ᐅ Single-Family Home: General Contractor or Architect – Feeling Unsure

Hello!

I mentioned in other posts that we want to build a single-family house in Bavaria on an existing plot of land. So far, we have mainly focused on general contractors (GCs), as we are complete beginners when it comes to construction. We thought, at least until now, that a GC would be the better choice because it seemed cheaper, simpler, and faster.

Then we had a meeting with our building expert. She has been supporting us for a long time (initially, we were looking for a new existing property but have now decided to build). She explained the advantages of using an architect and the individual contracting method, as well as the disadvantages of a GC. That made us feel uncertain and start considering an architect as well.

Regarding the price difference, she couldn’t give a clear statement but mentioned that in the end, the cost difference is usually not that significant.

Before I write much more here, I wanted to ask if there is already a thread discussing the choice between GCs, architects, and individual contracting? Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything in the search.

If not, I would appreciate hearing your opinions. I’d be happy to provide more details then.

Thank you very much!
Best regards

Kapitänin schrieb:

Anyway, she listed the advantages of using an architect or individual contracts and the disadvantages of a general contractor. This has now "made us uncertain" and led us to consider hiring an architect as well.

Both options have their pros and cons. Basically, the costs are similar for the same level of service. However, working with an architect tends to be more personalized (which can also lead the client to say, "I’d like that extra feature too," causing the price to increase).

Yes, the individuality naturally appealed to us as well. And the possibility to always be able to make changes. Knowing exactly what you are getting. The surveyor carefully analyzed the general contractor’s building and service specifications.

I can only speak from my own experience. We are building with architect 1-9. If I were to build again, I would do it the same way. You simply have maximum control over what the final result will be. I don’t think the costs differ that much in the end. Every general contractor house usually ends up being heavily modified anyway. I do have to say, however, that we are very fortunate with our architect.

Kapitänin schrieb:

Before I write much more here, I wanted to know if there is a thread discussing general contractors / architects / individual contracts?
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything in the search.

a) yes, several, but b) the search could work better and I can’t pull them out of thin air right now.

Kapitänin schrieb:

And until now, we thought that a general contractor was the better choice because it’s cheaper, easier, faster...

Okay, that already proves some amateur status
What’s the situation: easy, straightforward plot, and you’d be perfectly happy with a standard package? (then including a planning service would be sufficient).

---

https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/

11ant schrieb:

a) yes, several but b) the search could be more efficient and I can’t just pull it out of thin air for you right now.

Okay, the proof of amateurism has been provided for sure
What’s the topic: an easy-peasy plot of land, and you’d be perfectly happy with a standard design? (then from a planning perspective, the basic draft version would be sufficient).

You are often refreshingly straightforward, brutally honest.
But you’re right.
Edit: I don’t mean to imply amateurism here.