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GerdBuchholz10 Nov 2013 11:52Hello!
We are planning to build a single-family house in spring and have already designed our floor plan ourselves using a graphic program. Do we definitely need an architect to redraw our floor plan to meet technical requirements, or is a technical draftsman and a structural engineer sufficient?
I have heard that a licensed civil engineer may also be enough for plan submission.
If so, how do the costs compare roughly?
Are there other reasons why hiring an architect is essential (e.g., construction supervision, warranty)?
Does anyone have experience with this?
Kind regards,
GerdBuchholz
We are planning to build a single-family house in spring and have already designed our floor plan ourselves using a graphic program. Do we definitely need an architect to redraw our floor plan to meet technical requirements, or is a technical draftsman and a structural engineer sufficient?
I have heard that a licensed civil engineer may also be enough for plan submission.
If so, how do the costs compare roughly?
Are there other reasons why hiring an architect is essential (e.g., construction supervision, warranty)?
Does anyone have experience with this?
Kind regards,
GerdBuchholz
A simple stamped approval will probably be sufficient from the authorities, but I believe construction supervision during the build is necessary—ideally by an architect. However, this likely depends on the country. Perhaps Bauexperte can provide more detailed information here, as Bauexperte doesn’t just guess like me, but knows for sure!
Still, although I would trust myself to create a preliminary design (and I have done so), I would definitely hire an architect to enhance and optimize the entire project with professional expertise and knowledge. Even if you think you know how you want to live, a) many fundamental mistakes tend to sneak in, and b) an architect has access to more options for implementing design solutions. As laypeople, we operate in an area shaped by a lack of knowledge. Some may know that beams are required for certain loads or can google how much window area a room needs, but there is so much more we don’t know (cost savings through optimization, drainage/sewage issues, standards like DIN, and so on). You can create what you think is a great floor plan with a graphics program, but then it might not work well with an optimized heating and sewage system or ventilation installation. A draftsman is probably more reliable than a layperson, but if you pay them just a few dollars for a construction plan, why would they point out that the rooms or—specifically—the staircase will not function as you imagined? Then you’re at the shell construction stage facing costly changes or expensive custom fittings...
Still, although I would trust myself to create a preliminary design (and I have done so), I would definitely hire an architect to enhance and optimize the entire project with professional expertise and knowledge. Even if you think you know how you want to live, a) many fundamental mistakes tend to sneak in, and b) an architect has access to more options for implementing design solutions. As laypeople, we operate in an area shaped by a lack of knowledge. Some may know that beams are required for certain loads or can google how much window area a room needs, but there is so much more we don’t know (cost savings through optimization, drainage/sewage issues, standards like DIN, and so on). You can create what you think is a great floor plan with a graphics program, but then it might not work well with an optimized heating and sewage system or ventilation installation. A draftsman is probably more reliable than a layperson, but if you pay them just a few dollars for a construction plan, why would they point out that the rooms or—specifically—the staircase will not function as you imagined? Then you’re at the shell construction stage facing costly changes or expensive custom fittings...
Otherwise, why not share the design...? In this forum, obvious functional errors can often be quickly identified even by knowledgeable laypeople. Unfortunately, technical functional deficiencies are harder to spot... there are too few architects here (except for Bauexperte, but Bauexperte usually stays out of these discussions).
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1980Martin10 Nov 2013 17:24An architect is not necessary; we build a few houses each year and don’t use an architect. We manage the construction supervision ourselves. However, if you are not familiar with the construction industry, hiring an architect is probably advisable. That said, architects are not cheap. Things can also go wrong even with an architect involved. It’s best to choose a construction company that has a good reputation and knows what they are doing. However, it’s not easy to find one. Regards, Martin
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Bauexperte10 Nov 2013 17:40Hello,
Best regards, Bauexperte
1980Martin schrieb:Who exactly is "we," and who designs the floor plans for you? Or do you only use a specific house model series?
We build a few houses every year, and we don’t have an architect,
1980Martin schrieb:That sounds good—what kind of training or qualifications do you have for managing the construction?
We manage the construction ourselves.
