ᐅ How do I find a suitable architect? Or should I choose a developer instead?
Created on: 25 Feb 2009 16:23
A
AzaleeHello, forum!
Our house-building project involves constructing a single-family home in a rural area, but close to the city. We are aiming for about 130-140sqm (1400-1500 sq ft), have increasingly clear ideas regarding the energy systems (heat pump, solar panels, controlled ventilation with heat recovery, all at the KfW40 standard), and yet there are still two of the most important aspects we haven’t decided on:
1. Architect or general contractor? We need someone who can manage everything, coordinate the tradespeople, keep an overview of the entire project, provide us with a more or less accurate total cost estimate, and so on. Does this mean it has to be a general contractor, or can you get these services if you hire an architect?
2. Timber frame or solid construction? I’ll probably start a separate thread for this... In principle, this decision is also somewhat linked to point 1, because general contractors usually specialize in a particular building method.
As a follow-up to point 1: Where can I find a suitable architect? Sure, the phone book is an option, but here in Kassel there are too many to go through one by one. Unfortunately, we don’t know many people who have recently built houses with an architect.
To what extent can you get a preliminary consultation that allows future homeowners to decide on an architect?
Thanks for your help
Christiane
Our house-building project involves constructing a single-family home in a rural area, but close to the city. We are aiming for about 130-140sqm (1400-1500 sq ft), have increasingly clear ideas regarding the energy systems (heat pump, solar panels, controlled ventilation with heat recovery, all at the KfW40 standard), and yet there are still two of the most important aspects we haven’t decided on:
1. Architect or general contractor? We need someone who can manage everything, coordinate the tradespeople, keep an overview of the entire project, provide us with a more or less accurate total cost estimate, and so on. Does this mean it has to be a general contractor, or can you get these services if you hire an architect?
2. Timber frame or solid construction? I’ll probably start a separate thread for this... In principle, this decision is also somewhat linked to point 1, because general contractors usually specialize in a particular building method.
As a follow-up to point 1: Where can I find a suitable architect? Sure, the phone book is an option, but here in Kassel there are too many to go through one by one. Unfortunately, we don’t know many people who have recently built houses with an architect.
To what extent can you get a preliminary consultation that allows future homeowners to decide on an architect?
Thanks for your help
Christiane
H
Honigkuchen26 Feb 2009 08:44Warning, this post will be long...
Sounds quite similar to our "building project" except for the heat pump—ours is a bit larger in square meters, no heat pump, but otherwise... also on a slightly sloped plot by the way.
I read in your other thread that the plot is sloped; in that case, it definitely makes sense to work with an architect. They can often take more advantage of such a plot—even potentially at the same or lower price—than a developer.
Developers also employ architects, but usually start with standard, off-the-shelf house designs; any changes needed generally incur extra costs since they can't just produce your house like a typical template, but need to create something new specifically for you.
There are, however, a few developers who have ready-made houses designed for sloped plots.
I have compared many prices in various building magazines—timber frame houses managed by developers and solid construction houses with architects—and almost always the price per square meter for timber frame homes through developers was higher, sometimes significantly, than for an individually planned solid house with an architect. Naturally, you have to pay the architect too, but if they are good, it’s worth it.
You can hire your own architect and a developer in combination; just make sure your architect can and wants to take over construction management, meaning they are regularly onsite when important trade work is scheduled, especially during shell construction. Your architect must work in your best interest. A site manager appointed by the developer might not always be present, or might try to run things as cheaply as possible for their client, meaning your concerns are likely secondary.
- Yes, the architect can "manage" the trades—in other words, they can organize tenders. Once it is clear what you want, the architect makes a list of all the materials and work needed; depending on the trade (shell construction, electrical, plumbing, painter, etc.), they prepare a corresponding tender on which contractors can submit bids. Then, he can help you select the best offers, preferably with you. Don’t just look at price, also quality! The cheapest contractor is not always the best.
To see what an architect can theoretically do for you, check out, for example:
HOAI table
Click on the individual links to see detailed information about what may be included.
Here again about HOAI:
HOAI service phases @ARCHITECT
---
One more question about the "north-facing slope"—does that mean that if you look from the front of your plot towards the back, that is facing north?
Where is the access road to the plot located? On the south side?
Does the land slope downward or upward? Is the road at the top or bottom?
