ᐅ Who has built a house with an architect? Any experiences to share?
Created on: 13 Aug 2015 21:29
X
xycrazy
Hello everyone,
Until yesterday, we were basically agreed that we wanted to work with a reputable local builder for a turnkey project. However, after receiving the new price update yesterday, we were shocked. It is €30,000 to €40,000 (about $32,000 to $43,000) higher than what was initially quoted to us in the last conversation—even though we are now saving several thousand euros on other costs like excavation, disposal, and the basement due to new circumstances. We are looking at costs of around €1782 per square meter (about $165 per square foot) of heated living space, including the basement and all additional construction costs, but excluding utility connection fees and a double garage for €25,000 (with rooftop terrace). This seems quite high to me. Of course, the builder has an excellent reputation, which we verified, but I’m afraid we are paying a premium for that.
That said, we are now so frustrated that we are considering whether it might be better to work with an architect instead. The advantages in our view would be full cost transparency in the offers, more flexibility, and a better house design tailored to our preferences in terms of appearance. The disadvantages would be the architect’s fee and the lack of price certainty compared to a fixed-price contract. However, there is some hope that it might turn out cheaper—or at least that for the same budget we would get a higher standard, such as a full basement instead of just a partial one, and so on.
I would therefore appreciate hearing about your experiences with architects. Have you worked with them, and if so, how did it go? Did you stay within budget? If not, what was the reason? And if you decided against using an architect, what led to that decision? Perhaps some of you had contact with architects but some aspects put you off? I am open to all feedback.
Thank you!
Best regards
Until yesterday, we were basically agreed that we wanted to work with a reputable local builder for a turnkey project. However, after receiving the new price update yesterday, we were shocked. It is €30,000 to €40,000 (about $32,000 to $43,000) higher than what was initially quoted to us in the last conversation—even though we are now saving several thousand euros on other costs like excavation, disposal, and the basement due to new circumstances. We are looking at costs of around €1782 per square meter (about $165 per square foot) of heated living space, including the basement and all additional construction costs, but excluding utility connection fees and a double garage for €25,000 (with rooftop terrace). This seems quite high to me. Of course, the builder has an excellent reputation, which we verified, but I’m afraid we are paying a premium for that.
That said, we are now so frustrated that we are considering whether it might be better to work with an architect instead. The advantages in our view would be full cost transparency in the offers, more flexibility, and a better house design tailored to our preferences in terms of appearance. The disadvantages would be the architect’s fee and the lack of price certainty compared to a fixed-price contract. However, there is some hope that it might turn out cheaper—or at least that for the same budget we would get a higher standard, such as a full basement instead of just a partial one, and so on.
I would therefore appreciate hearing about your experiences with architects. Have you worked with them, and if so, how did it go? Did you stay within budget? If not, what was the reason? And if you decided against using an architect, what led to that decision? Perhaps some of you had contact with architects but some aspects put you off? I am open to all feedback.
Thank you!
Best regards
Häuslebau3r1 Sep 2015 15:18xycrazy schrieb:
Just a different question: does anyone know what costs need to be calculated if the architect is hired only for the design phase (without submitting the building permit / planning permission)?These are the percentage values I found in the HOAI that I used for my calculations. Do phases 1 and 2 also count for you, or really just phase 3 without the submission?
Service Phase 1: Basic Evaluation (2% of the total fee)
Service Phase 2: Preliminary Design (7% of the total fee)
Service Phase 3: Design Development (15% of the total fee)
Our architect created the design, submitted the building permit application, and we have received the detailed construction plans. He visited a few times to check on things and assist with questions. Overall, we paid less than 9,000 euros.
However, the architect was not a master craftsman either...
However, the architect was not a master craftsman either...
Häuslebau3r8 Sep 2015 16:35@Kisska86, am I correct in assuming that the architect did not oversee all the services? Or, if you don't mind me asking, which ones did they handle at this price?
I'm having a hard time deciding whether to hire an architect and which phases really need to be supervised and which ones don't.
I'm having a hard time deciding whether to hire an architect and which phases really need to be supervised and which ones don't.
The architect handled the entire planning process, including the building permit / planning permission application. He also provided us with detailed construction drawings. We then hired a small construction company that took over our plot as it was and delivered a shell construction including all groundworks, as well as water supply, sewage, well installation, etc. This contractor built according to the construction drawings and had questions in two places, which the architect came out to clarify on site. The architect also took care of the complete land surveying, including elevation plans, since the plot is on a slope. Yes, he did all of that. I’m not exactly sure which service phases under HOAI he covered... probably phases 1 to 4.
Häuslebau3r9 Sep 2015 07:33Thanks for the explanation @Kisska86
I’m just trying to get a clear idea of which services the architect must provide (or oversee) and which are not required. Comparisons with the past probably don’t apply anymore, so I’m currently trying to sort this out a bit through acquaintances and the forum.
I’m just trying to get a clear idea of which services the architect must provide (or oversee) and which are not required. Comparisons with the past probably don’t apply anymore, so I’m currently trying to sort this out a bit through acquaintances and the forum.
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