Hello everyone!
We have now found our plot of land and are looking to hire an architect. But how should we proceed to find a good one? Since our building site is about 70km (43 miles) away, it’s not easy to meet multiple times with someone.
We already have a rough design of how we want our house to look, as well as various other requirements like underfloor heating, controlled ventilation, geothermal energy, possibly a mixed construction method. So, we need someone who can do more than just draw the walls.
How can I determine what an architect is capable of without having to explain all our wishes upfront and then just hearing “I can do everything”? And how can I handle the fees properly? Since the architect’s fee depends on the construction costs, it’s initially better for them if the house is more expensive. If I agree on a success fee and want the house to be cheaper, the architect might build cheaply and not well—exaggerating a bit. Also, which stages can be skipped if a rough plan already exists and only needs refining or structural engineering needs to be done?
Lastly, regarding our cost estimate: We have planned around €200,000 plus self-performed work (plus materials for flooring, wall and ceiling coverings, and sanitary fixtures) plus architect fees (how much percentage is usual?) for a fully basemented house, with about 90sqm (970 sqft) on the ground floor, 60sqm (645 sqft) on the upper floor, and about 20sqm (215 sqft) in the attic.
Maybe you have some tips on how to find a partner who fits well with us.
Thank you very much!
We have now found our plot of land and are looking to hire an architect. But how should we proceed to find a good one? Since our building site is about 70km (43 miles) away, it’s not easy to meet multiple times with someone.
We already have a rough design of how we want our house to look, as well as various other requirements like underfloor heating, controlled ventilation, geothermal energy, possibly a mixed construction method. So, we need someone who can do more than just draw the walls.
How can I determine what an architect is capable of without having to explain all our wishes upfront and then just hearing “I can do everything”? And how can I handle the fees properly? Since the architect’s fee depends on the construction costs, it’s initially better for them if the house is more expensive. If I agree on a success fee and want the house to be cheaper, the architect might build cheaply and not well—exaggerating a bit. Also, which stages can be skipped if a rough plan already exists and only needs refining or structural engineering needs to be done?
Lastly, regarding our cost estimate: We have planned around €200,000 plus self-performed work (plus materials for flooring, wall and ceiling coverings, and sanitary fixtures) plus architect fees (how much percentage is usual?) for a fully basemented house, with about 90sqm (970 sqft) on the ground floor, 60sqm (645 sqft) on the upper floor, and about 20sqm (215 sqft) in the attic.
Maybe you have some tips on how to find a partner who fits well with us.
Thank you very much!
Hello claudi,
You can find the phases of architectural services here:
Phases of services according to HOAI Wikipedia
I wouldn’t confuse the professional role of an architect with that of a technical draftsman.
What makes a good architect for you, of course, depends on where you set your priorities.
First of all, I see that your main focus is on financing,
meaning you will need a preliminary design that actually works.
Considering the mentioned building services, it seems you are aiming for a KfW house.
Therefore, the planning must correspond to the respective program,
and the cost calculation should also be realistic (own work, equity capital, etc.).
Of course, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Especially in the area of energy efficiency,
one should not forget that there are not that many passive houses, for example,
so only a few architects have experience in that field.
I have worked in several federal states, for example, and have built a solid network of expertise together with partners.
Today, it is indispensable for me to have structural engineers and building services engineers integrated from the start,
and if necessary, to be able to draw on the expertise of professors.
After all, it costs the client the same according to HOAI.
(Subsidies are only available for renovations.)
There is no such thing as a “success fee” in this sense, which is already a problem,
since many “independent” planners are actually not free from third-party companies and work closely together,
where some hands may occasionally expect compensation.
Personally, I find the internet very helpful here.
You can see who is dealing with which topics and what expertise they have.
Forums are especially good for staying up to date with the latest technology; experience and reviews are exchanged.
I myself hope to finally find time this year to at least post current projects in construction blogs and put them up for discussion.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you find the “right one.”
Maybe you should at least mention the federal state.
Best regards
You can find the phases of architectural services here:
Phases of services according to HOAI Wikipedia
I wouldn’t confuse the professional role of an architect with that of a technical draftsman.
What makes a good architect for you, of course, depends on where you set your priorities.
First of all, I see that your main focus is on financing,
meaning you will need a preliminary design that actually works.
Considering the mentioned building services, it seems you are aiming for a KfW house.
Therefore, the planning must correspond to the respective program,
and the cost calculation should also be realistic (own work, equity capital, etc.).
Of course, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Especially in the area of energy efficiency,
one should not forget that there are not that many passive houses, for example,
so only a few architects have experience in that field.
I have worked in several federal states, for example, and have built a solid network of expertise together with partners.
Today, it is indispensable for me to have structural engineers and building services engineers integrated from the start,
and if necessary, to be able to draw on the expertise of professors.
After all, it costs the client the same according to HOAI.
(Subsidies are only available for renovations.)
There is no such thing as a “success fee” in this sense, which is already a problem,
since many “independent” planners are actually not free from third-party companies and work closely together,
where some hands may occasionally expect compensation.
Personally, I find the internet very helpful here.
You can see who is dealing with which topics and what expertise they have.
Forums are especially good for staying up to date with the latest technology; experience and reviews are exchanged.
I myself hope to finally find time this year to at least post current projects in construction blogs and put them up for discussion.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you find the “right one.”
Maybe you should at least mention the federal state.
Best regards
Make sure to look at the houses an architect has already designed, as you can often recognize their style from those examples. An architect who builds very modern and extravagant homes is not always suitable for a limited budget, just to give one example.
If you talk to an architect and they come up with the perfect solution very quickly, you can be sure that later on they won’t pay attention to you and your ideas.
Regards
wabe
If you talk to an architect and they come up with the perfect solution very quickly, you can be sure that later on they won’t pay attention to you and your ideas.
Regards
wabe
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