Read this:
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/wuerdet-ihr-massiv-bauen-oder-nicht.402/
- In your other thread, I also address Joerg24’s statements—I mostly agree, but not entirely.
We selected three architects through the state chamber of architects.
First, the Federal Chamber of Architects:
Bundesarchitektenkammer e.V. BAK
Then select the correct federal state—for example, if you live in Kassel, that would be Hessen: Architects and Urban Planners Chamber Hessen
There is also a member search on their website.
Directory of independent architects and urban planners:
AKH
Enter the region/zip code/location of your plot, select the field “Architecture,” then a submenu appears called “Specialization”—choose single-family/row houses; under areas of activity, best to select planning and construction management.
“Energy-efficient planning” sounds good too but is an additional criterion you can inquire later.
Unfortunately, your member search is less detailed in this regard than ours, as we can filter for energy-efficient houses beforehand.
Under "Special Focus" you could enter something manually, but I’d recommend leaving it blank to avoid missing architects whose terms don’t exactly match yours but who might still be a good fit.
You will then get a list and should look at each architectural office whose drive is no more than 20 minutes from your plot, opening each in a separate browser tab.
There you will find things like "office philosophy," "references," sometimes "competitions," and importantly: "areas of activity" and "object / performance focus."
From there you can make further selections.
For example, we excluded firms focused mainly on municipal projects, as they tend to earn more there and may not give the same level of attention to a relatively modest, thus less profitable single-family home. That might be a prejudice, but we still found three very good architects with many years of experience.
---
Our process was similar: we entered the municipality where we will build, selected “energy-efficient houses/passive houses,” and tried other search criteria like “barrier-free” or “ecological building,” then noted all architects within a 20-minute drive.
We sorted those remaining based on the stated activity focus and eventually called the survivors.
Here are questions to ask:
1. How long has the architect been practicing?
2. Approximately how many reference projects do they have?
3. If they have been practicing for many years, they should have many reference projects. Ask them to provide you, with permission from former clients, contact information so you can call and ask if the clients were satisfied and would build the same way again or change anything.
A good architect should be able to provide at least 10 references.
Tell them it is especially important to get contacts for clients who built something similar to what you want—KfW40 standard or better, single-family home, solar, controlled ventilation, heat pump or pellet/firewood heating, etc.
We have three architects; two have already emailed references; calls are planned for this weekend.
Also ask what HOAI fee rate they charge for their work.
If they immediately say “always the middle rate,” forget them.
Our architects explained:
"Usually the lowest rate, because we don’t always perform every task described in each service phase (LP). If full tasks or additional work arise, then the middle rate may apply, but we will specify that in a preliminary offer."
That means: You estimate total NET costs (the architect calculates their fee based on net contract value) excluding land and incidental building costs at around 250,000 Euros, and that is the maximum you can afford for the house costs including interior and technical equipment.
Then tell the architect—pro tip!—that your maximum net budget including interior and technical equipment is 250,000 Euros and must not be exceeded.
Background: I believe I read that an architect may be entitled to exceed the estimated amount by up to 20% theoretically... refuse this firmly beforehand and have it contractually fixed!
- The higher the construction sum, the more they earn... but you can offer another incentive:
If they can design the house as you want (KfW40, ventilation, solar, 130-140 sqm (1400-1500 sq ft), etc.), but keep the cost below your budget (e.g., 220,000 instead of 250,000 Euros), you can agree on a success bonus; I think 20% of the savings is common, so 20% of 30,000 Euros = 6,000 Euros. This would surely motivate them.
This encourages them to work in your interest and not just for their own profit.
Since you plan to have lots of technical equipment, it’s unlikely that they’ll save you a huge amount on a fully finished and equipped house.
- For our part, we already suspect the budget won’t be enough to fully finish all floors—so we plan to fully finish one floor, if possible the attic, and complete the half-sunken basement later because it currently suffices given our family situation.
But think about the future and plan everything accordingly. For example, we have high-voltage power (or whatever it's called) installed in the basement now, to enable adding a small kitchen later (our old kitchen from our current apartment); also drainage pipes laid right away, of course.
Plan the bathroom there but only install toilet and sink initially; shower to come later when the space is fully developed, and so on.
You probably know what I mean.
Well, I would make that dependent on their reference projects... client satisfaction... but unfortunately probably also on a rough draft.
Explanation:
A tip from building magazines is to choose at least two, preferably three, architects whose design style you like.
