ᐅ Is the price difference between Poroton and aerated concrete justified?

Hello everyone,

I have a quick question regarding the prices of Poroton and aerated concrete.
The background is that our architect made a "small" mistake in the specifications for the interior walls.
He accidentally requested Plan perforated bricks instead of aerated concrete (to be supplied and professionally installed). Unfortunately, this only came to light afterward, when the contract had already been awarded. The structural builder has now sent a change order, stating that aerated concrete is over 30% more expensive per square meter net. (24 cm (9.5 inches) perforated bricks = 49.22 Euros/m² and aerated concrete = 65.29 Euros/m²). The same applies to the 17.5 cm (7 inches) “stone” – bricks = 37.82 Euros/m² and aerated concrete = 49.40 Euros/m².
Are these prices reasonable, or does this seem like I am being overcharged?

Many thanks in advance for your assessment.

TripleB

Hello,

TripleB schrieb:

Are the prices reasonable, or do they reflect reality?

What difference does it make whether the prices are realistic or if you will end up having to pay, since the contract with the shell builder has already been awarded ... probably with clauses for unilateral contract termination?

Since, based on your description, the root cause lies with your architect, I would suggest letting them handle the price negotiations.

Regards, Bauexperte

Bauexperte schrieb:
Hello,

What difference does it make whether the prices are realistic or if you "will be charged," since the contract with the shell builder is already awarded ... probably with corresponding clauses for unilateral contract termination?

Since the fundamental error – according to your description – lies with your architect, I would suggest you let them handle the price negotiations.

Regards, Bauexperte

Hello Bauexperte,

In principle, you are right, but what if the architect says the prices are realistic?

Isn't it smart to know in advance in such negotiations whether the price is realistic or not?

Unfortunately, I cannot provide any information on the core issue.

Best regards

K.Brodbeck

K.Brodbeck schrieb:
Hello construction expert,

Basically, you are right, but what if the architect says the prices are realistic?

It is smart to know in advance whether the price is realistic or not before entering such negotiations!

Unfortunately, I cannot provide any information on the core issue!

Best regards

K.Brodbeck

This is exactly why I am asking – I will definitely include the architect in the process, and of course, I emailed him yesterday to ask for his opinion on the prices -> I am still waiting for his response. But what good is that if he now says: "The price is okay"? In this situation, I wanted to ask here in the forum for a second opinion...

@ConstructionExpert
And no, there are no clauses regarding unilateral contract termination. The contract is from "us" and not from the shell builder themselves, so it is written in a way that favors the client. Theoretically, we could terminate the contract without any penalties (which is probably what you were referring to), if we wanted to. Whether this will still happen at this stage is, of course, another matter...

Well, changing contractors usually involves a cost, almost always.
As a construction expert, I see it this way, and the realistic aspect hardly matters.
Tradespeople charge for switching from aerated concrete to clay blocks and from clay blocks to aerated concrete, that’s just how it is.

Hello,

K.Brodbeck schrieb:

It is smart to know in advance whether the price is realistic or not!

Exactly, "in advance," because informing yourself about prices afterward will hardly have any effect.

TripleB schrieb:

And no, there are no clauses regarding unilateral contract termination. The contract comes from "us" and not from the general contractor itself, so it is written in favor of the client. In theory, we could terminate the contract without any penalties (which you were probably referring to), if we wanted to. Whether that will still happen at this stage is another matter...

I can hardly imagine that, since unilateral advantage is against the law and thus legally ineffective; but if you say so...

From my point of view, there is only the option you have already started: to send the architect as mediator into the negotiations. The general contractor will incur costs due to the changes in the scope of work and naturally wants these – which I understand – to be compensated; in my opinion this has nothing to do with whether hollow bricks are cheaper/more expensive or similarly priced aerated concrete is offered.

Whether you decide to terminate the contract if the general contractor shows no willingness to cooperate is up to you. Regarding the timing of the construction – we are three weeks before Christmas and therefore the usual company holiday period – I don’t think it matters.

Regards, Bauexperte