ᐅ Is the architect’s quote complete? Is the price reasonable?
Created on: 22 Jun 2020 23:21
N
NeuerBauherr
Hello everyone,
we have been following the forum for some time now and are looking forward to your experiences, tips, and advice.
We are planning to build our dream home in 2021 and have already had discussions with several companies (prefabricated house suppliers, general contractors, architect). Since we would like to plan with an architect (design phases 1-4), we now have a concrete offer but are not sure if it really covers everything, especially concerning the costs.
We have created a rough floor plan/sketch ourselves and provided it to the architect.
Facts
Project: Single-family house + double garage (solid construction) – nothing fancy or exclusive...
Location: about 100km (60 miles) from Munich, should be in Lower Bavaria
Construction costs: approx. 400-450k excluding exterior work & additional construction costs
Scope of services by the architect
1. Building regulations
- Ordering site plan, conversion, etc.
- Clarifying framework conditions, including building size, heritage protection, local regulations, etc.
2. Preparation of preliminary and design drafts for about 360sqm (3880 sq ft) gross floor area (GFA)
3. Approval planning
- Preparation of approval drawings with corresponding entries (section, facade, drawing title block, site plan, floor plans, etc.)
- Preparation of necessary forms (building description, building permit/planning permission application, parking space certification)
- Calculations (floor area ratio, site coverage ratio, GFA, living space, cubic volume, and cost estimate)
- Cover letter to obtain neighbors’ signatures
- A detailed cost estimate according to DIN 276 is not included; the cost estimate is prepared based on cubic meters or square meter prices according to the BKI.
Energy consultant, fire safety consultant, and structural engineer must be commissioned separately according to the offer.
The offer amounts to 11,000 net plus VAT, based on HOAI. Incidental costs such as plan pauses, copies, and site plans will be reviewed and passed on.
I have the feeling that something might still be missing, or does this really cover design phases 1-4 to the extent that one can approach general contractors to request bids afterward? I often read about shop drawings, which are not mentioned in the offer. The same applies to the quantity survey, or have I misunderstood something?
Overall, we have a good feeling about the architect (the chemistry is right, etc.), but 11,000 net is quite a bit and differs from what we had planned (max. 10,000 including VAT). Since some prices mentioned are significantly different, we want to ask again to be 100% sure.
What are your opinions on this? We look forward to a lively discussion.
Best regards from the Bavarian countryside
we have been following the forum for some time now and are looking forward to your experiences, tips, and advice.
We are planning to build our dream home in 2021 and have already had discussions with several companies (prefabricated house suppliers, general contractors, architect). Since we would like to plan with an architect (design phases 1-4), we now have a concrete offer but are not sure if it really covers everything, especially concerning the costs.
We have created a rough floor plan/sketch ourselves and provided it to the architect.
Facts
Project: Single-family house + double garage (solid construction) – nothing fancy or exclusive...
Location: about 100km (60 miles) from Munich, should be in Lower Bavaria
Construction costs: approx. 400-450k excluding exterior work & additional construction costs
Scope of services by the architect
1. Building regulations
- Ordering site plan, conversion, etc.
- Clarifying framework conditions, including building size, heritage protection, local regulations, etc.
2. Preparation of preliminary and design drafts for about 360sqm (3880 sq ft) gross floor area (GFA)
3. Approval planning
- Preparation of approval drawings with corresponding entries (section, facade, drawing title block, site plan, floor plans, etc.)
- Preparation of necessary forms (building description, building permit/planning permission application, parking space certification)
- Calculations (floor area ratio, site coverage ratio, GFA, living space, cubic volume, and cost estimate)
- Cover letter to obtain neighbors’ signatures
- A detailed cost estimate according to DIN 276 is not included; the cost estimate is prepared based on cubic meters or square meter prices according to the BKI.
Energy consultant, fire safety consultant, and structural engineer must be commissioned separately according to the offer.
The offer amounts to 11,000 net plus VAT, based on HOAI. Incidental costs such as plan pauses, copies, and site plans will be reviewed and passed on.
I have the feeling that something might still be missing, or does this really cover design phases 1-4 to the extent that one can approach general contractors to request bids afterward? I often read about shop drawings, which are not mentioned in the offer. The same applies to the quantity survey, or have I misunderstood something?
Overall, we have a good feeling about the architect (the chemistry is right, etc.), but 11,000 net is quite a bit and differs from what we had planned (max. 10,000 including VAT). Since some prices mentioned are significantly different, we want to ask again to be 100% sure.
What are your opinions on this? We look forward to a lively discussion.
Best regards from the Bavarian countryside
11ant schrieb:
Without the different parapet height in the middle children's room, in my opinion your garden façade would have exceeded the limits of simplicity.Credit where credit is due: that was his idea, and we went with it. Since it is a middle window, the symmetry is not noticeably disturbed.
Tolentino schrieb:
Since it's a medium-sized window, the symmetry isn't noticeably disrupted.However, the monotony certainly is.https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
I had actually read that the two general contractors only work with a design plan, but I couldn’t believe that everyone in your area does it that way. That’s why I asked politely whether it really has to be with an architect. This is not meant negatively; people here just want to help you.
N
NeuerBauherr1 Jul 2020 11:06Ysop*** schrieb:
I actually read that the two general contractors (GCs) only work with a submission plan, but I couldn't believe that everyone in your area does it that way. That's why I kindly asked if it really has to be with an architect. No ill intent here, I just want to help you.Hi Ysop,
thank you, I’m always grateful for any help, advice, or tips...
In the meantime, we have contacted more GCs, but it’s the same story (they all want a finished submission plan or tell us to simply get back in touch next year...). I specifically followed up on this, and as many here have already suggested, the GCs usually have a design office on standby.
It seems that there is so much construction going on in this region right now that there simply isn’t much interest, at least not at the moment. Nevertheless, we will continue looking for a GC who has the time and interest, because the extra $15,000 for an architect is quite a significant amount that might otherwise be missing or could be used for higher-quality finishes.
H
hampshire1 Jul 2020 12:04Hello @NeuerBauherr, your approach is understandable considering that you stated you are not a professional—like most of us when building for the first time. Perhaps the following thoughts can help with your assessment and make your decision easier—whichever that may be:
- From an outsider’s perspective, the work of an architect may seem quite simple. Creative thinking and drawing, handling some paperwork with authorities, and then supervising the contractors. In reality, there is much more involved, and that certainly deserves respect. I have come to see and appreciate this through my collaboration with our architect.
- €11,000 corresponds to about 9–12 daily rates of an architect. That amount comfortably covers the time your architect offers you. The fact that they don’t charge according to HOAI I would consider a gesture of goodwill.
- Most people probably know the good and bad aspects of their own jobs. For many architects, the construction supervision phase is extremely stressful. Architects who focus solely on site management are considered particularly at risk of health issues among their peers. It might be that your architect simply does not enjoy construction supervision and therefore does not offer it. Concluding from this that they won’t put effort into the project is a narrow-minded assumption. The opposite could be true—people often give their best when doing what they enjoy. Just ask to be sure.
Similar topics