1980Martin schrieb:Those looking for "cheap" usually get what they pay for.
If you’re not familiar with the construction industry, an architect is probably advisable. However, they are not cheap.
1980Martin schrieb:No one can work miracles ... but every architect is insured for the worst-case scenario; without insurance, they are neither licensed nor allowed to work. How is it handled on your side?
Even with an architect, things can go wrong.
Best regards, Bauexperte
Hello Gerd,
Regardless of formal or legal matters, I would strongly advise against doing without an architect. For our building project, we hired both a general contractor and an architect. I have to say the architect was essential for the following reasons:
1. Because they have naturally designed thousands of plans and, with 30 years of professional experience, they notice things that I wouldn’t. For a project that I will be in debt for 30 years for, I don’t want unnecessary troublesome corners (you’ll have some anyway, but not so many). Did we consider designing the rooms so it’s possible to live on just one floor if needed? Did we think about enlarging the roof overhang above the front door since it faces west (the weather side)?
2. Because our architect could clearly point out what was missing or not included in the building specifications and contractors’ quotes. For example, we received bids of around 8,000 euros for earthworks. Our architect literally tore these apart and first created a proper scope of work. In the end, it cost twice as much but we would have been totally misled by the companies otherwise. He also went through the building contract with us and flagged dozens of vague terms. He was present at the final signing meeting, which ensured these points were clearly addressed.
3. Additionally, so far we’ve saved around 2,000 euros because he called one excavation company about questionable or inconsistent invoices and resolved the issue.
4. Cost estimates: We would have never considered a 10,000-euro buffer for possible extra gravel, 2,500 euros for construction power/construction water, and many other similar items. The bank wouldn’t have either, and they’re happy about any additional financing.
5. Interfaces: Exactly how will the staircase be attached to the house? Where should the site’s service pipes be laid? How must the excavation be stored during the first earthworks to avoid extra work and costs later? And how should the terrace substructure be prepared so it can be built as cost-effectively as possible later and not connected to the house insulation? He handled these and what felt like a hundred other issues.
6. Plus: Over 30 years of experience in construction and an independent, expert perspective after every important construction phase.
Conclusion: The architect will cost us several thousand euros. But even though everything is running smoothly on our build, we would never save money at this stage!
Regardless of formal or legal matters, I would strongly advise against doing without an architect. For our building project, we hired both a general contractor and an architect. I have to say the architect was essential for the following reasons:
1. Because they have naturally designed thousands of plans and, with 30 years of professional experience, they notice things that I wouldn’t. For a project that I will be in debt for 30 years for, I don’t want unnecessary troublesome corners (you’ll have some anyway, but not so many). Did we consider designing the rooms so it’s possible to live on just one floor if needed? Did we think about enlarging the roof overhang above the front door since it faces west (the weather side)?
2. Because our architect could clearly point out what was missing or not included in the building specifications and contractors’ quotes. For example, we received bids of around 8,000 euros for earthworks. Our architect literally tore these apart and first created a proper scope of work. In the end, it cost twice as much but we would have been totally misled by the companies otherwise. He also went through the building contract with us and flagged dozens of vague terms. He was present at the final signing meeting, which ensured these points were clearly addressed.
3. Additionally, so far we’ve saved around 2,000 euros because he called one excavation company about questionable or inconsistent invoices and resolved the issue.
4. Cost estimates: We would have never considered a 10,000-euro buffer for possible extra gravel, 2,500 euros for construction power/construction water, and many other similar items. The bank wouldn’t have either, and they’re happy about any additional financing.
5. Interfaces: Exactly how will the staircase be attached to the house? Where should the site’s service pipes be laid? How must the excavation be stored during the first earthworks to avoid extra work and costs later? And how should the terrace substructure be prepared so it can be built as cost-effectively as possible later and not connected to the house insulation? He handled these and what felt like a hundred other issues.
6. Plus: Over 30 years of experience in construction and an independent, expert perspective after every important construction phase.
Conclusion: The architect will cost us several thousand euros. But even though everything is running smoothly on our build, we would never save money at this stage!
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