Then you meet them in person without obligation (we will do that too) and see if you have good chemistry, or if they are immediately unsympathetic—in which case, say no right away, because you must be able to work well together.
Then do an initial site visit together so the architect can assess the potential challenges and estimate the HOAI fee rate depending on the service phase.
Give them the zoning plan so they know any restrictions for your plot (roof type, ridge orientation, maximum building height, etc.); otherwise, they won’t know what they’re allowed to design.
We plan to have two of the three architects provide a rough design, possibly all three if the cost is not too high and we like and find them competent.
That means: Based on everything you tell them about the technical features you want and the rooms needed (number, approximate location/position in the house), and your budget, they prepare something like a floor plan.
Not highly detailed with exact measurements, but enough to see something like: here’s the entrance door, 1.10 m (3 ft 7 in) wide, here’s the bathroom with a shower of such size on the left, bathtub there, toilet, sink, door opening inward or outward... stairs up, stairs down, kitchen here, stove there... etc.
I don’t mean scribbles on graph paper—these professionals use specialized software (some may still draft by hand)—to produce a decent proposal.
Also, a rough exterior view showing windows, roof style, garage location, building height, etc.
Since this is already a service under the HOAI, the architect must charge you for it (whether they want to or not); expect roughly up to 2,000 Euros per design. I doubt you will get comprehensive free advice from a professional architect.
Agree on a FIXED price for the draft beforehand and make it legally binding. Best also to stipulate contractually that if you choose this architect, the amount will be credited against their total fee for your project.
Don’t tell them you have one or two other architects also preparing drafts.
This ensures they don’t coordinate among themselves and can plan more freely.
You will receive two or three quite different drafts and choose the one you like best.
Of course, you pay for the drafts, but it’s worth it. Because from any zoning plan and your house ideas, architects can create hundreds of different designs, and you might regret later if you only get a standard house you could have found online without an architect.
You can have the chosen draft further modified if it’s not yet 100% perfect but closest to your wishes—just clarify the costs first (in writing, not verbally!—No matter how nice someone is, money matters can sour friendships.)
Always specify your wishes clearly beforehand and emphasize your strict budget not to be exceeded.
Only if you clearly say what you absolutely want and must have can they make proper proposals.
- Now I will also reply in your other thread.
Best regards, Honigkuchen
PS: If you want, you can also read here:
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/wie-viel-kostet-architekt.991/
and here:
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/wie-viel-kostet-architekt.991/
About heat pumps here:
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/und-was-fuer-heizsystem.1054/
and here:
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/und-was-fuer-heizsystem.1054/page-2#post-7051
Azalee schrieb:
Our house construction project involves building a single-family home in a rural area, but close to the city. We're aiming for about 130-140 sqm (1400-1500 sq ft), have increasingly clear ideas about the energy technology (heat pump, solar system, controlled ventilation with heat recovery, all at KfW40 standard), yet we still haven't decided on two of the most important aspects:
Sounds quite similar to our "building project" except for the heat pump—ours is a bit larger in square meters, no heat pump, but otherwise... also on a slightly sloped plot by the way.
Azalee schrieb:
1. Architect or developer? We need someone who manages everything, coordinates the trades, keeps an eye on the overall project, can more or less accurately calculate the total costs for us, etc. Does it have to be a developer, or can these services also be provided by an architect?
I read in your other thread that the plot is sloped; in that case, it definitely makes sense to work with an architect. They can often take more advantage of such a plot—even potentially at the same or lower price—than a developer.
Developers also employ architects, but usually start with standard, off-the-shelf house designs; any changes needed generally incur extra costs since they can't just produce your house like a typical template, but need to create something new specifically for you.
There are, however, a few developers who have ready-made houses designed for sloped plots.
I have compared many prices in various building magazines—timber frame houses managed by developers and solid construction houses with architects—and almost always the price per square meter for timber frame homes through developers was higher, sometimes significantly, than for an individually planned solid house with an architect. Naturally, you have to pay the architect too, but if they are good, it’s worth it.
You can hire your own architect and a developer in combination; just make sure your architect can and wants to take over construction management, meaning they are regularly onsite when important trade work is scheduled, especially during shell construction. Your architect must work in your best interest. A site manager appointed by the developer might not always be present, or might try to run things as cheaply as possible for their client, meaning your concerns are likely secondary.
