ᐅ New Single-Family Home Construction: Is It Advisable to Hire a Private Architect in Advance?
Created on: 23 Jul 2012 12:00
P
phobos
Hi!
Here is the situation:
We want to build a single-family house. It will be a prefabricated house using a timber frame construction.
We already have a building plot in the town center in consideration and are close to purchasing it. However, I want to first make sure that we can actually build our dream house on this plot.
There is still an old house in poor condition on the plot, as well as a barn and a masonry double garage with a laundry room.
We plan to demolish the barn and build the house there.
However, the double garage with the extra room is in the way.
Now we have two options:
1. Demolish the garage and build our house (which is not yet finalized) new, with floor plans like those in the catalog.
- I would prefer not to do this because the garage is probably worth around 20,000€ (about 20,000 USD).
2. Somehow integrate the garage into the construction of the single-family house.
- This is my preferred option.
Regarding option 2:
Is this even feasible with a prefabricated house? If yes, how could it affect the overall cost of the house?
Does anyone here have experience or can provide an assessment?
Furthermore, I am wondering whether it would make sense to have an architect who is not involved in the construction come to the site to check the conditions and possibilities in person.
I do not yet know which manufacturer we will build with but would still like to understand in advance the opportunities, challenges, etc. that the plot might present.
Best regards,
phobos
Here is the situation:
We want to build a single-family house. It will be a prefabricated house using a timber frame construction.
We already have a building plot in the town center in consideration and are close to purchasing it. However, I want to first make sure that we can actually build our dream house on this plot.
There is still an old house in poor condition on the plot, as well as a barn and a masonry double garage with a laundry room.
We plan to demolish the barn and build the house there.
However, the double garage with the extra room is in the way.
Now we have two options:
1. Demolish the garage and build our house (which is not yet finalized) new, with floor plans like those in the catalog.
- I would prefer not to do this because the garage is probably worth around 20,000€ (about 20,000 USD).
2. Somehow integrate the garage into the construction of the single-family house.
- This is my preferred option.
Regarding option 2:
Is this even feasible with a prefabricated house? If yes, how could it affect the overall cost of the house?
Does anyone here have experience or can provide an assessment?
Furthermore, I am wondering whether it would make sense to have an architect who is not involved in the construction come to the site to check the conditions and possibilities in person.
I do not yet know which manufacturer we will build with but would still like to understand in advance the opportunities, challenges, etc. that the plot might present.
Best regards,
phobos
phobos schrieb:
...But no, I want to build cheaply... What does cheap really mean, economically speaking? The lowest total in the bottom right corner of a general contractor’s quote? ;-) best regards
B
Bauexperte26 Jul 2012 10:03Hello,
Either you choose a general contractor and sign a contract conditional on building permit approval – in the worst case, you’ll pay for the architectural services, including the building permit application. Or you find a trusted architect and prepare a preliminary design assessment (BVA) or directly submit the building permit application with them. Any reputable architect will usually consult with the relevant office at the planning department before submitting a full application. In all cases, you will be responsible for the costs, including those for the BVA or the building permit application.
It’s your decision – the “jack of all trades” solution doesn’t exist for you either 😀
Kind regards
phobos schrieb:Unless this house is a listed building, I can't think of any reason why demolition wouldn’t be allowed. For precise information, as always, you should contact the responsible authority.
Also, the old house is located right next to the street. I think there are far more issues with the demolition permit for the house than for the barn.
phobos schrieb:None – nobody works for free 😉
But what should I do now? I can’t make much sense of the building official’s statement. What information can I get from architects or builders upfront without signing anything? What should the next steps be?
Either you choose a general contractor and sign a contract conditional on building permit approval – in the worst case, you’ll pay for the architectural services, including the building permit application. Or you find a trusted architect and prepare a preliminary design assessment (BVA) or directly submit the building permit application with them. Any reputable architect will usually consult with the relevant office at the planning department before submitting a full application. In all cases, you will be responsible for the costs, including those for the BVA or the building permit application.
It’s your decision – the “jack of all trades” solution doesn’t exist for you either 😀
Kind regards
@Bauexperte
I haven’t purchased the plot yet, so first I need a basis for making a decision. That means I need information from the building authority or from an architect. If I then hear that I’m allowed to build as I wish, I will buy the land.
Since both the general contractor and the architect (of my choice) will charge for providing the information I need, I’m wondering which option makes more sense.
General contractor (main contractor) or architect?
Can I also hire the architect to obtain the necessary information, even if there’s a chance they won’t get the construction contract?
Do architects usually do this?
Regards,
phobos
I haven’t purchased the plot yet, so first I need a basis for making a decision. That means I need information from the building authority or from an architect. If I then hear that I’m allowed to build as I wish, I will buy the land.
Since both the general contractor and the architect (of my choice) will charge for providing the information I need, I’m wondering which option makes more sense.
General contractor (main contractor) or architect?
Can I also hire the architect to obtain the necessary information, even if there’s a chance they won’t get the construction contract?
Do architects usually do this?
Regards,
phobos
Just a question off-topic... Is the purchase price really worth all these obstacles? Or is it more of a family matter?
For the demolition, you will probably have to pay more than 20,000 (USD) / (GBP) / (AUD) / (CAD). With that extra amount, you can usually get an alternative plot of land at normal prices...
Otherwise, don’t make it so complicated for yourself. If it’s all old stuff, just get rid of it. General contractors will certainly add a surcharge if they have to build around existing buildings. You just need to have the numbers worked out to see what makes sense for you.
For the demolition, you will probably have to pay more than 20,000 (USD) / (GBP) / (AUD) / (CAD). With that extra amount, you can usually get an alternative plot of land at normal prices...
Otherwise, don’t make it so complicated for yourself. If it’s all old stuff, just get rid of it. General contractors will certainly add a surcharge if they have to build around existing buildings. You just need to have the numbers worked out to see what makes sense for you.
phobos schrieb:
So, that means I need information from the building authority or an architect. If I then hear that I am allowed to build as I wish, I will buy the land. Basically, a preliminary building inquiry with the local building authority is sufficient for this, and usually, you do not need an architect or general contractor. However, if specific details (such as new construction, renovation, extension of existing structures, costs) need professional clarification, an architect is likely the best choice. When it comes to general contractors / construction managers, their pricing is usually most economical if you stick to the standard offerings. The more you deviate from that, the less favorable the general contractor / construction manager option tends to be. When in doubt, just consult both sides ;-) Best regards
B
Bauexperte26 Jul 2012 15:56Hello,
Well, the thing is—if you buy the plot of land—you will need an architect anyway…
You can—€uro is not wrong about this—also prepare the site analysis report yourself. For this, you need to draft your planned building project to scale on paper; it’s best to include photos or images of the existing situation as well as the surrounding buildings and then wait for the planner’s feedback. However, if the planner requests additional documentation, it might mean you’re out of luck and will need an architect.
Of course, why not?
Kind regards
phobos schrieb:
Since both the general contractor and the architect (of my choice) will charge money to provide me with the information I need, I wonder which is more reasonable now. General contractor (main contractor) or architect?
Well, the thing is—if you buy the plot of land—you will need an architect anyway…
You can—€uro is not wrong about this—also prepare the site analysis report yourself. For this, you need to draft your planned building project to scale on paper; it’s best to include photos or images of the existing situation as well as the surrounding buildings and then wait for the planner’s feedback. However, if the planner requests additional documentation, it might mean you’re out of luck and will need an architect.
phobos schrieb:
Can I also commission the architect to obtain the necessary information with the intention that maybe they won’t get the construction contract? Do architects do that?
Of course, why not?
Kind regards
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