And then another 25,000 for the architect...
Who actually pays this? 98% of people don’t, which is why most offer services below HOAI rates.
And then architects and engineers wonder why most people today build with developers or choose solid houses from catalogs, where this work simply disappears.

No one is really surprised by this—it’s obvious that if I can use a structural calculation for a house 100 times, then the cost per house is 100 times less. That’s why you pay significantly more in fees for a “custom” architect-designed house. If someone pays 2,000-3,000€ for the structural calculation of their custom house, they’re basically getting the calculation for a similar house with only the cover sheet changed. Or the costs are accounted for elsewhere, or the structural engineer is based in India, or other scenarios...

hegi___ schrieb:

And then another 25k for the architect...
Who on earth pays that?

Well... in a different context:
45,000€ for an Audi A4? Who pays that?
5€ for a doner kebab? Who pays that?
Or 100€ for a pair of pants? Who pays that?
.
.
.
There’s also versions for 10,000€, 1€, and 5€...

I find it quite remarkable that you can conclude poor workmanship just based on the price. To address this directly: Our mason praised the structural engineering and was glad that it was done properly, meaning he had to install comparatively little steel.

Lumpi_LE schrieb:

Actually, no one is really surprised. It’s clear that if a structural calculation for a house can be reused 100 times, then the cost for that specific house should be 100 times less. That’s why the fee for a custom architect-designed house is significantly higher. If someone pays 2,000–3,000 euros for the structural calculation of a custom-designed house, they’re usually just handed the calculation for a similar house with a changed cover sheet. Or the costs are hidden elsewhere, or the structural engineer is based in India, and so on...

Well... in another context:
45,000 euros for an Audi A4? Who would pay that?
5 euros for a kebab? Who would pay that?
Or 100 euros for a pair of pants? Who would pay that?
.
.
.
There’s also versions for 10,000 euros, 1 euro, and 5 euros...

With HOAI, it’s the same as any other market. Supply and demand regulate the price.
And that shows that HOAI simply doesn’t align with the market.

I think someone who paid too much for their services is trying to justify it...

No, it’s a well-known fact and often appears in threads like this that engineers are undervalued... so I can’t help but share my two cents.

There are various anecdotes:

For example, at a 20-year high school reunion: you’re standing at a table chatting with a civil engineer and mention that you want to add an extension to your house. The engineer will explain what you need to watch out for, sketch a rough plan on a napkin, give you a rough cost estimate, and even offer to come by for a beer to take a closer look.

Later that evening, you’re standing with a lawyer and mention a small dispute with your neighbor that’s bothering you. The lawyer will politely offer you an appointment in two weeks during their consultation hours; the initial consultation costs only 500€ and you can then see what might be possible.

Lumpi_LE schrieb:

For example, a 20-year high school reunion: You’re standing at a table with a structural engineer and chatting, mentioning that you want to add an extension to your house. The engineer will explain what you need to watch out for, sketch a rough plan on a napkin, give you a rough cost estimate, and even offer to come by for a beer to take a closer look.

Later in the evening, you’re standing at a table with a lawyer and chatting, mentioning a small issue with your neighbor that’s bothering you. The lawyer will kindly offer you an appointment in two weeks for a consultation; the initial advice costs only 500€ (about $535), and then you can see what can be done.

I had actually planned to keep quiet on these kinds of topics...

Your example could also be interpreted as structural engineers having a nicer personality, or at least knowing that life is always about give and take.

However, I don’t think it’s easy to paint everyone with the same brush. And this is not meant specifically against you.

Our structural engineer will probably cost around 6,500€ (about $6,950) including the thermal certificate and so on. I thought I’d fall off my chair when I saw the estimate. Hopefully, the work will be worth it.

Kind regards! mini