ᐅ How do I find a suitable architect? Or should I choose a developer instead?
Created on: 25 Feb 2009 16:23
A
Azalee
Hello, 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
Honigkuchen27 Feb 2009 07:54Xaver schrieb:
Hello,
I would first look for an architect who can then recommend a builder or construction company. That way, you can be sure that both will work closely together and the house will be built exactly to your wishes.
by Xaver Recommendations can be tricky... There is also nepotism involved.
For example, an architect recommending a construction company he has known for years and from which he might receive kickbacks...
Not all architects are like this, but it does happen.
Therefore, I would have the architect organize a proper tender process, and then personally check the companies that submit bids, looking into their company history and reputation.
If this aligns with my architect’s statements—like having worked smoothly with company XY several times before—that’s even better. Then I at least know I can trust my architect and feel more confident about his unconditional loyalty to me.
Regards
Honigkuchen
Hello Azalee, Hello Honigkuchen, and everyone else,
Much of what Honigkuchen writes in his post may be correct, but at this point, I also want to defend the many freelance and independent architects and structural engineers.
There are also structural engineers who carry out building planning. These professionals are additionally able to prepare the structural calculations and take them into account during the design phase—meaning they understand and practice their profession in the spirit of the traditional master builders.
Certainly, there might be the occasional bad apple among architects and engineers, but through an architect’s or engineer’s contract, they are exclusively obligated to their client.
If they represent interests other than those of their client—the builder—in the course of their work, they automatically breach the contract, with all the resulting consequences.
The HOAI (Fee Structure for Architects and Engineers) regulates not only the fees for these professions but also the services architects and engineers must provide for those fees.
This is similar to fee regulations for other freelance professions, such as lawyers (BRAGO), doctors (GOÄ or GOZ), etc.
It should be noted that the fee rates in the HOAI were last adjusted in 1996, which was 13 years ago. This means that this profession has not received a "salary increase" since 1996.
Certainly, it might be pleasant for a builder to pay as little as possible. The question is, what level of service is the architect/engineer willing to provide for that.
If an architect or engineer charges the minimum rates according to the HOAI, they are still required to deliver the specified services. Such fees are certainly not sufficient for the architect/engineer, even threatening their livelihood.
Another important point to consider is that architects, and especially engineers, are responsible for ensuring the safety of building users through their work. This public interest partly justifies the existence of the HOAI.
Because this should never be about "cheap, cheap" or "being stingy is cool"; it must always be about people’s safety, which can only be guaranteed through fair fees.
Having a building constructed by an independent architectural or engineering firm also offers many advantages for the builder.
Furthermore, it is a big misconception to believe that using a turnkey contractor, developer, general contractor, or prefab house supplier is always the cheaper option.
Only a detailed cost comparison that really considers all costs can provide clarity here.
As site manager, the architect or engineer is also responsible to their client for the quality of the work delivered by the craftsmen. The site manager of a turnkey company or similar, however, is only responsible to their employer, as they are dependent on them.
I hope this helps bring a bit more clarity.
Best regards,
Danton
Engineering and Planning Office
Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Brandenburg
Consulting Engineer and Building Surveyor
Insurance Specialist (Construction Contract)
Much of what Honigkuchen writes in his post may be correct, but at this point, I also want to defend the many freelance and independent architects and structural engineers.
There are also structural engineers who carry out building planning. These professionals are additionally able to prepare the structural calculations and take them into account during the design phase—meaning they understand and practice their profession in the spirit of the traditional master builders.
Certainly, there might be the occasional bad apple among architects and engineers, but through an architect’s or engineer’s contract, they are exclusively obligated to their client.
If they represent interests other than those of their client—the builder—in the course of their work, they automatically breach the contract, with all the resulting consequences.
The HOAI (Fee Structure for Architects and Engineers) regulates not only the fees for these professions but also the services architects and engineers must provide for those fees.
This is similar to fee regulations for other freelance professions, such as lawyers (BRAGO), doctors (GOÄ or GOZ), etc.
It should be noted that the fee rates in the HOAI were last adjusted in 1996, which was 13 years ago. This means that this profession has not received a "salary increase" since 1996.
Certainly, it might be pleasant for a builder to pay as little as possible. The question is, what level of service is the architect/engineer willing to provide for that.
If an architect or engineer charges the minimum rates according to the HOAI, they are still required to deliver the specified services. Such fees are certainly not sufficient for the architect/engineer, even threatening their livelihood.
Another important point to consider is that architects, and especially engineers, are responsible for ensuring the safety of building users through their work. This public interest partly justifies the existence of the HOAI.
Because this should never be about "cheap, cheap" or "being stingy is cool"; it must always be about people’s safety, which can only be guaranteed through fair fees.
Having a building constructed by an independent architectural or engineering firm also offers many advantages for the builder.
Furthermore, it is a big misconception to believe that using a turnkey contractor, developer, general contractor, or prefab house supplier is always the cheaper option.
Only a detailed cost comparison that really considers all costs can provide clarity here.
As site manager, the architect or engineer is also responsible to their client for the quality of the work delivered by the craftsmen. The site manager of a turnkey company or similar, however, is only responsible to their employer, as they are dependent on them.
I hope this helps bring a bit more clarity.
Best regards,
Danton
Engineering and Planning Office
Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Brandenburg
Consulting Engineer and Building Surveyor
Insurance Specialist (Construction Contract)
B
Bob Braumeister23 Aug 2010 19:22Hi,
we are new to Kassel and currently looking for a plot of land as well as a builder or architect. Besides Dümer Bau and Helma, we have checked out several other builders, but it’s been quite disappointing. I wanted to ask if any of you have already found a good architect you could recommend.
Good luck, Bob
we are new to Kassel and currently looking for a plot of land as well as a builder or architect. Besides Dümer Bau and Helma, we have checked out several other builders, but it’s been quite disappointing. I wanted to ask if any of you have already found a good architect you could recommend.
Good luck, Bob
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