ᐅ Building Permit Approved – What’s Next???

Hello dear forum,

Thank you again for the many responses regarding the floor plan and budget. The planning phase took considerably longer than originally expected, but now the time has come: We have an approved building permit (planning permission), and it’s time to move to the next step.

Our architect was initially contracted only for design phases 1-4. So now the question is how to proceed from here. Four scenarios come to mind, and I would appreciate if anyone has further ideas, opinions, or experiences to share:

1) Hiring the architect from phases 1-4 for the remaining phases
Pros: He is familiar with the project and may have already considered how to continue
Cons: Our collaboration has been somewhat difficult at times due to differing views on the construction approach (design versus function).

2) Hiring a new architect
The question is whether anyone would want to take over an existing project. A fresh perspective might actually be beneficial.

3) Proceeding with a general contractor
Pros: Detailed construction drawings might not be necessary, or could be handled using in-house resources. This initially sounds more cost-effective.

4) Doing everything yourself
Honestly: I don’t feel confident managing all trades at this point, as I still need to acquire technical knowledge :-)
Especially the detailed construction planning seems quite complex.
But: I heard from a heating engineer that he doesn’t even require detailed construction plans—so that might be a waste of money after all…

--> Have I missed anything? Would anyone suggest a fifth option?

Thanks in advance and happy holidays

Best regards,
Johann

Cancel option 4

Setting aside the question of how to proceed in your case, I would *NEVER* skip detailed execution planning, even if the builder claims it’s not necessary. This way, you get to see many – though not all – details in advance and can decide whether you want them done as planned or differently. Otherwise, each trade will simply do things the way they have "always been done," even if you don’t like it, and by then it will be too late.

Examples?

• If desired, you need to plan positions for recessed spotlights.
• It can make a big difference where and how the drainage is routed.
• Have you already considered your kitchen? With an island, decisions about connections might need to be made now.
• Etc., etc.

If the first architect wasn’t on the same wavelength as you, then find another one. That’s exactly why there are project phases, and now would be a good time for a clear break.

Thank you, K1300S.
Yes – I had already thought about that. When planning the concrete ceiling at the factory, the boxes for recessed spotlights really need to be installed. And all the empty conduits for the electrician must already be in place when the ceiling is poured. I would NEVER be able to manage that on my own or think of everything...
But somehow, I also can’t imagine that architects are currently waiting to take on the detailed planning for a project that is still unfamiliar to them... hmm...

JohannFugger schrieb:

We have an approved building permit / planning permission, and it’s time for the next step.

That next step would be to share the approved design here, since we have accompanied you through the challenging process to get there!

JohannFugger schrieb:

2) Hiring a new architect

Changing architects between the permit / planning phase and the execution phase is usually only done if the original architect passes away.

JohannFugger schrieb:

3) Working with a developer

You probably mean a general contractor. Let the execution phase architect and future site manager also handle the tendering process. A smart professional will at least not exclude general contractors and may even prefer them in some cases.

JohannFugger schrieb:

4) Managing everything yourself

(see previous point)

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11ant schrieb:

The proper thing would be to show the approved design here, since we've already supported you through the difficult process to get there!

Let me say this much: The budget was increased, the building volume was significantly reduced, the architect was called in for a discussion, and a new working arrangement was defined. I would like to share the next steps with you (the forum) and post photos of the construction progress... :-)

11ant schrieb:

You only change horses between the planning permission and the construction planning phases if the original planner dies.

Ha – nice analogy. :-) But somehow I'm glad we got here with some pain and that the collaboration has now ended, at least for the time being. Continuing to muddle through with the previous architect somehow doesn’t feel right to me. At least I don’t see any advantage in it. Besides “that’s just how it’s done”… Or what exactly do you mean?

11ant schrieb:

You probably mean a general contractor. Let the construction planner and future site manager also handle the tender. A smart one won’t exclude general contractors and will often even prefer them.

Good point – I thought it was one or the other. Hmm... That was actually option number five…