ᐅ Wish List for the Architect

karl.jonas schrieb:

For me, the exact ceiling height is actually not that important – what matters is that the rooms are bright. How that is achieved should be up to the architect.

Those are exactly the important things. Are you sensitive to heat in summer? Do you enjoy the scent of fresh outdoor air? Does anyone have allergies that need to be considered? Is your household lively? How do you communicate? Do you like to play games? What do you find "beautiful" and what not (sample photos help the architect, it doesn’t have to be perfectly consistent)? How important is cleanliness to you? Do you wear shoes inside or always walk around in socks? Are there any special hobbies? How do you spend your day, your evening, a successful weekend? How do you imagine a great gathering with friends? What—maybe even unusual—habits and preferences do you have? Have you ever enjoyed a particular architectural detail and what effect did it have on you (for example, a special washbasin or an extra entrance for coming home with a happy, muddy dog during bad weather...)
All these things (this list is far from complete) can be supported better or worse by a house, and good architecture is based on that. Practical requirements from experience (traffic routes, enough space but no wasted rooms...) are gladly brought in by the architect.

Tom1978 schrieb:

Shouldn’t you narrow your wish list down to the must-have list?

Absolutely not. You will never achieve an extraordinary result if you don’t aim for it. Therefore, it makes sense not to limit yourself initially, because that also restricts the creative process. Without this process of extensively gathering dreams, wishes, and ideas, you cannot later arrive at a truly suitable prioritization, since the framework conditions will always set certain limits.

11ant schrieb:

(Self-)management of trades requires experience, or you have to be luckier than smart to avoid things going wrong.

In my view, the key for private homeowners managing their own work is that they know their project thoroughly and, through investigating it, clearly understand what is being done where and for what purpose. This purpose emerges through the above-mentioned processes of figuring out "How do I want to live?" and "What supports my lifestyle?" Anyone who is clear-headed and knows their priorities, communicates well, and pays attention not only to money and deadlines but also to people, can manage this without relying on luck.

11ant schrieb:

And few things do DIYers overestimate more than their ability to deliver their own work just in time without disrupting the construction schedule.

Absolutely. Being able to prepare an excellent steak does not mean you can serve it on time for 20 people as part of a menu.

11ant schrieb:

(Owner-)direct contracting requires experience

is planned, but with an experienced construction supervisor.

ypg schrieb:

No, that’s not how it works

Okay. What does that mean? On one hand, I find the posts, especially from @hampshire, quite helpful regarding my question. But I don’t want to be a nuisance or break (unwritten?) forum rules, so I’d appreciate some clarification.

ypg schrieb:

These are, for example, parameters that the architect develops for you according to the zoning plan / planning permission, not based on your personal specifications.

There is no zoning plan / planning permission.

apokolok schrieb:

Hopefully it’s within a built-up area, right?

It’s on the edge of the settlement. Among other reasons, it’s still unclear whether and how deep I am allowed to build. Nevertheless, before the meeting with the building authority (whether me, the architect, or both), I want to have an idea of what I would like. The surrounding development obviously does not consist of old farmyards, but rather of attractive single-family houses. Their residents, by the way, would be pleased if the yard remains preserved and not completely cleared by an investor and replaced with even more attractive single-family houses.

ypg schrieb:

That is a parameter that drives costs up by increasing the building footprint.

That is, for example, exactly the kind of information I was hoping for (thank you!). I will discuss this with the architect and, of course, afterward consider what my wishes are worth to me in monetary terms.

ypg schrieb:

Bad conditions!

We’ll see. A zoning plan that prescribes a lot makes things easier in many ways, but also limits possibilities.

@Gerddieter: I will take that with me into the discussions. There should be clarity on these points in particular.

hampshire schrieb:

Exactly these things are important.

Thanks again for your advice. That’s a completely different way of thinking compared to my original approach. Wouldn’t a checklist like this, compiled by the forum experts, be a helpful tool for many building newcomers? (It certainly helps me.)

I think I can manage with my list now. Thanks to everyone who contributed. My next post will definitely follow…

hampshire schrieb:

Those who are clear-headed and know their priorities, have good communication skills, and pay attention not only to money and deadlines but also to people, can definitely handle this without having to rely on luck.

On the contrary!

hampshire schrieb:

In my view, the key for private clients managing their own projects is to know their project inside out and, through this understanding, be clear about what is being done, where, and for what purpose. This purpose emerges through the processes of figuring out "How do I want to live?" and "What supports my lifestyle?"

I fully agree, but it is only “half the battle”: managing subcontracted trades individually yourself is not a walk in the park, but a rodeo. Anyone who formulates scopes of work and deliveries unclearly will soon be overwhelmed in the shark tank of change orders, reductions, extra hours, and the like. It only runs smoothly if you are fortunate that bidders don’t take advantage of your inexperience.

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I believe it is important to mention another aspect: separate contracting does not mean a bidding process. A tender should never be prepared by a layperson. We defined the scope of work together with the trade contractors based on the project objectives. We received support from the architect and the carpenter, who was especially invaluable in construction coordination. If we were simply lucky, that might become clear in a future project. I would be interested, but at the moment I have neither the time nor the need.

karl.jonas schrieb:

So far, I don’t know what I’m allowed to do (building authority, etc.), what I can afford, or exactly what I want. So, phase 0. At the moment, I would like to provide the architect with something reasonably useful. That’s why I asked what I should pay attention to.

If you are still in "phase 0," it’s best to pause discussions with the architect for now. On Monday morning, go straight to the building authority and ask what is permitted. There are often open consultation hours: print out a floor plan, sketch the house with your desired dimensions, that’s enough preparation.

On Monday afternoon, meet with your bank or a financial advisor to clarify your financing options. I find it odd that on one hand you want to avoid factors that drive up prices, but on the other hand you have expensive wishes (for example, “tall windows; ceiling height on the ground floor at least 320 cm (10 ft 6 in)”), and you also say that costs don’t matter for now. The budget is actually one of the most important factors for architects.

With what you are allowed to do and what you can afford, you then go to the architect.

Tassimat schrieb:

If you are still in "Phase 0," it’s best to pause your discussions with the architect for now.
Go to the local building authority first thing Monday morning and find out what you are allowed to do. Often, they have walk-in hours: print out your floor plan, draw your house with the desired dimensions—this will be enough preparation.

Monday afternoon, meet with your bank or a financial advisor to clarify your financing framework. I find it strange that on one hand you want to avoid cost drivers already, but then express very expensive wishes (for example, "tall windows; ground floor ceiling height at least 320 cm (10 feet 6 inches)") and also say costs don’t matter to you at this point. Budget is one of the most important factors for architects.

With what you are allowed to do and what you can afford, then you go to the architect.

Please make sure you get the permissions and allowances in writing. It is not uncommon that different requirements come up during the building permit / planning permission phase than were verbally promised.