Hello dear forum members, a retired architect has designed a renovation and extension of an existing bungalow for me. I would like to compensate him for his work. Could you tell me what I would typically pay an architect for such plans? Attached are the plans. Or alternatively, what amount of time one might expect to spend on creating these plans. The architect mentioned he spent over 300 hours on them.
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nordanney9 Dec 2024 12:25Addendum: In an older letter from the building authority in Bavaria, a gross hourly rate of €140 is considered appropriate for architects on an hourly wage basis. That would amount to €42,000.
This looks like a very thorough plan. The architect seems to be from an older generation, as many places include masonry walls where lightweight partition walls would typically be the preferred option today. Please share some images (drawings or photos) of the current state; I find it hard to envision some of the components, meaning the "as is and remains" (= black) designation isn’t entirely convincing.
The value of the planning for you ultimately depends on whether the design is likely to receive approval. If that is the case, I don’t see any reason to pay less than the market rate or the standard fee schedule. I would use the schedule value for a new build as the benchmark, which would already be a favorable price compared to renovating an existing building. Also, appoint the architect as the construction manager!
However, the significant increase in building volume and height makes me doubt that this design will be approved. Where is the parking provision proof (I count seven missing spaces)? Also, the amount of new construction will likely cause the existing building protection based on the original construction year to no longer apply, meaning compliance with GEG2025 (which realistically can’t start this year) would be required, including photovoltaic installation. What has the architect done in this regard? If only design phases 3 and 4 were completed, my above suggestion obviously does not apply to the full scope of phases 1 to 4.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
The value of the planning for you ultimately depends on whether the design is likely to receive approval. If that is the case, I don’t see any reason to pay less than the market rate or the standard fee schedule. I would use the schedule value for a new build as the benchmark, which would already be a favorable price compared to renovating an existing building. Also, appoint the architect as the construction manager!
However, the significant increase in building volume and height makes me doubt that this design will be approved. Where is the parking provision proof (I count seven missing spaces)? Also, the amount of new construction will likely cause the existing building protection based on the original construction year to no longer apply, meaning compliance with GEG2025 (which realistically can’t start this year) would be required, including photovoltaic installation. What has the architect done in this regard? If only design phases 3 and 4 were completed, my above suggestion obviously does not apply to the full scope of phases 1 to 4.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
M
MachsSelbst9 Dec 2024 17:25We need more powder; the bag of clips is empty...
An architect’s hourly rate must cover:
office rent, employee salaries, insurance, work materials, the architect’s own salary, social security contributions, depreciation...
The costs for a retired architect’s work are:
well, the Albrecht Dürer watercolor pencils by Faber Castell for 99 EUR.
It is completely, truly completely absurd to pay a retired architect 30,000, 40,000, or even 50,000 EUR just because they spent 300 hours on something, probably spending 250 of those hours looking out the window and having coffee.
That would be like giving a painter 75 EUR per hour in cash under the table—then you might as well just order it on an invoice.
An architect’s hourly rate must cover:
office rent, employee salaries, insurance, work materials, the architect’s own salary, social security contributions, depreciation...
The costs for a retired architect’s work are:
well, the Albrecht Dürer watercolor pencils by Faber Castell for 99 EUR.
It is completely, truly completely absurd to pay a retired architect 30,000, 40,000, or even 50,000 EUR just because they spent 300 hours on something, probably spending 250 of those hours looking out the window and having coffee.
That would be like giving a painter 75 EUR per hour in cash under the table—then you might as well just order it on an invoice.
If I were satisfied with his work, I would ask him what he expects to be paid and would pay without complaint, maybe even add a little extra.
If, in my opinion, I were rightfully dissatisfied, I would definitely not pay the full amount or even exceed it compared to other services.
Both sides have missed the point or just postponed the problem; it won’t be resolved without some “pain” on one or both sides. If I’m satisfied, he shouldn’t experience any “pain,” and vice versa, I shouldn’t.
Open a bottle of wine in private and ask clearly!
Even with the suggestions mentioned, you could be completely wrong.
What would be your idea on this, which you probably already have?
If, in my opinion, I were rightfully dissatisfied, I would definitely not pay the full amount or even exceed it compared to other services.
Both sides have missed the point or just postponed the problem; it won’t be resolved without some “pain” on one or both sides. If I’m satisfied, he shouldn’t experience any “pain,” and vice versa, I shouldn’t.
Open a bottle of wine in private and ask clearly!
Even with the suggestions mentioned, you could be completely wrong.
What would be your idea on this, which you probably already have?
I assume some here may have overlooked that this concerns a retired architect who does not expect any payment.
Why not simply invite him to a meal and communicate that you would like to show your appreciation? Perhaps something will come out of that which you can all agree on. If he continues working on the design, it already has value for you, but you also don’t want to shortchange a favor with too much compensation.
A fee of around €1000/€5000 would reflect the value of the design.
Of course, the architect does not need to issue an invoice but can declare the income in his tax return. A few sentences from someone experienced on how to handle this best would be helpful. Neighborhood help, even if regular, is not considered undeclared work. Someone earning a cost-covering hourly rate of €5 rarely has anything to worry about, as long as it is not a regular source of income.
Why not simply invite him to a meal and communicate that you would like to show your appreciation? Perhaps something will come out of that which you can all agree on. If he continues working on the design, it already has value for you, but you also don’t want to shortchange a favor with too much compensation.
A fee of around €1000/€5000 would reflect the value of the design.
Of course, the architect does not need to issue an invoice but can declare the income in his tax return. A few sentences from someone experienced on how to handle this best would be helpful. Neighborhood help, even if regular, is not considered undeclared work. Someone earning a cost-covering hourly rate of €5 rarely has anything to worry about, as long as it is not a regular source of income.
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Frechdachs10 Dec 2024 07:07I think it’s great that you are considering a proper form of recognition.
How about offering the retiree—who doesn’t want any compensation—to make a donation to a charity of their choice? Whether it’s a food bank, the Red Cross, Caritas, or similar... They could do a lot of good with, for example, 10,000 euros.
And you could also give the retiree an additional gift by inviting them to a restaurant.
Just a thought, Christmas is coming soon.
How about offering the retiree—who doesn’t want any compensation—to make a donation to a charity of their choice? Whether it’s a food bank, the Red Cross, Caritas, or similar... They could do a lot of good with, for example, 10,000 euros.
And you could also give the retiree an additional gift by inviting them to a restaurant.
Just a thought, Christmas is coming soon.
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