Hello everyone,
we are currently planning our single-family house with our architect. So far, we have felt confident. Although the architect was aware of our budget limit from the beginning, the latest cost estimate still came out higher than expected. What really makes me uneasy and worried is, for example, that he quotes only €4000 for the structural engineering including thermal insulation. All the structural engineers we asked charge according to HOAI and demand around €10,000. It seems the architect is not familiar with the actual prices.
What can we do about this? I hope the rest of the cost estimate is accurate, at least for the shell construction. I’m really concerned. What would you advise? Getting a second opinion? Or switching architects?
we are currently planning our single-family house with our architect. So far, we have felt confident. Although the architect was aware of our budget limit from the beginning, the latest cost estimate still came out higher than expected. What really makes me uneasy and worried is, for example, that he quotes only €4000 for the structural engineering including thermal insulation. All the structural engineers we asked charge according to HOAI and demand around €10,000. It seems the architect is not familiar with the actual prices.
What can we do about this? I hope the rest of the cost estimate is accurate, at least for the shell construction. I’m really concerned. What would you advise? Getting a second opinion? Or switching architects?
B
Bauexperte19 Jan 2014 11:37Hello,
Post your design here – with the architect’s name blacked out – specify the building location and your equipment preferences, and I will be happy to estimate the design. However, you can also request offers from 2 or 3 comparable providers (in terms of scope and equipment) using your designs. That way, you will also have a reference point to assess whether your architect’s cost estimate is realistic, since the architectural and structural engineering costs are usually already included in the offers of most providers.
Best regards, Bauexperte
KayLinus schrieb:Regardless of the structural engineering costs – it is possible that your architect has a long-standing collaboration with a structural engineer and therefore has framework agreements – I have often noticed that architects rarely get their cost estimates exactly right.
We are currently planning our single-family house with our architect. So far, we had a good feeling. Although the architect knew our budget limit in advance, the latest cost estimate turned out to be even more expensive. What really makes me suspicious and concerned is, for example, that he estimates the costs for the structural engineering including thermal insulation at €4000. All the structural engineers we asked charge according to HOAI and demand around €10,000. Apparently, the architect is not familiar with these prices. What can be done about that? I hope the rest of the cost estimate is accurate, at least for the shell construction. I’m really worried. What would you advise me? Get a second opinion? Or change the architect?
Post your design here – with the architect’s name blacked out – specify the building location and your equipment preferences, and I will be happy to estimate the design. However, you can also request offers from 2 or 3 comparable providers (in terms of scope and equipment) using your designs. That way, you will also have a reference point to assess whether your architect’s cost estimate is realistic, since the architectural and structural engineering costs are usually already included in the offers of most providers.
Best regards, Bauexperte
Hello,
By now, I am receiving many inquiries from architects about the Energy Saving Ordinance/KfW verification because structural engineers no longer want to offer these services at a low-budget rate. This is understandable given the significantly increased requirements and liability conditions nowadays!
Best regards
NB: When relying on architect cost estimates, it is always wise to keep 25...30% of the planned building costs in reserve!
KayLinus schrieb:The architect should be aware of the costs for structural engineering and thermal insulation, shouldn’t he? Or is he living on another planet?
.... What really makes me suspicious and worried is, for example, that he quotes the costs for the structural engineering including thermal insulation at 4000€ (about $4,300). All structural engineers contacted charge according to HOAI and ask for around 10,000€ (about $10,750). Apparently, the architect is not familiar with the prices. ...What can you do about that...
By now, I am receiving many inquiries from architects about the Energy Saving Ordinance/KfW verification because structural engineers no longer want to offer these services at a low-budget rate. This is understandable given the significantly increased requirements and liability conditions nowadays!
Best regards
NB: When relying on architect cost estimates, it is always wise to keep 25...30% of the planned building costs in reserve!
Hello building expert,
as promised, here are my drawings. The construction will take place in the Lüdenscheid area / North Rhine-Westphalia.
Regarding the specifications, please note the following:
Standard electrical and plumbing installation / electric roller shutters (I understand that calculating costs here is difficult).
The building is planned as a KfW 70 standard with an air heat pump.
If anything is missing, I look forward to your message.
as promised, here are my drawings. The construction will take place in the Lüdenscheid area / North Rhine-Westphalia.
Regarding the specifications, please note the following:
Standard electrical and plumbing installation / electric roller shutters (I understand that calculating costs here is difficult).
The building is planned as a KfW 70 standard with an air heat pump.
If anything is missing, I look forward to your message.
B
Bauexperte29 Jan 2014 12:25Hello,
Regards, Bauexperte
KayLinus schrieb:I am unable to enlarge your drawings enough to read them. Please try attaching them instead of embedding them in your post.
If anything is missing, I look forward to your message.
Regards, Bauexperte
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