Hello,
I am planning a single-story extension and was recommended an architect for the building permit / planning permission. He spontaneously created a design that does not meet my requirements at all (living area 30% smaller, entrance on the wrong side, utility rooms far too small, but a huge unwanted open-plan kitchen, etc.). When I informed him that everything differs from the written specifications, I only received his fee proposal (Fee Zone III, middle rate). He estimates costs of over 200,000 euros for 70 sqm (750 sq ft). I consider this to be vastly exaggerated, especially since the actual building area is around 100 sqm (1,080 sq ft). Many of the listed items I will do myself anyway or will not be realized at all (such as stairs).
Can someone tell me whether the individual items he includes must necessarily be part of the invoice and if the amounts are justified, or where I can compare the amounts?
Is every item always multiplied by the total living area?
I find it strange that an architect provides an estimate and bases their fee on their own estimate. But apparently, this is standard practice.
Just obtaining the building permit / planning permission would cost me about 10,000 euros without structural engineer, surveyor, fees, etc. The architect should not do more than obtaining the permit.
I am planning a single-story extension and was recommended an architect for the building permit / planning permission. He spontaneously created a design that does not meet my requirements at all (living area 30% smaller, entrance on the wrong side, utility rooms far too small, but a huge unwanted open-plan kitchen, etc.). When I informed him that everything differs from the written specifications, I only received his fee proposal (Fee Zone III, middle rate). He estimates costs of over 200,000 euros for 70 sqm (750 sq ft). I consider this to be vastly exaggerated, especially since the actual building area is around 100 sqm (1,080 sq ft). Many of the listed items I will do myself anyway or will not be realized at all (such as stairs).
Can someone tell me whether the individual items he includes must necessarily be part of the invoice and if the amounts are justified, or where I can compare the amounts?
Is every item always multiplied by the total living area?
I find it strange that an architect provides an estimate and bases their fee on their own estimate. But apparently, this is standard practice.
Just obtaining the building permit / planning permission would cost me about 10,000 euros without structural engineer, surveyor, fees, etc. The architect should not do more than obtaining the permit.
k-man2021 schrieb:
The cost accounting is maintained throughout all project phases, and his fee is always adjusted to the actual costs incurred.Thank you. After the building permit / planning permission, he is gone for cost reasons. The structural engineer is supposed to prepare the tender documents because the architect is far too expensive with his fee structure according to HOAI. Since my own contribution would lead to the architect’s fee increasing anyway, not much is likely to change...
S
SaniererNRW12311 Aug 2022 21:13Marc1982 schrieb:
1. So far, nothing has been commissioned at all. No architect agreement was signed. He only sent me the fee arrangement along with the table above.
2. Interesting. What could he possibly charge so far without a contract? He came here once, called the building authority, and sent me emails. From the emails, it is clear that we specified things very differently than he drew them. Then a clarifying discussion with the architect is probably necessary. Whether a contractual relationship has already been established through your correspondence cannot be determined here. Without a contract, there is usually no entitlement to payment. You could offer him a flat fee of €500.
Marc1982 schrieb:
3. Thanks. At least he is honest with me. What puzzles me is that friends had a larger extension done and paid the architect (who lives farther away) a flat fee of €2000 plus VAT up to the building permit / planning permission stage. HOAI and flat fee agreements. If the architect works on a flat fee basis, your friends are in luck. However, HOAI is neither wrong nor overpriced.
A contract does not have to be in writing. A work contract can be established simply by contacting the contractor, assigning a task, and them accepting it. However, they are obligated to deliver a satisfactory performance. This does not have to be achieved with the first draft.
It is possible that you have requests that are not feasible under building regulations.
And yes, there are contracts that are paid with a flat fee. Your architect probably isn’t a fan of that 😉
…but without open and constructive communication, nothing will work.
It is possible that you have requests that are not feasible under building regulations.
And yes, there are contracts that are paid with a flat fee. Your architect probably isn’t a fan of that 😉
…but without open and constructive communication, nothing will work.
M
maulwurf7912 Aug 2022 09:06If your main concern is just the building permit / planning permission, then sit down and complete the building application yourself. After that, find a bricklayer or a carpenter who can sign it and officially be your site manager. This way, it will be significantly cheaper. That’s how I did it too.
Similar topics