Hello everyone,
At the end of March, we had initial discussions with several providers. However, we have only received an offer (and further appointments) from one provider so far. At the first contact, all of them immediately mentioned that it would take some time because demand is currently very high.
Therefore, my question is: On average, how long did you have to wait before you could develop a floor plan and a project with a provider, which then resulted in a first offer? I am slowly becoming impatient, as we would like to start building next spring.
At the end of March, we had initial discussions with several providers. However, we have only received an offer (and further appointments) from one provider so far. At the first contact, all of them immediately mentioned that it would take some time because demand is currently very high.
Therefore, my question is: On average, how long did you have to wait before you could develop a floor plan and a project with a provider, which then resulted in a first offer? I am slowly becoming impatient, as we would like to start building next spring.
askforafriend12 May 2021 20:04Naturliebhaber schrieb:
To be honest, I can’t really explain why. Just a feeling.
Are fixed prices even offered by architects? Honestly, I haven’t looked into it much since it hasn’t been an issue for us so far. Only if the architect is also acting as a general contractor. Why isn’t it an issue for you? We’ve worked with a few general contractors and weren’t satisfied at all with the initial "consultation" services. Everything was vague statements like "we’ll figure that out once we start," unexplained extra charges, and so on.
Everything seemed rushed after signing, with little careful consideration. I also find this complete lack of flexibility terrible—no one knows how much you’re paying for each trade. If I were you, I’d at least look into it.
N
Naturliebhaber12 May 2021 20:16That's why I wrote that we are starting to think about it, but until now it simply wasn't a topic since we thought the general contractor would be the right choice for us.
But somehow the subconscious just says that the architect is definitely more expensive anyway. Maybe it's a completely wrong assumption, I don't know.
But somehow the subconscious just says that the architect is definitely more expensive anyway. Maybe it's a completely wrong assumption, I don't know.
askforafriend12 May 2021 20:36Naturliebhaber schrieb:
That's why I wrote that we are starting to consider it now, but it simply wasn’t a topic before, as we thought that using a general contractor would be the right choice for us.
But somehow my gut feeling says that an architect is definitely more expensive anyway. Maybe a completely wrong judgment, I don’t know.How do you compare an architect and a general contractor? 😉 An architect’s fee including construction supervision is about 10% of the house price. That’s roughly what a general contractor’s margin would be. Six of one, half a dozen of the other. But: transparency!
Naturliebhaber schrieb:
We started with a floor plan template that should be adapted to our needs. Maybe you should introduce yourself here first, preferably by using the questionnaire at the top of the floor plan section, and then (note: without posting a link!) mention the house model that the floor plan template was based on, and of course specify which points should be adjusted.
Naturliebhaber schrieb:
But somehow my gut feeling says that an architect will be significantly more expensive anyway. Maybe that’s a completely wrong assumption, I don’t know. I think there are two fears mixed here based on wrong assumptions: 1a. Architects only design statement houses; 1b. their fees are an additional cost we have to bear; 2a. working with an architect always means going for direct contracting (single contract award); 2b. single contract awarding means price risk and losing the overview. Fortunately, all of this is a misconception!
1a. Over ninety percent of architects (in the single-family house sector) build houses for ordinary people, not intending to create monuments, and with normal requirements.
1b. The construction management firm’s planning fees are already included in the price instead of being free, and what the visibly self-paid architect “costs more,” they earn back by delivering a better-designed house: detailed planning significantly reduces complicated drywall constructions around downpipes and similar elements.
2a. When working with an architect, you should always proceed with a tender, but the tender is an essential tool for ACTIVE cost control [sorry for the capitalization, but bold formatting no longer works here, so I’m using uppercase]. A tender is NOT a decision against general contractors; a good architect always enables general contractors to participate in the tenders.
2b. The tender actually minimizes price risk, and the architect maintains the overview.
I am happy to assist in finding an architect, just send me an email, paraphrasing Jim Rockford ;-)
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
We reserved the plot and searched for house providers online. We compared the construction specifications that were sent to us, inquired about house costs and additional charges by phone, and considered a general contractor (GC) because their offerings matched our (modest) requirements. The first in-person meeting took place in December, and in January we signed the construction contract including the agreed items. We designed the floor plan ourselves for a standard model house, made some adjustments to certain features, and submitted the building permit / planning application in March.
While it is important to compare options, I sometimes wonder what exactly there is to compare. The GC offers their construction method, which may vary more or less and ultimately determines the price. You can often already tell who is not worth considering. If one GC offers you a 150m² (1,615 sq ft) house for $1,900 per m² ($177 per sq ft), they will likely cut corners compared to others who offer $2,200 per m² ($204 per sq ft) or more.
Reference figures can be found online.
In the end, it can be said that all others can be ruled out, and the one who has responded so far makes it into the short list.
While it is important to compare options, I sometimes wonder what exactly there is to compare. The GC offers their construction method, which may vary more or less and ultimately determines the price. You can often already tell who is not worth considering. If one GC offers you a 150m² (1,615 sq ft) house for $1,900 per m² ($177 per sq ft), they will likely cut corners compared to others who offer $2,200 per m² ($204 per sq ft) or more.
Reference figures can be found online.
In the end, it can be said that all others can be ruled out, and the one who has responded so far makes it into the short list.
Baugrübchen13 May 2021 07:19The architect has a significant advantage in this process. Since you pay them, they closely implement your wishes in consultation with you. You can agree with the architect on the number of service phases, and if you are communicative and willing to pick up the phone occasionally, you can save a lot through individual contracting. Individual contracting also applies if you agree with a shell builder who obtains quotes from subcontractors they prefer to work with.
If you are uncertain, you can book all service phases, which will be somewhat more expensive but offers greater security because the architect reviews all specifications, acts as an external construction manager, coordinates everything, and can therefore (at least on paper) be held liable if something is overlooked during construction.
At first, I was also very unsure because many house providers try to convince you that this approach is impossible due to complicated applications, unpredictable costs, etc. But honestly: You want to build and spend a lot of money. If you familiarize yourself a bit with the subject, you can manage it well. We were very satisfied with our decision to work with the architect.
If you are uncertain, you can book all service phases, which will be somewhat more expensive but offers greater security because the architect reviews all specifications, acts as an external construction manager, coordinates everything, and can therefore (at least on paper) be held liable if something is overlooked during construction.
At first, I was also very unsure because many house providers try to convince you that this approach is impossible due to complicated applications, unpredictable costs, etc. But honestly: You want to build and spend a lot of money. If you familiarize yourself a bit with the subject, you can manage it well. We were very satisfied with our decision to work with the architect.
Similar topics