ᐅ Do architects also need to be formally commissioned or contracted?

Hello!

I/we have now decided to build. The plot of land has been found, the seller just needs to agree...

Since we might want to start this year, I am now looking for an architect – I already have some ideas.

I have spent the last two nights reading through this forum during night shifts and have come to the conclusion that it’s probably best to build with an architect.

However, I don’t know any architects around (south of) Hanover. Is it possible to publicly announce something in the newspaper, invite architects to visit the site, provide a soil report, and then present my requirements and ideas?

Then have the architects prepare offers and wait to see what they propose? Choose one and enter into final negotiations?

Do others do this for free – like a sort of estimate?

Thanks for the information.

Best regards

If you don’t have a specific budget, that might work. Architects are NOT ALLOWED and generally cannot provide a fixed price. The basis is a cost estimate, which by law may be exceeded by up to 50%! The fee is 10% of the construction cost according to HOAI and increases with it. I could help you in the Stuttgart area, but unfortunately not in the Hanover area. It’s better to try local providers.
Regards, Sybille

Of course, I have a budget...

And in order to keep it low and make the most of it, I thought I read somewhere that using an architect, who can put certain trades out to tender, might get you a better price for the house.

Sure, the architect costs money too... but since I have to have a house planned anyway... there will be costs involved... including external construction supervision...

So I thought, I’d do it through an architect...

I figured I have the plot of land, the possible house location and ideas, a soil report from six months ago.

The conditions and requirements from the land seller—it’s his garden—restrictions on rear and boundary construction adjacent to neighbors. All of this should be documented in writing about what is or isn’t allowed on the land.

Then our own ideas: a double garage (self-built later, but planned now) and the house about 11–12 m (36–39 feet) wide and 10 m (33 feet) deep.

I access the plot from the north, want a central hallway through the house, and a living room facing south at the back...

So certain ideas, sketches of the conceptual layout to include...

Then the architects (I don't know any!) can take a look and get creative :-)

Maybe a little selfish, but I plan to be polite with everyone. Then, based on friendliness, "demonstrated" competence, gut feeling, style and quality of their proposals, I’ll pick one...

I also heard there’s a fee schedule, but even that can be interpreted differently...

That’s why I thought to find one this way...

Of course, this is somewhat playing them off against each other, and at the start, it’s hard to build a relationship of trust...

But then what?

Do you just look for one, go there, talk to them? Then call the next day and say, no thanks, you weren’t friendly enough?

I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking… :roll:

Thanks for your suggestion, but unfortunately I’m building near Hannover.

I’ll call the Chamber of Architects right away...

See you all later

@all

I found out today that you can also hire a structural engineer.

It’s supposed to have a bit more practical experience and also be cheaper in terms of fees?!

Anyone have experience with this?!

Cheaper? NO!
We civil engineers also charge according to the same HOAI.
HOAI = fee structure for architects and engineers
In addition, a flat 10% is always incorrect!
It always depends on which services you commission.

Hello,
we also want to build this year and are facing exactly the same question... how to find the best architect???

Regards