We are still relatively early in our house building project. We have some initial ideas, the plot of land is already secured, and a few sketches...
Many construction companies also create plans or drafts. Do these drafts usually cost anything at construction companies? Especially if you then decide not to go with the company as the builder, or is it free up to a certain point?
Is it more advisable to have a plan created by an architect?
What were your first steps toward creating the plan?
Many construction companies also create plans or drafts. Do these drafts usually cost anything at construction companies? Especially if you then decide not to go with the company as the builder, or is it free up to a certain point?
Is it more advisable to have a plan created by an architect?
What were your first steps toward creating the plan?
Hi "here could be your name"
you should ask the companies in advance if they require anything for the designs. However, in my opinion, the work of the construction company and the planner should be free for you until you receive a well-founded and reliable offer. If they don’t get the contract, they have to write off the working hours. That’s normal business practice...
There are also companies that see it differently and want to charge for an offer. Address this openly beforehand; if they react oddly to such a question, you are probably dealing with the wrong company.
Design-Build / General Contractor vs. Architect is a matter of preference. There is no better or worse, just different.
A good architect will probably design a more stylish house than the general contractor. But unfortunately, you won’t know the fixed price in advance, and you also only know if the architect is really good later on...
It certainly helps with both options to think carefully beforehand about what you want and what you like.
We had several ideas and sketches. There are also many house design tools online where you can create 3D models with relatively little effort. This is a great way to develop a sense of what you can build on which space or what simply doesn’t fit.
Best regards,
Andreas
you should ask the companies in advance if they require anything for the designs. However, in my opinion, the work of the construction company and the planner should be free for you until you receive a well-founded and reliable offer. If they don’t get the contract, they have to write off the working hours. That’s normal business practice...
There are also companies that see it differently and want to charge for an offer. Address this openly beforehand; if they react oddly to such a question, you are probably dealing with the wrong company.
Design-Build / General Contractor vs. Architect is a matter of preference. There is no better or worse, just different.
A good architect will probably design a more stylish house than the general contractor. But unfortunately, you won’t know the fixed price in advance, and you also only know if the architect is really good later on...
It certainly helps with both options to think carefully beforehand about what you want and what you like.
We had several ideas and sketches. There are also many house design tools online where you can create 3D models with relatively little effort. This is a great way to develop a sense of what you can build on which space or what simply doesn’t fit.
Best regards,
Andreas
D
daniels879 Feb 2016 15:47We brought our designs to the initial meeting, after which preliminary sketches were created and then revised. Once everything was agreed upon, we received a written offer with a detailed description of the construction services and a CAD plan. Up to this point, we had no costs incurred.
I wouldn’t generally say that an independent architect will necessarily provide you with a better plan. However, it is their job to focus precisely on your needs. They will likely spend more time refining the designs, as that is what they are paid for.
That said, the planner from our construction company worked to our complete satisfaction.
I wouldn’t generally say that an independent architect will necessarily provide you with a better plan. However, it is their job to focus precisely on your needs. They will likely spend more time refining the designs, as that is what they are paid for.
That said, the planner from our construction company worked to our complete satisfaction.
Bayer32 schrieb:
We are still relatively early in the house building project. We have initial ideas, the plot is available, and a few sketches.... I would suggest the following steps:
- Roughly define your budget (household budget, bank)
- Write down your ideas and room requirements
- Call to schedule a free initial consultation with a general contractor/planner or architect
- Bring the plot plan, room requirements, and ideas to the general contractor/planner or architect and let them do their work
- After the first meetings, decide where you feel best supported and continue working with them.
Designs are a professional service and must be paid for.
Large general contractors and certainly some smaller ones often see this service as part of their customer advertising and create modified catalog floor plans free of charge... unfortunately, the quality is often accordingly.
An architect will expect to be compensated for this – sometimes with a flat fee, sometimes with the offer to credit it against the full contract – at least, that is our experience.
Large general contractors and certainly some smaller ones often see this service as part of their customer advertising and create modified catalog floor plans free of charge... unfortunately, the quality is often accordingly.
An architect will expect to be compensated for this – sometimes with a flat fee, sometimes with the offer to credit it against the full contract – at least, that is our experience.
Hi,
For me personally, a design is a form of client solicitation that a potential supplier should initially provide free of charge. We’re not talking about 25 design iterations and free production of working drawings. But as I said, there are many perspectives here, all of which have their own validity...
In your place, you should choose a maximum of 5 construction companies from the local area (!!) and have discussions with them. No more than that, or you’ll just get overwhelmed!
Then, with the best 3, go through several design iterations until you have floor plans that are as comparable as possible and, above all, that you like. If the floor plans and essential components (wall assemblies, fittings) are at least somewhat comparable, you have a chance to compare prices. Otherwise, you’re just comparing apples and oranges.
An architect will likely want payment after the first meetings. If they are good, it is definitely money well spent. But make sure to clarify this before the meetings. Because by saying “Yes, please make us a design,” you could already have signed a contract.
Otherwise, Jochen’s advice should also be carefully considered, especially regarding budget and preferences:
With plenty of money and unusual requests, you are probably better off with an architect. With a very tight budget, a general contractor (GC) with a standard program may be able to help you better.
Best regards,
Andreas
BeHaElJa schrieb:
Designs are a service and must be paid for.
For me personally, a design is a form of client solicitation that a potential supplier should initially provide free of charge. We’re not talking about 25 design iterations and free production of working drawings. But as I said, there are many perspectives here, all of which have their own validity...
In your place, you should choose a maximum of 5 construction companies from the local area (!!) and have discussions with them. No more than that, or you’ll just get overwhelmed!
Then, with the best 3, go through several design iterations until you have floor plans that are as comparable as possible and, above all, that you like. If the floor plans and essential components (wall assemblies, fittings) are at least somewhat comparable, you have a chance to compare prices. Otherwise, you’re just comparing apples and oranges.
An architect will likely want payment after the first meetings. If they are good, it is definitely money well spent. But make sure to clarify this before the meetings. Because by saying “Yes, please make us a design,” you could already have signed a contract.
Otherwise, Jochen’s advice should also be carefully considered, especially regarding budget and preferences:
With plenty of money and unusual requests, you are probably better off with an architect. With a very tight budget, a general contractor (GC) with a standard program may be able to help you better.
Best regards,
Andreas
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