Architect's cost estimation

Hello everyone,
we are currently planning our single-family house with our architect. So far, we had a good feeling. Although the architect knew our cost limit in advance, our last cost estimate ended up being even more expensive. What really makes me suspicious and worried is, for example, that he quotes the costs for the structural engineering including thermal insulation at €4000. All the structural engineers we asked charge according to HOAI and demand around €10,000. Apparently, the architect does not know the prices.
What can be done about this? I hope the rest of the cost estimate is correct, at least for the shell construction. I am really concerned. What would you do? Get a second opinion? Or change the architect?

Hello,

We are currently planning our single-family house with our architect. So far, we had a good feeling. Although the architect knew our cost limit in advance, the last cost estimate turned out to be even more expensive. What really makes me suspicious and worries me is, for example, that he states the costs for the structural engineering including thermal insulation at €4000. All the structural engineers we asked bill according to HOAI and demand around €10,000. Apparently, the architect does not know the prices.
What can you do about that? I hope the rest of the cost estimate is accurate, at least for the shell construction. I’m really worried. What would you do? Get a second opinion? Or switch architects?

Regardless of the costs for the structural engineering – it may be that your architect has been working with a structural engineer for many years and there are framework agreements – I have repeatedly found that architects rarely get their cost estimates right.

Post your design here – with the architect’s name blacked out – state the building location and your equipment wishes, and I will gladly estimate the design. But you can just as well ask 2 or 3 comparable providers (in terms of offer and equipment) for a quote with your designs. Then you will also have a point of reference as to whether your architect’s cost estimate is reasonable, because the costs of architecture and structural engineering are usually already included in the offers of the vast majority of providers.

Best regards from the Rhineland

Hello construction expert,
Thank you for your message. I will anonymize the drawings and then post them tomorrow. Looking forward to your estimate!
Have a great rest of your Sunday!!

Hello,

.... What really makes me suspicious and worries me is, for example, that he states the costs for the static calculations including thermal insulation at €4000. All the structural engineers who were asked bill according to HOAI and charge around €10,000. Apparently, the architect does not know the prices. ...What can one do about that...

The architect should know the costs for static calculations and thermal insulation, or does he live on the moon?
Meanwhile, I am receiving inquiries from many architects regarding the Energy Saving Ordinance/KfW certification because the structural engineers no longer want to do it at a low budget rate. Understandable since the requirements and liability conditions have significantly increased!

best regards

NB: For architect cost estimates, one should always keep 25...30% of the planned construction costs in reserve!

Hello building expert,
here are my drawings as promised. Construction will take place in the region around Lüdenscheid / NRW.
Regarding the equipment, the following should be said:
Electrical and sanitary standard - installation / electric roller shutters (I know that calculation is difficult here.)
The whole thing is to be a Kfw 70 with an air heat pump.

If anything is missing, I look forward to your message.

Hello,

If anything is missing, I look forward to your message.

I can't enlarge your drawings to be able to read them. Please try to upload them as attachments; so not to put them in your post.

Rhine greetings