- Yes, the architect can "manage" the trades—in other words, they can organize tenders. Once it is clear what you want, the architect makes a list of all the materials and work needed; depending on the trade (shell construction, electrical, plumbing, painter, etc.), they prepare a corresponding tender on which contractors can submit bids. Then, he can help you select the best offers, preferably with you. Don’t just look at price, also quality! The cheapest contractor is not always the best.
To see what an architect can theoretically do for you, check out, for example:
HOAI table
Click on the individual links to see detailed information about what may be included.
Here again about HOAI:
HOAI service phases @ARCHITECT
---
One more question about the "north-facing slope"—does that mean that if you look from the front of your plot towards the back, that is facing north?
Where is the access road to the plot located? On the south side?
Does the land slope downward or upward? Is the road at the top or bottom?
Azalee schrieb:
2. Timber frame or solid construction? I’d rather create a separate thread for this... But basically, this decision ties into point 1, because developers usually stick to a specific construction method.
Read this:
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/wuerdet-ihr-massiv-bauen-oder-nicht.402/
- In your other thread, I also address Joerg24’s statements—I mostly agree, but not entirely.
Azalee schrieb:
In addition to 1.: Where can I find a suitable architect?
We selected three architects through the state chamber of architects.
First, the Federal Chamber of Architects:
Bundesarchitektenkammer e.V. BAK
Then select the correct federal state—for example, if you live in Kassel, that would be Hessen: Architects and Urban Planners Chamber Hessen
There is also a member search on their website.
Directory of independent architects and urban planners:
AKH
Enter the region/zip code/location of your plot, select the field “Architecture,” then a submenu appears called “Specialization”—choose single-family/row houses; under areas of activity, best to select planning and construction management.
“Energy-efficient planning” sounds good too but is an additional criterion you can inquire later.
Unfortunately, your member search is less detailed in this regard than ours, as we can filter for energy-efficient houses beforehand.
Under "Special Focus" you could enter something manually, but I’d recommend leaving it blank to avoid missing architects whose terms don’t exactly match yours but who might still be a good fit.
You will then get a list and should look at each architectural office whose drive is no more than 20 minutes from your plot, opening each in a separate browser tab.
There you will find things like "office philosophy," "references," sometimes "competitions," and importantly: "areas of activity" and "object / performance focus."
From there you can make further selections.
For example, we excluded firms focused mainly on municipal projects, as they tend to earn more there and may not give the same level of attention to a relatively modest, thus less profitable single-family home. That might be a prejudice, but we still found three very good architects with many years of experience.
---
Our process was similar: we entered the municipality where we will build, selected “energy-efficient houses/passive houses,” and tried other search criteria like “barrier-free” or “ecological building,” then noted all architects within a 20-minute drive.
We sorted those remaining based on the stated activity focus and eventually called the survivors.
Here are questions to ask:
1. How long has the architect been practicing?
2. Approximately how many reference projects do they have?
3. If they have been practicing for many years, they should have many reference projects. Ask them to provide you, with permission from former clients, contact information so you can call and ask if the clients were satisfied and would build the same way again or change anything.
A good architect should be able to provide at least 10 references.
Tell them it is especially important to get contacts for clients who built something similar to what you want—KfW40 standard or better, single-family home, solar, controlled ventilation, heat pump or pellet/firewood heating, etc.
We have three architects; two have already emailed references; calls are planned for this weekend.
Also ask what HOAI fee rate they charge for their work.
If they immediately say “always the middle rate,” forget them.
Our architects explained:
"Usually the lowest rate, because we don’t always perform every task described in each service phase (LP). If full tasks or additional work arise, then the middle rate may apply, but we will specify that in a preliminary offer."
That means: You estimate total NET costs (the architect calculates their fee based on net contract value) excluding land and incidental building costs at around 250,000 Euros, and that is the maximum you can afford for the house costs including interior and technical equipment.
Then tell the architect—pro tip!—that your maximum net budget including interior and technical equipment is 250,000 Euros and must not be exceeded.
Background: I believe I read that an architect may be entitled to exceed the estimated amount by up to 20% theoretically... refuse this firmly beforehand and have it contractually fixed!
- The higher the construction sum, the more they earn... but you can offer another incentive:
If they can design the house as you want (KfW40, ventilation, solar, 130-140 sqm (1400-1500 sq ft), etc.), but keep the cost below your budget (e.g., 220,000 instead of 250,000 Euros), you can agree on a success bonus; I think 20% of the savings is common, so 20% of 30,000 Euros = 6,000 Euros. This would surely motivate them.
