ᐅ Who has built a house with an architect? Any experiences to share?
Created on: 13 Aug 2015 21:29
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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
xycrazy schrieb:
Thanks for your reports. It doesn’t sound very promising. After speaking with three architects yesterday, all quoting well above our budget, we decided to drop the idea. With an architect, you just can’t get under €500,000 (approx. $540,000) for the size of our house. That doesn’t make sense for us, no matter how flexible we are with the choice of building materials. We’d rather reconsider our requirements and possibly build a somewhat smaller house.
The best architect was the one who said he only builds KFW40 standard homes because it always makes sense… but of course only with wood, because that’s the best material and totally healthy… When I asked about the exterior wall construction regarding insulation, he said he fully relies on polystyrene… oh well… so totally healthy. My impression is that many architects are simply out of touch with reality. Most are some kind of eco-idealists who want to realize themselves through the project, but end up planning completely ignoring the client. A pity.
Regards How large do you want to build?
Just as a rough estimate.
We received a cost estimate from an architect for over 580,000 EUR.
The project looks like this: one and a half stories, about 181 sqm (1,948 sq ft) of living space, fully basemented plus a double garage built in solid construction with about 42 sqm (452 sq ft). Everything included, so also planning costs, landscaping, etc.
Therefore, I am not surprised by your offer.
Where exactly do you want to build in Baden-Württemberg?
We received a cost estimate from an architect for over 580,000 EUR.
The project looks like this: one and a half stories, about 181 sqm (1,948 sq ft) of living space, fully basemented plus a double garage built in solid construction with about 42 sqm (452 sq ft). Everything included, so also planning costs, landscaping, etc.
Therefore, I am not surprised by your offer.
Where exactly do you want to build in Baden-Württemberg?
Hello,
we are also building with an architect; for us, there was no other option... Our new house will have 230 sqm (2,475 sq ft) of living space, with the garage at 36 sqm (387 sq ft). The planned budget is 400,000 € without a basement, but with high-end finishes including the exterior landscaping.
we are also building with an architect; for us, there was no other option... Our new house will have 230 sqm (2,475 sq ft) of living space, with the garage at 36 sqm (387 sq ft). The planned budget is 400,000 € without a basement, but with high-end finishes including the exterior landscaping.
In our experience, construction companies often did not fully disclose the overall cost framework and failed to inform about expected additional charges and incidental costs. From a completed building project, I can tell you that for a 144m² (1550 sq ft) contractor house price, around EUR 80,000 was added for extra charges, landscaping, connection fees, and permits/planning permission.
For your project, I would also recommend budgeting at least EUR 450,000 for the house itself, plus the additional EUR 80,000 mentioned above.
For your project, I would also recommend budgeting at least EUR 450,000 for the house itself, plus the additional EUR 80,000 mentioned above.
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Username_wahl16 Aug 2015 11:31Our timber frame house, KfW55 standard, 172 m² (1,850 sq ft) without a basement, is expected to cost around 350,000 euros according to the architect, including everything except the plot and additional fees. I hope this estimate is accurate, as we have applied for the loan based on it...
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