ᐅ Construction supervision by an independent expert?

Created on: 18 Aug 2012 13:37
S
Stefanoi
Hello everyone,

For the construction of our single-family house with a garage, we currently have an architect involved.

However, since progress is slow and we have to take care of most things ourselves anyway, we are considering removing the construction supervision, which costs a total of 14,000 euros, and either managing it ourselves or hiring an expert to do it.

If anyone has any opinions, information, or experiences regarding this, I would be grateful for any feedback.

Best regards
€uro
23 Aug 2012 15:34
Bauexperte schrieb:
.....The HOAI is not about “protecting existing rights” – it is, alongside a few other things, something that guarantees us all a reliable and thus predictable standard.
Please read carefully! =>" in this area"! By the way, it is perfectly legitimate to have differing opinions.
Bauexperte schrieb:
.....I know you are very dedicated to your HVAC planning and I also know that your billing is far below what your “colleagues” charge for their work.
This is not an arbitrary decision but simply an adjustment to requirements and new conditions.
Bauexperte schrieb:
.....– you will be forced to hire staff, and with that your cost structure will inevitably approach the “normal” amounts that are required (must be) in your industry for HVAC planning. What if a “new” Euro undercuts your prices?
A business decision that everyone must make for themselves, continuously and anew. Predefined “protected zones” are inappropriate here.
In my opinion, expansion has never led to lasting success, at best temporary. If my capacity is exceeded, I decline orders. It’s that simple, no need to expand.
Bauexperte schrieb:
.....These architects are either permanently employed or work – similar to retired tax advisors – with a draftsman creating the floor plans and the architect only signing off on them.
This means that the majority of construction projects are handled through regional or nationwide general contractors/general builders.
Bauexperte schrieb:
.....I can’t even describe how much this “being stingy is cool” mentality annoys me! Wanting to pay (almost) nothing upfront and then complaining when “only” the actual equivalent of (almost) nothing is ready to move into; if at all....
It annoys me as well, admittedly, but what changes? It is undisputed that good quality incurs costs; the real question is who actually cares about that? The main thing is to get the “dream house” at a bargain price.
Later on, there is often a lot of complaining, if it is publicly noticeable at all. These clients are lost to reputable providers in the long run.
There are plenty of naive, wide-eyed people. The market caters accordingly to this demand.

Best regards.
S
Stefanoi
23 Aug 2012 17:10
E.Curb schrieb:
Well, that’s what you might call a naive calculation. Do you know everything that is included in Service Phase 8 – Construction Supervision?

Service Phase 8: Construction Supervision

a) Monitoring the execution of the project for compliance with the building permit or approval, the construction plans, and the specifications, as well as generally accepted technical standards and relevant regulations


b) Monitoring the execution of structural elements according to § 50 paragraph 2 numbers 1 and 2 for compliance with the structural safety certificate

c) Coordinating the professionals involved in construction supervision


d) Supervising and making detailed corrections of prefabricated components

e) Creating and monitoring a schedule (bar chart)


f) Keeping a construction logbook

g) Joint measurement with the construction contractors

h) Acceptance of construction work with the involvement of other professionals participating in the planning and supervision, including identification of defects

i) Reviewing invoices

j) Cost determination according to DIN 276 or residential construction law calculation standards

k) Applying for official inspections and participating in them

l) Handover of the project, including compiling and delivering the necessary documents, such as user manuals, test certificates

m) Listing the limitation periods for defect claims

n) Monitoring the correction of defects identified during the acceptance of construction work

o) Cost control by reviewing the contractor’s billing compared to contract prices and the cost estimate

Source: HOAI.de

There is a lot of work involved in this. And last but not least: RESPONSIBILITY!
So please don’t just count the hours you see the architect.

Regards

If everything is broken down like that, it’s possible to understand what the architect has done or what tasks are still outstanding and need their attention.

In my case, I don’t have a signed contract with the architect either.

We never even saw things like 3D models (which were promised at the beginning).

We were accused of being resistant to advice – just because we preferred a roof overhang rather than a roof that ends flush with the house wall.

The bottom line is that I’m frustrated and trying to do most of the work myself, which is difficult because I’m often on the move (I’m writing this from Mexico).