This encourages them to work in your interest and not just for their own profit.
Since you plan to have lots of technical equipment, it’s unlikely that they’ll save you a huge amount on a fully finished and equipped house.
- For our part, we already suspect the budget won’t be enough to fully finish all floors—so we plan to fully finish one floor, if possible the attic, and complete the half-sunken basement later because it currently suffices given our family situation.
But think about the future and plan everything accordingly. For example, we have high-voltage power (or whatever it's called) installed in the basement now, to enable adding a small kitchen later (our old kitchen from our current apartment); also drainage pipes laid right away, of course.
Plan the bathroom there but only install toilet and sink initially; shower to come later when the space is fully developed, and so on.
You probably know what I mean.
Azalee schrieb:
What is the scope of an "initial consultation" that would allow prospective builders to decide on an architect?
Well, I would make that dependent on their reference projects... client satisfaction... but unfortunately probably also on a rough draft.
Explanation:
A tip from building magazines is to choose at least two, preferably three, architects whose design style you like.
Then you meet them in person without obligation (we will do that too) and see if you have good chemistry, or if they are immediately unsympathetic—in which case, say no right away, because you must be able to work well together.
Then do an initial site visit together so the architect can assess the potential challenges and estimate the HOAI fee rate depending on the service phase.
Give them the zoning plan so they know any restrictions for your plot (roof type, ridge orientation, maximum building height, etc.); otherwise, they won’t know what they’re allowed to design.
We plan to have two of the three architects provide a rough design, possibly all three if the cost is not too high and we like and find them competent.
That means: Based on everything you tell them about the technical features you want and the rooms needed (number, approximate location/position in the house), and your budget, they prepare something like a floor plan.
Not highly detailed with exact measurements, but enough to see something like: here’s the entrance door, 1.10 m (3 ft 7 in) wide, here’s the bathroom with a shower of such size on the left, bathtub there, toilet, sink, door opening inward or outward... stairs up, stairs down, kitchen here, stove there... etc.
I don’t mean scribbles on graph paper—these professionals use specialized software (some may still draft by hand)—to produce a decent proposal.
Also, a rough exterior view showing windows, roof style, garage location, building height, etc.
Since this is already a service under the HOAI, the architect must charge you for it (whether they want to or not); expect roughly up to 2,000 Euros per design. I doubt you will get comprehensive free advice from a professional architect.
Agree on a FIXED price for the draft beforehand and make it legally binding. Best also to stipulate contractually that if you choose this architect, the amount will be credited against their total fee for your project.
Don’t tell them you have one or two other architects also preparing drafts.
This ensures they don’t coordinate among themselves and can plan more freely.
You will receive two or three quite different drafts and choose the one you like best.
Of course, you pay for the drafts, but it’s worth it. Because from any zoning plan and your house ideas, architects can create hundreds of different designs, and you might regret later if you only get a standard house you could have found online without an architect.
You can have the chosen draft further modified if it’s not yet 100% perfect but closest to your wishes—just clarify the costs first (in writing, not verbally!—No matter how nice someone is, money matters can sour friendships.)
Always specify your wishes clearly beforehand and emphasize your strict budget not to be exceeded.
Only if you clearly say what you absolutely want and must have can they make proper proposals.
- Now I will also reply in your other thread.
Best regards, Honigkuchen
PS: If you want, you can also read here:
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/wie-viel-kostet-architekt.991/
and here:
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/wie-viel-kostet-architekt.991/
About heat pumps here:
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/und-was-fuer-heizsystem.1054/
and here:
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/und-was-fuer-heizsystem.1054/page-2#post-7051
Hi! Wow, another such long reply, thanks! Someone clearly knows their stuff *g* Great!
The slope shouldn’t be too problematic because it’s somewhat “bulging,” meaning it’s quite open to the sides toward west and east. Especially from the northwest, where the sun sets in summer, there is quite a lot of space and view. The downside is shading from the long shadows cast by the houses above us in winter (which would then be in the second row from the top).
[/Quote]- The higher the construction sum, the more the architect earns… but you can offer a different incentive: If he can plan the house exactly as you want (KfW40 standard, ventilation, solar, 130-140sqm (1,400-1,500 sqft), etc.) but comes in under your budget, say you pay less (for example €220,000 instead of €250,000), then you can agree on a bonus; I believe I read that 20% of the savings is common, so here 20% of €30,000 = €6,000.[/Quote]
Sounds reasonable…
Many thanks for all the advice, I need to add it all to my housebuilding tips list first.
