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bigblue201018 Mar 2013 13:49Hello everyone,
My wife and I are finally ready to build our house. We have looked at many companies and have decided to build a solid (brick or concrete) house.
Now we are wondering whether to work with an architect or choose a turnkey solution.
What are your experiences or recommendations on this topic? Maybe you can also suggest a few companies?
Best regards,
Marcus
My wife and I are finally ready to build our house. We have looked at many companies and have decided to build a solid (brick or concrete) house.
Now we are wondering whether to work with an architect or choose a turnkey solution.
What are your experiences or recommendations on this topic? Maybe you can also suggest a few companies?
Best regards,
Marcus
We started thinking about building a house very early on—actually more than two years ago. If there are no further delays with the new development area, construction can finally begin at the start of 2014.
We struggled for a long time with several construction companies, had many discussions and appointments, and realized that none of them really suited us. We kept changing our plans.
After about one and a half years, we also began looking into architects. But even here, not everything was as perfect as it seemed.
In the end, we decided to go with a local architectural firm.
The reason is our individuality and the fact that we kept making changes and adjustments over time. Since we expect this won’t change during the construction phase, we went with an architect. That way, I can make decisions at the last minute—like moving an electrical outlet to a different corner—without worry. With construction companies, you can do this too, but with an architect it costs what it costs, not some flat fee that a contractor charges for a plan change, no matter how minor.
Additionally, I want competent construction supervision. As a “professional planner” (project manager), having influence over subcontractor contracts is important to me. I act as the client for each trade, allowing me to manage and control the process directly without relying solely on an external contractor.
These were our reasons after—in our opinion—careful consideration.
We struggled for a long time with several construction companies, had many discussions and appointments, and realized that none of them really suited us. We kept changing our plans.
After about one and a half years, we also began looking into architects. But even here, not everything was as perfect as it seemed.
In the end, we decided to go with a local architectural firm.
The reason is our individuality and the fact that we kept making changes and adjustments over time. Since we expect this won’t change during the construction phase, we went with an architect. That way, I can make decisions at the last minute—like moving an electrical outlet to a different corner—without worry. With construction companies, you can do this too, but with an architect it costs what it costs, not some flat fee that a contractor charges for a plan change, no matter how minor.
Additionally, I want competent construction supervision. As a “professional planner” (project manager), having influence over subcontractor contracts is important to me. I act as the client for each trade, allowing me to manage and control the process directly without relying solely on an external contractor.
These were our reasons after—in our opinion—careful consideration.
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bigblue201018 Mar 2013 15:36Hello,
thank you all for your responses. So far, we have been thinking that it would be best to build with a construction company that offers a complete package, so we only have one point of contact and don’t have to deal with multiple parties. There are several solid masonry builders who are said to be quite good; I’m not sure if I’m allowed to mention names here.
We don’t have strong preferences regarding the house itself, at least in terms of architecture or other details. We just want to like it 🙂
How exactly does working with an architect proceed? It’s clear that they design the house, but what happens after that? Do they also handle getting construction companies involved and managing the build, or is that something you have to do yourself? What has put me off architects so far are the horror stories about cost overruns of 20% to 30%.
We might soon have a plot of land and would be ready to move ahead immediately if we knew what a house would cost us.
Good luck
Marcus
thank you all for your responses. So far, we have been thinking that it would be best to build with a construction company that offers a complete package, so we only have one point of contact and don’t have to deal with multiple parties. There are several solid masonry builders who are said to be quite good; I’m not sure if I’m allowed to mention names here.
We don’t have strong preferences regarding the house itself, at least in terms of architecture or other details. We just want to like it 🙂
How exactly does working with an architect proceed? It’s clear that they design the house, but what happens after that? Do they also handle getting construction companies involved and managing the build, or is that something you have to do yourself? What has put me off architects so far are the horror stories about cost overruns of 20% to 30%.
We might soon have a plot of land and would be ready to move ahead immediately if we knew what a house would cost us.
Good luck
Marcus
It is easier to build with a developer or general contractor. They usually already have floor plans ready that can be adjusted slightly.
Therefore, these companies can generally give a good estimate of the house cost.
However, the word "generally" should be emphasized here. Even in these cases, costs are often concealed or withheld and only become apparent little by little. An additional 10-20% in costs is not uncommon and should be planned for.
In such cases, if the architect guarantees you a price (in writing) and miscalculates, they are usually insured... but legally, this can still be questionable. Did the costs arise because you wanted changes, because the architect was incompetent, or simply because too much time passed and the contractors raised their prices? Depending on the situation, the insurance may or may not cover it.
We deliberately chose not to work with an architect because the separate contracting felt too "risky" for us. We wanted as much as possible from a single source, which has since paid off. We had issues with a subcontractor, but we were able to resolve and settle it directly through the home provider. The subcontractor was not very willing to negotiate 🙂
For me, it is important to have exactly one person to vent my frustrations to. Phrases like "we have always done it this way" or "that is within tolerance" are unfortunately commonly heard from tradespeople. Whenever I hired contractors myself, there were always problems, and in the end, we were the ones who lost out... mostly with cosmetic damages.
So, only build with an architect if you really understand each other and agree. Otherwise, things can go wrong very quickly. Also, ask for references and talk to previous clients.
Therefore, these companies can generally give a good estimate of the house cost.
However, the word "generally" should be emphasized here. Even in these cases, costs are often concealed or withheld and only become apparent little by little. An additional 10-20% in costs is not uncommon and should be planned for.
In such cases, if the architect guarantees you a price (in writing) and miscalculates, they are usually insured... but legally, this can still be questionable. Did the costs arise because you wanted changes, because the architect was incompetent, or simply because too much time passed and the contractors raised their prices? Depending on the situation, the insurance may or may not cover it.
We deliberately chose not to work with an architect because the separate contracting felt too "risky" for us. We wanted as much as possible from a single source, which has since paid off. We had issues with a subcontractor, but we were able to resolve and settle it directly through the home provider. The subcontractor was not very willing to negotiate 🙂
For me, it is important to have exactly one person to vent my frustrations to. Phrases like "we have always done it this way" or "that is within tolerance" are unfortunately commonly heard from tradespeople. Whenever I hired contractors myself, there were always problems, and in the end, we were the ones who lost out... mostly with cosmetic damages.
So, only build with an architect if you really understand each other and agree. Otherwise, things can go wrong very quickly. Also, ask for references and talk to previous clients.
bigblue2010 schrieb:
.....if only we knew how much a house would actually cost us.
Good luck
Marcus You really only find out once you have moved in 🙂
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