ᐅ Architect’s Fees and Construction Log

Hello everyone,

Our architect has completed the preliminary design for us, and the approval process is currently underway (he has also prepared all the necessary documents). So far, the architect hasn’t invoiced us, and the initial drafts and discussions were basically free as a way to get to know each other. Everything matched perfectly, and we feel very comfortable with him, which is why we definitely want to proceed with the construction together. Now we have received the fee proposal, and we have a few questions:

The total fee for all phases of the project is approximately 11% of the eligible construction costs (Zone 3). Based on my research, this figure seems reasonable. The rates are below the HOAI values, meaning it is cheaper than HOAI.

What caught our attention in the offer is that the architect is waiving the preparation of a construction log. Is this common practice? We could still commission the architect to keep the construction log, which of course would increase the fee somewhat.

Relaxed lockdown wishes
Bowbow

bowbow91 schrieb:

The architect is waiving the creation of a construction log.

He won’t be managing the events completely without notes, relying only on 11ant’s memory – but if he provides a high quality of active site supervision, maintaining a lean file is certainly possible. Detailed planning helps avoid extra chargeable hours.

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bowbow91 schrieb:

The architect refuses to keep a construction log. Is this common practice?

What is the purpose of this? How is such a log supposed to look? I would never consider hiring an architect for this service, as I don’t see the point.
They should conduct proper site supervision—how they do it doesn’t matter.

11ant schrieb:

He won’t manage the events completely without notes in memory alone—but if he provides a high quality of active construction supervision, a minimal file will suffice. Detailed planning avoids extra hours on site.

I tend to agree.

nordanney schrieb:

What is the goal here? What should such a diary look like? I would never consider hiring an architect for this service, as I don’t see the point.
He should carry out proper construction management—how he does it does not matter.

According to HOAI, the construction log (site diary) is included by default and must therefore be explicitly excluded. If this is not done, the architect is automatically commissioned for it. That’s why I asked what reasons (besides possibly cost) might justify removing it from the contract.

nordanney schrieb:

What is the purpose of this? What should such a construction diary look like? I would never consider hiring an architect for this kind of task, as I don’t see the point.
He should carry out proper site supervision – how he does it doesn’t matter.

I wouldn’t have expected you not to know what a “construction diary” is. Surprising.

aero2016 schrieb:

I wouldn’t have expected you not to know what a “construction log” is. Surprising.

In around 25 years, I have never seen an explicit construction log from the architect...
Construction supervision, yes, but never in the form of a so-called construction log.