But thanks for all the replies, they are very helpful.
H
Häuslebauer40
24 Aug 2012 07:58
E.Curb schrieb:
Well, that’s what people often call a simplistic calculation. Do you know what is included in Service Phase 8 – Construction Monitoring?

Service Phase 8: Construction Monitoring (Site Supervision)

a) Supervising the execution of the project to ensure compliance with the building permit or approval, the construction drawings,
and the scope of services as well as generally accepted technical standards and applicable regulations


b) Supervising the construction of load-bearing structures according to § 50 paragraph 2 numbers 1 and 2
for compliance with the structural stability certificate

c) Coordinating the specialists involved in construction monitoring


d) Monitoring and detailed correction of prefabricated components

e) Creating and monitoring a schedule (bar chart)


f) Keeping a construction logbook


g) Joint measurement with the construction contractors


h) Acceptance of construction work with the participation of other planners and specialists involved in construction monitoring, including identification of defects


i) Invoice verification


j) Cost determination according to DIN 276 or residential property valuation regulations


k) Application for official inspections and participation in these


l) Handover of the project, including compilation and delivery of required documents, such as operating manuals, test reports


m) Listing of limitation periods for defect claims


n) Monitoring the correction of defects identified during acceptance of construction work


o) Cost control by reviewing the contractor’s billing against contract prices and the cost estimate


Source: HOAI.de


There is a lot of work involved. And last but not least: RESPONSIBILITY!
So please don’t just count the hours you see the architect.

Best regards

Yes, yes… it all sounds wonderful. Paper is patient, including the HOAI…
B
Bauexperte
24 Aug 2012 10:22
Hello,
Stefanoi schrieb:
In my case, I also don’t have a signed contract with the architect.

That’s unfortunate, as you’ve realized, since it can be difficult to define the scope of work. However, even without a signed contract, you have entered into a legally binding agreement with your architect the moment you asked them to create plans for you.
Stefanoi schrieb:
Yes, and the result is that I’m frustrated and trying to do most of it myself, which is hard since I’m always on the road (writing this from Mexico)

Again—after you return, try to have a conversation with your architect and don’t get too worked up over “unlaid eggs” for now; it can really upset your stomach. You haven’t even started construction yet; in the worst case, you’ll end up with an ulcer in your new home :-(

Only if the discussion does not lead to the hoped-for or desired outcome should you consider partially terminating the verbally agreed contract.

Best regards
€uro
27 Aug 2012 08:37
Hello construction expert,
Bauexperte schrieb:
.....That means few users will question your posts or filter out your personal opinion from your answers.
In my opinion, this is a major mistake often found in many online forums. The opinion expressed by the questioner should always be questioned before it is taken into account. This is especially true for anonymous reports.
Bauexperte schrieb:
....So you have difficulties selling values ...
On the contrary, this is a key focus of my work.
Regarding the topic: A good horse only jumps as high as it needs to – or, you don’t need to unnecessarily inflate a balloon without a significant increase in value for the client.
E.Curb is certainly right that there is more effort behind the details than laypeople would assume from the hours seen.
However, you can focus on critical key points.
But Häuslebauer is not entirely wrong either. Paper is indeed sometimes patient. Just look at the many nicely calculated energy saving regulations / KfW proofs compared to practical implementation.
Bauexperte schrieb:
....I have the impression on this platform, not for the first time, that it is mostly the “narrow-minded” homeowners who are active here.
That applies to many forums. The somewhat naive hopefuls actually expect valuable information for free or believe that generous gifts (subsidies) will be given away.
Bauexperte schrieb:
....This – admittedly – small portion motivates me again and again to continue answering questions in my field of expertise. The rest can no longer be helped and will become a fair victim of their actions.
That is also my position. The percentage of the wiser will increase.
Bauexperte schrieb:
....that “these builders” really cannot afford to build..
Agreed, that is also my argument. Rather a few cubic meters of enclosed space less, maybe somewhat more modest, but solid and precise fundamentals and quality that will always pay off in the long run.

Best regards
O
Osnabruecker
3 Jul 2023 13:04
ToniEllmooser schrieb:

14,000 doesn't seem too much to me.

14,000 euros maybe 11 years ago... that's how old the post is.