ᐅ Is the architect’s quote complete? Is the price reasonable?

Created on: 22 Jun 2020 23:21
N
NeuerBauherr
Hello everyone,
we have been following the forum for some time now and are looking forward to your experiences, tips, and advice.

We are planning to build our dream home in 2021 and have already had discussions with several companies (prefabricated house suppliers, general contractors, architect). Since we would like to plan with an architect (design phases 1-4), we now have a concrete offer but are not sure if it really covers everything, especially concerning the costs.
We have created a rough floor plan/sketch ourselves and provided it to the architect.

Facts
Project: Single-family house + double garage (solid construction) – nothing fancy or exclusive...
Location: about 100km (60 miles) from Munich, should be in Lower Bavaria
Construction costs: approx. 400-450k excluding exterior work & additional construction costs

Scope of services by the architect
1. Building regulations
- Ordering site plan, conversion, etc.
- Clarifying framework conditions, including building size, heritage protection, local regulations, etc.

2. Preparation of preliminary and design drafts for about 360sqm (3880 sq ft) gross floor area (GFA)

3. Approval planning
- Preparation of approval drawings with corresponding entries (section, facade, drawing title block, site plan, floor plans, etc.)
- Preparation of necessary forms (building description, building permit/planning permission application, parking space certification)
- Calculations (floor area ratio, site coverage ratio, GFA, living space, cubic volume, and cost estimate)
- Cover letter to obtain neighbors’ signatures

- A detailed cost estimate according to DIN 276 is not included; the cost estimate is prepared based on cubic meters or square meter prices according to the BKI.
Energy consultant, fire safety consultant, and structural engineer must be commissioned separately according to the offer.

The offer amounts to 11,000 net plus VAT, based on HOAI. Incidental costs such as plan pauses, copies, and site plans will be reviewed and passed on.

I have the feeling that something might still be missing, or does this really cover design phases 1-4 to the extent that one can approach general contractors to request bids afterward? I often read about shop drawings, which are not mentioned in the offer. The same applies to the quantity survey, or have I misunderstood something?

Overall, we have a good feeling about the architect (the chemistry is right, etc.), but 11,000 net is quite a bit and differs from what we had planned (max. 10,000 including VAT). Since some prices mentioned are significantly different, we want to ask again to be 100% sure.

What are your opinions on this? We look forward to a lively discussion.
Best regards from the Bavarian countryside
N
NeuerBauherr
24 Jun 2020 19:05
Ysop*** schrieb:

May I ask why it’s so important for you to involve an architect from the start? You mentioned that you don’t actually want anything very elaborate. In that case, couldn’t you just handle everything through a general contractor? Especially if working with this architect is turning out to be difficult.
Hello Ysop,
see my posts two messages above... We contacted two more general contractors, but they won’t do anything without a submitted plan (this was usually the first question), and I can only get that from an architect or a design office.

In general, we have nothing against letting a general contractor handle everything, it just seems that those who include this service right away are hard to find. Maybe this is a regional or seasonal issue, but it’s frustrating.

Best regards from the Bavarian countryside
11ant24 Jun 2020 19:57
Ysop*** schrieb:

You wrote that you don’t really want anything too elaborate.
That’s why I also don’t quite understand – although I usually tend to recommend involving an architect – why the general contractor (GC) can’t just use one of their standard plans from the drawer, which ideally would only require minor adjustments.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Y
Ybias78
25 Jun 2020 15:56
Since my thread was deleted without any explanation (for reasons unknown), I’m trying again here.

This is our offer:



Cost breakdown for the building permit application with net €3,000, VAT €570, gross €3,570.


Note: Documents not included (site plan, surveyor, fees) and flat-rate fee.


Is this okay? Can it be accepted?
M
Malunga
25 Jun 2020 16:15
3,000 euros for 1-4... If passion is included, of course
Y
Ybias78
25 Jun 2020 16:18
Malunga schrieb:

3,000 euros for 1-4...
If passion is included, then sure

So the architect is supposed to be good. I got a recommendation from an acquaintance. Of course, the tax will still be adjusted to 16%, but other than that, it seems doable?
M
Malunga
25 Jun 2020 16:47
If you like his projects and approaches, then I see no problem with that. The price is really very affordable.