Hello everyone,
We have a few questions regarding our architect, their cost estimate, and their overall approach. We are currently in phase 2; planning the major renovation and a 40% increase in living space for our 1960s house. We have attached the cost calculation we received after 4 weeks of processing, as there are several points we find unclear. We have already discussed this with the architect, who also cannot explain the high costs. The costs seem disproportionately high to us. At the start of the planning, we had budgeted €500,000. How should we approach this? Is it realistic to expect the total to get close to €600,000? In that case, we would have to cut many things that we actually want to keep. Our original goal was to expand the living space and not to completely abandon the extensions and only carry out a major renovation. Does this cost estimate make sense to you? We look forward to your comments.
We have a few questions regarding our architect, their cost estimate, and their overall approach. We are currently in phase 2; planning the major renovation and a 40% increase in living space for our 1960s house. We have attached the cost calculation we received after 4 weeks of processing, as there are several points we find unclear. We have already discussed this with the architect, who also cannot explain the high costs. The costs seem disproportionately high to us. At the start of the planning, we had budgeted €500,000. How should we approach this? Is it realistic to expect the total to get close to €600,000? In that case, we would have to cut many things that we actually want to keep. Our original goal was to expand the living space and not to completely abandon the extensions and only carry out a major renovation. Does this cost estimate make sense to you? We look forward to your comments.
G
Gerddieter6 May 2024 23:20ypg schrieb:
…
Because of that, I felt well taken care of with a general contractor house build and have no idea about the prices.
For me, it also started with an architect and similar fee expectations... since I didn’t want to cut costs on every part of the house and on the other hand pay the architect an excessive amount, I chose a general contractor – for me, the right decision...
Zaba123 schrieb:
These are just estimates generated by the architect’s software. At least it allows him to calculate your fee. What’s really frustrating is that he apparently just copies everything from his Excel tool without any real-world check, resulting in very high costs—and consequently a very high fee, since his payment depends on those costs. And then he even claims he doesn’t know how those numbers come about. Where is the professional advice I expect from an expert who ultimately wants a six-figure amount from someone?
I can also make a rough estimate based on forum knowledge without background expertise or professional understanding. That’s acceptable for free on the internet, but not from a professional. There has to be more explanation about why it’s so expensive, and how to save money (and thus reduce the fee).
S
Schorsch_baut7 May 2024 09:29Benutzer225 schrieb:
Thanks for sharing your experiences. We are building near Stuttgart in Baden-Württemberg. How much are you paying for the architect? The architect’s fee is calculated according to the current HOAI, and it only seems so high because the construction costs are so expensive. However, the HOAI is only a guideline and is negotiable. That could be an area to reconsider. It also depends on what kind of clients the architect usually has. We are friends with an architect who works exclusively in the high-end market, so his offers are priced accordingly. He only designs luxury villas and doesn’t take on work for friends because he has experienced that relationships often become strained after construction. We consulted him once when we received our quotes for the extension, which also seemed very high to us. With him, it would have been even more expensive.
S
Schorsch_baut7 May 2024 09:33What kind of plastering work has he estimated, for example? 71,000 euros already sounds almost like a top-tier price. Or is the entire house going to be replastered, not just the extension?
So, we don’t really know what materials and features are being installed either. Maybe you, @Benutzer225, want all the nice-to-haves included, such as air spaces or double-height ceilings? Perhaps an extravagant facade design? Or maybe connecting the extension is a major structural challenge.
And yes, the architect doesn’t have to charge according to the HOAI fee structure. If it’s just about size or simple areas, they can certainly reduce the invoice somewhat. However, in the end, they still need to explain the significant costs to you, even if these come from just a few specific items.
And yes, the architect doesn’t have to charge according to the HOAI fee structure. If it’s just about size or simple areas, they can certainly reduce the invoice somewhat. However, in the end, they still need to explain the significant costs to you, even if these come from just a few specific items.
Similar topics