ᐅ Architect or Building Contractor?

Created on: 9 Feb 2016 15:27
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Bayer32
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?
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Bieber0815
11 Feb 2016 09:55
Bauexperte schrieb:
Anyone who hires such contractors "might" have only focused on the price in the bottom right corner

Make sure you get a guarantee that this was not the case!
Bauexperte schrieb:
This is, by the way, also stated in every proper bill of quantities.

And an expert would point out its absence?
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Bauexperte
11 Feb 2016 10:58
Bieber0815 schrieb:

And would an inspector complain about its absence?
Inspector? I assume you mean an external expert for reviewing and evaluating the contract documents?

But yes, if they know their job, they will at least point out that detailed construction drawings are not part of the contract.



Regards, Bauexperte
Bauexperte
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exerfoe
13 Feb 2016 19:01
We thought about it for a long time and ultimately decided to work with an architect, and we have not regretted it for a second. I believe the idea of a fixed price with a developer is a myth, because there will always be changes later on. When building with an architect, at least I have unit prices that are transparent and make it easy to calculate the cost of any changes. The tenders are also much more detailed than most construction specifications.

In addition, the house has become very unique and no longer resembles the floor plans we originally drew or copied. That was a surprise for us at the time as well, but a very pleasant one.
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Bieber0815
15 Feb 2016 07:38
exerfoe schrieb:
I consider the fixed price offered by the developer to be a myth, because there will always be later changes

With a developer, the price is contractually fixed and can usually only be changed through the buyers’ actions. This does happen quite often, though, because buyers deviate from the scope of the construction and service specifications. Normally, it is clear in advance that “there might be additional costs.” However, this is not mandatory if you think ahead.

Well, if people owned their own plot of land, they wouldn’t go to a developer; then they could build with an architect.
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Bauexperte
15 Feb 2016 10:33
Where has the original poster disappeared to...?

Regards, Bauexperte
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exerfoe
17 Feb 2016 21:34
With the developers we visited, the selection of finishes could only be done after signing the contract—or if we paid €2000–3000 for the selection process. I found the €2500 spent on design phases 1–2 to be a much better investment. I don’t know how it works with other developers, but I can’t see how anyone could manage without making changes. Unless you really only go with the standard options.

But basically, you are of course right.