Best regards,
Christiane
Honigkuchen schrieb:Yes, we’ve read that a few times already. Although the probably best developer in this area usually plans together with an architect and us, meaning there are so-called standard houses, but each house is individually modified or completely newly designed. So the standard houses are more of a rough guideline.
I read in your other thread that the plot is on a slope; in that case, it’s definitely advisable to work with an architect. They can get more out of such a plot for the same or even a lower price than a developer.
- Yes, the architect can “manage” the contractors, meaning they can handle the tender process; once it’s clear what you want, they basically make a list of all the things you’ll need; depending on the trade (shell construction, electrical, plumbing, painting, etc.), they prepare a corresponding tender to which contractors can then respond.Ah, okay, thanks for the info. Because I would be a bit nervous about that kind of organization and coordination…
One more question about the “north-facing slope” – so does that mean if you look from the front of your plot towards the back, that is facing north?
So, the street is above the plot. Up is south, down, going down the slope, is north. More precisely, the slope at our location runs roughly south-southwest to north-northeast. The plot slopes slightly downward. The elevation difference is about 6m (20 feet) over approximately 30m (100 feet) in length. The plot is 750sqm (8,070 sqft) with dimensions roughly 30m x 25m (100ft x 82ft).
Where is the street that the plot is accessed from? On the south side then?
Is the plot sloping down or up? So is the street at the top or the bottom?
The slope shouldn’t be too problematic because it’s somewhat “bulging,” meaning it’s quite open to the sides toward west and east. Especially from the northwest, where the sun sets in summer, there is quite a lot of space and view. The downside is shading from the long shadows cast by the houses above us in winter (which would then be in the second row from the top).
- In your other thread I also commented on Joerg24 and his statements – I agree with most of it, but not everything.Already seen, thanks.
We found 3 architects through the state chamber of architects. [...]Ah, very good, thanks! I’ll have a look right away…
Then selected the correct federal state – if you live in Kassel, that should be Hesse, so: Architects and Urban Planners Chamber Hesse.
Ask these questions:Okay, we’ll first present the list to the architects. A colleague’s husband is also an architect, probably our first contact. But I think he specializes in timber construction.
Also ask him which fee rate of the HOAI he charges for his service. If he says “always the middle rate” right away, then forget him.Okay, we hadn’t thought about that yet…
Then you tell him – hot tip! – that you have a maximum net budget of €250,000 for house construction including interior and technical equipment, no more, and he must not exceed this.Well, it will probably be a bit less. Our current plan is max. €300,000 for everything including the plot. But the plot alone costs about €70,000 plus property transfer tax. So turnkey (but without exterior landscaping, etc.) we shouldn’t go much over €200,000 because we still want to pay the architect from our budget as well…
Background: I think I read somewhere that the architect is theoretically allowed to exceed the estimated sum by up to 20%… refuse this firmly beforehand and make sure it’s contractually fixed!Ok, thanks for the tip!
[/Quote]- The higher the construction sum, the more the architect earns… but you can offer a different incentive: If he can plan the house exactly as you want (KfW40 standard, ventilation, solar, 130-140sqm (1,400-1,500 sqft), etc.) but comes in under your budget, say you pay less (for example €220,000 instead of €250,000), then you can agree on a bonus; I believe I read that 20% of the savings is common, so here 20% of €30,000 = €6,000.[/Quote]
Sounds reasonable…
Many thanks for all the advice, I need to add it all to my housebuilding tips list first.
Best regards,
Christiane
Hello Azalee,
I wanted to add something about the developers. Since you settle the payment directly with the developer, you can never really know what they pay the contractors or whether cheaper building materials are being used. I have had bad experiences with this myself.
by Boogy
I wanted to add something about the developers. Since you settle the payment directly with the developer, you can never really know what they pay the contractors or whether cheaper building materials are being used. I have had bad experiences with this myself.
by Boogy
Boogy schrieb:
Hello Azalee,
I wanted to add something about the developers. Since you settle the payment directly with the developer, you never really know what they pay the contractors or if cheaper building materials are used. I’ve had bad experiences with that myself.
by BoogyI’ve noticed that too; B-grade tiles were installed but A-grade tiles were charged for.
by Sam22
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