ᐅ Single-Family Home: General Contractor or Architect – Feeling Unsure
Created on: 11 Aug 2020 17:52
K
Kapitänin
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
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
Tarnari schrieb:
Edit: I am not referring to amateur status.Why not – could anyone demonstrate their amateur status more convincingly than by quoting common misconceptions?https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Ultimately, it depends on your requirements: if you want to replicate a Viebrock house or the Flair 134 with an architect and you also like the features, then I would recommend not building with an architect.
If many tradespeople are easy to reach personally, then rather consider building with an architect. Anything that goes beyond standard is usually more individual and possibly easier with an architect. But they can’t perform miracles either.
If many tradespeople are easy to reach personally, then rather consider building with an architect. Anything that goes beyond standard is usually more individual and possibly easier with an architect. But they can’t perform miracles either.
K
Kapitänin13 Aug 2020 21:40Tarnari schrieb:
You’re often refreshingly honest and direct.
But you’re right.
Edit: I’m not referring to being a layperson. We are laypersons. There’s no sugarcoating that. It’s precisely what makes the decision-making and discovery process so difficult for us. :/
ypg schrieb:
It ultimately depends on your expectations: if you want to recreate a Viebrock house or the Flair 134 with an architect and also like the finishes, then I wouldn’t build with an architect.
If many tradespeople are easily reachable, then working with an architect might be better. Anything beyond standard tends to be easier to manage with an architect. But even they can’t work magic. That’s exactly our problem. We’re not quite sure what options we have or what we want. Of course, no one can make the decision for us. But I hope there are some methods or tools that can help with this process. Right now, we are just overthinking everything...M
MM1506zzzz13 Aug 2020 22:05Then simply take a piece of paper and start writing down what is important to you:
Space for hobbies / which ones?
Carport, garage, or double garage, and storage space for bicycles and garden tools?
Basement (apparently already a condition for you due to the sloped site)?
Open or closed construction style?
Gallery?
Children’s rooms?
What do you like? Look for photos online.
Brick, wood, or plaster facade?
Visit show homes and take photos of what appeals to you, whether it is the construction style, layout, fittings, or anything else.
How many rooms and how much space do you need?
From this collection of ideas, an architect should be able to draw up something useful. It won’t be perfect right away, but this way you gradually get closer to the final result...
Space for hobbies / which ones?
Carport, garage, or double garage, and storage space for bicycles and garden tools?
Basement (apparently already a condition for you due to the sloped site)?
Open or closed construction style?
Gallery?
Children’s rooms?
What do you like? Look for photos online.
Brick, wood, or plaster facade?
Visit show homes and take photos of what appeals to you, whether it is the construction style, layout, fittings, or anything else.
How many rooms and how much space do you need?
From this collection of ideas, an architect should be able to draw up something useful. It won’t be perfect right away, but this way you gradually get closer to the final result...
Kapitänin schrieb:
Sure, no one can make the decision for us. But I hope there are some methods or tools that can help with finding the right choice. Right now, we’re overthinking it...Have you even looked into what you actually want? I mean, people usually check out new housing developments in the area, look at the houses, note the construction companies’ signs, browse their websites, and fall in love with one or another. Some prefer captain’s houses with double doors, loft-style living in a plastered Bauhaus design, the stately city villa, or the family-friendly brick-faced gable roof house. Maybe you’re interested in a Danhaus, but you also like a traditional wooden cabin or even want to build a landmark in the village.
These evolving wishes need to fit the plot and comply with the local zoning plan (building permit / planning permission).
Then you check if you know any craftsmen to carry out the project (architect-designed house), or if you want to go with a ready-made solution from companies like Viebrockhaus, Regnauer, or Weberhaus.
My follow-up questions
I don’t really see that answered yet :-(
Too many options are best limited by a specific plot and its zoning plan; together, these already take a lot of decision-making off your hands. The third player in the game is the “budget,” and just like that, your Neuschwanstein shrinks to a manageable size.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
11ant schrieb:
So what’s it about: an easy-to-build plot, and you would be perfectly happy with a standard, run-of-the-mill house? (In that case, the basic planning package would be sufficient).
I don’t really see that answered yet :-(
Kapitänin schrieb:
We’re not really sure what options we have and which ones we want. Of course, no one can make that decision for us. But I hope there are some methods or tools that can help with finding the right choice.
Too many options are best limited by a specific plot and its zoning plan; together, these already take a lot of decision-making off your hands. The third player in the game is the “budget,” and just like that, your Neuschwanstein shrinks to a manageable size.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
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