ᐅ Creating Architectural Drawings for Home Construction & Contracting Trades Individually

Good morning,

like many of you, we are currently exploring the topic of building a house. We have already purchased a plot of land over 650 sqm (7000 sq ft) and have a time frame of three years to complete the house.

We want to plan everything carefully, and since we don’t have to start building immediately—especially with a wedding coming up this summer—we are in no rush.

We have already contacted a few developers, and the prices were almost always about the same in the end. When our bank advisor found out we had already spoken to developers, he suggested why not commission everything ourselves, as this could save us a significant amount of money.

So, how should I proceed?

I am thinking of hiring an architect to create a design based on our preferences. I’m considering services covering project phases 1 to 6. After that, we want to request quotes from specialized contractors for each trade, at least for the major ones like structural work including the basement, roof, heating, and so on.

We are fortunate because my father used to be a bricklayer and could supervise the construction, and my brother-in-law works in building materials, so we might get good prices there. Of course, I don’t know how companies would react if we want to supply the bricks ourselves, but I think it’s all a matter of agreement.

What do you think? What is the best way to approach this? Do you think our plan makes sense? We understand that it will be more stressful and take more time.

Thanks in advance for your answers.

We also built with an architect and by contracting individual trades separately.
Conclusion: Extremely stressful, but offers flexibility. More cost-effective or built to a higher standard at the same price compared to a general contractor.

Thank you for your feedback, nordanney.

How did you handle the architect? Did you use specific service phases? Was the billing based on HOAI, or was it arranged as a fixed price?

Can your mason prepare detailed specifications for electrical work, windows, plumbing, etc., and does he have the experience to compare bids (sometimes 40 or 50 pages long)? Is he able to professionally assess the execution of these trades?

If not, you might face some unpleasant surprises. After all, he would then be taking responsibility. Of course, it can also work out well... It probably depends a bit on your willingness to take risks.

Tommes78 schrieb:
Thank you for your feedback, nordanney.

How did you handle the architect? Did you use specific service phases? Was the billing done according to HOAI or was it a fixed price?

Our architect is my father-in-law, so the conditions and payment arrangements are a bit different. He designed the house and supported us up to the building permit stage.
For the tendering process and site supervision, we hired an external construction manager. Although we dismissed him at the construction stage "ground floor ceiling needs to be poured" and took over site supervision ourselves, but that is a different matter.

Well, having your father-in-law as the architect is quite convenient.