Hello everyone,
I have a question. We got in touch with an architect through an acquaintance, but we are not really satisfied with the process and the work. Therefore, we want to part ways with the architect since we realize we don't really get along.
There is no contract that we have signed. When I brought up the topic of costs during the first meeting, he said he would charge the minimum rate according to HOAI and would first create a draft. When I asked what would happen if we did not agree, he told us not to worry and that something like that wouldn’t happen.
Now it has come to that, and my question is how to proceed best and what the architect can charge for his services.
What has been done so far: In the first meeting, we said that we wanted a house with 160 m² (1,720 sq ft) and a maximum all-in cost of 260,000 EUR (approximately). I explicitly asked if this was feasible, and he said it was achievable.
After presenting the first draft, the costs were estimated at 320,000 EUR. I said that while it was a nice design, the costs didn’t fit and that we needed to reduce them. We considered the draft and gave the architect changes since he had forgotten a room. Of course, we also told him to reduce costs. Our changes were implemented, but at the next meeting, there was no updated cost estimate. The architect said we would still be around 320,000 EUR. He hadn’t included blinds and underfloor heating in the first cost calculation. Regarding the originally stated budget of 260,000 EUR from the first meeting, he then said this amount was without his architect fee, although I had explicitly said it included his fee.
We then asked for an alternative floor plan for the next meeting, since the previous plan was a split-level house due to our sloping plot. He presented an alternative draft (I think it was some standard layout from his drawer), but without a cost breakdown. He said it would not be any cheaper than the first draft.
So, we keep going in circles without any real progress in reducing costs.
We provided further changes to the first floor plan. The architect finally reduced the building volume somewhat, and now we are at a cost of 300,000 EUR. He proudly noted in his letter that we have now reached our budget, if we deduct our planned own contribution (self-performed work) from the construction costs. I have to say, however, that after the second draft we raised our budget to a maximum of 280,000 EUR.
Now the floor plan no longer appeals to us because of all the compromises (for example, access to the utility room through the guest bathroom), and we don’t really trust the architect anymore (caused by repeated reminders about the budget, the drawn-in masonry fireplace which has still not been considered, and so on).
The fact is, our budget has still not been met, and we will not reach it without significantly downsizing. That has very little to do with our original 160 m² and 260,000 EUR to 280,000 EUR budget.
Now my question is how best to end this misunderstanding and what the architect can charge us. He should not have worked for free, but I also don’t want him to come up with an excessive bill. Honestly, I don’t even know in which service phase we currently are. We have partly completed Phase 1 – basic evaluation, but what exactly is the difference between Phase 2 and 3? In my opinion, we are in Phase 2 – preliminary design plus cost estimation. So far, we have only received colorful prints with exterior views and occasional cost estimates, but is that already considered design development?
I would be grateful for your advice on how to proceed best.
I have a question. We got in touch with an architect through an acquaintance, but we are not really satisfied with the process and the work. Therefore, we want to part ways with the architect since we realize we don't really get along.
There is no contract that we have signed. When I brought up the topic of costs during the first meeting, he said he would charge the minimum rate according to HOAI and would first create a draft. When I asked what would happen if we did not agree, he told us not to worry and that something like that wouldn’t happen.
Now it has come to that, and my question is how to proceed best and what the architect can charge for his services.
What has been done so far: In the first meeting, we said that we wanted a house with 160 m² (1,720 sq ft) and a maximum all-in cost of 260,000 EUR (approximately). I explicitly asked if this was feasible, and he said it was achievable.
After presenting the first draft, the costs were estimated at 320,000 EUR. I said that while it was a nice design, the costs didn’t fit and that we needed to reduce them. We considered the draft and gave the architect changes since he had forgotten a room. Of course, we also told him to reduce costs. Our changes were implemented, but at the next meeting, there was no updated cost estimate. The architect said we would still be around 320,000 EUR. He hadn’t included blinds and underfloor heating in the first cost calculation. Regarding the originally stated budget of 260,000 EUR from the first meeting, he then said this amount was without his architect fee, although I had explicitly said it included his fee.
We then asked for an alternative floor plan for the next meeting, since the previous plan was a split-level house due to our sloping plot. He presented an alternative draft (I think it was some standard layout from his drawer), but without a cost breakdown. He said it would not be any cheaper than the first draft.
So, we keep going in circles without any real progress in reducing costs.
We provided further changes to the first floor plan. The architect finally reduced the building volume somewhat, and now we are at a cost of 300,000 EUR. He proudly noted in his letter that we have now reached our budget, if we deduct our planned own contribution (self-performed work) from the construction costs. I have to say, however, that after the second draft we raised our budget to a maximum of 280,000 EUR.
Now the floor plan no longer appeals to us because of all the compromises (for example, access to the utility room through the guest bathroom), and we don’t really trust the architect anymore (caused by repeated reminders about the budget, the drawn-in masonry fireplace which has still not been considered, and so on).
The fact is, our budget has still not been met, and we will not reach it without significantly downsizing. That has very little to do with our original 160 m² and 260,000 EUR to 280,000 EUR budget.
Now my question is how best to end this misunderstanding and what the architect can charge us. He should not have worked for free, but I also don’t want him to come up with an excessive bill. Honestly, I don’t even know in which service phase we currently are. We have partly completed Phase 1 – basic evaluation, but what exactly is the difference between Phase 2 and 3? In my opinion, we are in Phase 2 – preliminary design plus cost estimation. So far, we have only received colorful prints with exterior views and occasional cost estimates, but is that already considered design development?
I would be grateful for your advice on how to proceed best.
Tommes78 schrieb:
Since the very first discussion, we wanted an interior fireplace, but it was never planned. They always refer to a stainless steel flue pipe that can be installed from the outside. We wanted the upper dormer in the bathroom, which was also never realized. We wanted electric blinds, and the response was, why not just use curtains. Maybe he was just trying to stay within your budget?
You really should prioritize your wishes!
Tommes78 schrieb:
We wanted to have the upper dormer in the bathroom, but it was never realized. We wanted electric blinds, but they said, why bother, just use curtains. Regarding the geothermal heat pump and subsidies: the architect said it’s not worth it because the heating contractors just add the subsidy on top of the price, and so on and so forth.I can understand your point, but try to look at it objectively.
You are limiting the budget, but on the other hand, you want expensive extras.
He can’t work miracles. Have you made any compromises somewhere else to keep the budget on track?