Hello everyone,
I have been reading this forum for some time now and have also done some research on the topic.
However, I do have a question. I’m still not completely clear on how working with an architect actually works. I understand that architects charge their fees according to HOAI.
The thing is, we haven’t fully decided yet whether we want a solid construction house designed by an architect in cooperation with a local builder, or a prefabricated house. One of the key factors in this decision will naturally be the price. So in order to have a basis for comparison, besides the prefabricated house offers (we are already in early talks here), we would also need a first floor plan from the architect, which would then allow for a cost estimate or a quotation.
But at what point does the architect start charging a fee? Is it already for creating the floor plan? Because if I decide against it afterward, that money would be wasted, and I’m not really willing to accept that.
So how does this work properly? Can I get a proposal created for free? And are there specific terms or agreements I should pay attention to?
Thanks in advance for your help!
I have been reading this forum for some time now and have also done some research on the topic.
However, I do have a question. I’m still not completely clear on how working with an architect actually works. I understand that architects charge their fees according to HOAI.
The thing is, we haven’t fully decided yet whether we want a solid construction house designed by an architect in cooperation with a local builder, or a prefabricated house. One of the key factors in this decision will naturally be the price. So in order to have a basis for comparison, besides the prefabricated house offers (we are already in early talks here), we would also need a first floor plan from the architect, which would then allow for a cost estimate or a quotation.
But at what point does the architect start charging a fee? Is it already for creating the floor plan? Because if I decide against it afterward, that money would be wasted, and I’m not really willing to accept that.
So how does this work properly? Can I get a proposal created for free? And are there specific terms or agreements I should pay attention to?
Thanks in advance for your help!
T
toxicmolotof29 Sep 2014 15:03Then you will likely realize very quickly that this approach will not get you very far.
So, am I understanding this correctly (if not, please clarify):
You want to build a house but are not yet sure what the design should look like. You go to an architect and have them create a design and a cost estimate. Then you decide against the architect because their cost estimate does not match your expectations. So you tell the architect: Sorry, but it’s too expensive... and by the way, I’m not going to pay you, I don’t see why I should! However, I do like your idea for the house, so give it to me—I’m going to take it to a prefab home manufacturer because they can also offer me a fixed price :-)
Or do you already have floor plans and elevations which can be used as a basis for a cost calculation?
Have I summarized this correctly overall?
You want to build a house but are not yet sure what the design should look like. You go to an architect and have them create a design and a cost estimate. Then you decide against the architect because their cost estimate does not match your expectations. So you tell the architect: Sorry, but it’s too expensive... and by the way, I’m not going to pay you, I don’t see why I should! However, I do like your idea for the house, so give it to me—I’m going to take it to a prefab home manufacturer because they can also offer me a fixed price :-)
Or do you already have floor plans and elevations which can be used as a basis for a cost calculation?
Have I summarized this correctly overall?
B
Bauexperte29 Sep 2014 15:12Hello,
I don’t know any architect, at least none who thinks economically, who will provide you with more than a rough sketch and a rough cost estimate under these conditions. This will likely not be very helpful.
Best regards, Bauexperte
B.Nutzerin schrieb:“Back then” is a good point. Today, for extensive proposals in the service sector, you also usually have to pay for the offer upfront, which will be reimbursed if the contract is awarded. Only with respect to preliminary design reviews / planning assessments at the building authority does this not fully apply; for example, in NRW, you are credited a maximum of ⅔ of the costs of the preliminary design review against the building permit / planning permission fees 😉
I used to purchase services in the service sector. And back then, service providers had to first invest time in preparing sometimes very detailed, lengthy proposals that I or the department stakeholders could work with to then possibly be awarded the contract... or not... And they certainly didn’t get paid by us for that 😉
B.Nutzerin schrieb:Ahem – so how do you want to decide whether you like the design and if the costs are manageable?
It’s not like I want a fully planned house for free.
B.Nutzerin schrieb:You need to talk to an architect of your choice about what they include under free consultation, and this should happen before you go into the details of your desired house. If you skip this step, you have entered into a contract!
That was exactly my question—how it works with architects—I already got an answer ;-)
I don’t know any architect, at least none who thinks economically, who will provide you with more than a rough sketch and a rough cost estimate under these conditions. This will likely not be very helpful.
Best regards, Bauexperte
B
B.Nutzerin29 Sep 2014 15:30By "earlier" I mean up to two years ago. I'm currently on parental leave ;-)
To be honest, I didn’t intend to start a fundamental discussion here, but just wanted to know how things work. If it doesn’t match my expectations, I will accept that and take my consequences ;-)
I, or rather we, already have very specific ideas, but they can also be realized with a turnkey house, which we were already leaning towards anyway – so that’s probably what it will end up being :-)
To be honest, I didn’t intend to start a fundamental discussion here, but just wanted to know how things work. If it doesn’t match my expectations, I will accept that and take my consequences ;-)
I, or rather we, already have very specific ideas, but they can also be realized with a turnkey house, which we were already leaning towards anyway – so that’s probably what it will end up being :-)
B
B.Nutzerin29 Sep 2014 15:33Forgot again:
@Doc.Schnaggls: Thanks for the link – I’ll take a careful look at it!
@Doc.Schnaggls: Thanks for the link – I’ll take a careful look at it!
D
Doc.Schnaggls29 Sep 2014 17:24B.Nutzerin schrieb:
I or rather we already have very specific ideas, but these can also be realized with a prefabricated house, which we were already leaning towards anyway – so that's probably what it will be 🙂 Hello,
However, you should not overlook the fact that there are prefabricated house suppliers where you have to hire and pay the architect yourself.
Initial drafts and price quotes are usually prepared by the sales consultant.
Of course, if you go for a standard model house, you usually don’t need an architect anymore.
Regards,
Dirk
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