Building permit approved - and now???

Hello dear forum,

thanks again for the many responses regarding the topics of floor plan and budget. The planning phase took quite a bit longer than originally planned, but now the time has come: We have an approved building application and it is time for the next step. Our architect was initially contracted only for service phases 1-4. So the question arises how to proceed now. Four scenarios come to my mind at the moment and I would be happy if someone had further ideas/opinions/experiences to share:

1) Commissioning the architect from phases 1-4 for the remaining phases Pro: He is familiar with the project and may already have some ideas about how to proceed Con: Our collaboration was sometimes a bit bumpy due to different attitudes towards construction (design vs. function).

2) Hiring a new architect The question is whether there is even someone who wants to join an existing project. A bit of fresh air might even be an advantage.

3) Execution with a developer Pro: An execution plan is probably not necessary or can be done through own resources. Sounds cheaper at first.

4) Everything on your own Honestly: I don’t really trust myself with all trades at the moment, as my expertise still needs to be acquired :-) Especially the execution planning seems quite complex to me. But: I heard from a heating engineer that he doesn’t need an execution plan anyway – that would be a waste of money then…

--> Did I forget something? Would anyone have a fifth option?

Thanks in advance and happy holidays

Best regards Johann

Delete Option 4

So, setting aside the question of how things should proceed for you, I would *NEVER* forego a detailed execution plan, even if the plumber supposedly does not need one. This way, you get to see many – though not all – details and can consider whether you want to do things this way or differently. Otherwise, the respective trade will just do it the way it has "always been done," even if you don’t like it, but then it will be too late.

Examples?

[*]If desired, you need to provide positions for built-in spotlights.
[*]It can sometimes make a big difference where/how the drainage runs.
[*]Have you already thought about your kitchen? With an island, decisions regarding connections may already be due.
[*]Etc. etc.

If the first architect wasn’t on your wavelength, then find another one. That’s exactly why there are service phases, and now would be a good break point.

Thank you K1300S. Yes - I had already thought that myself. Actually, when planning the concrete ceiling in the factory, I have to have the boxes for recessed spotlights installed. And when pouring the ceilings, all the empty conduits for the electrician must already be in place. I would NEVER be able to do that alone or think of everything... But somehow I can't imagine that architects are currently waiting to take over the detailed planning for a project that is still unfamiliar to them... hmm...

We have an approved building application and it is time for the next step.

That would probably be to show the approved design here, since we have already accompanied you on the difficult path to it!

2) Hiring a new architect

You only change horses between approval planning and execution planning if the approval planner has died.

3) Execution with a developer

You probably mean a general contractor. Let the execution planner and later site manager also handle the tender. A clever specimen will at least not exclude a general contractor and sometimes even prefer one.

4) Everything in-house

(see previous point)

Well, it would be to show the approved draft here, where we have already accompanied you on the difficult path to get there!

Let it be said this much: The budget was increased, the volume significantly reduced, the architect was invited for a discussion, and a new working mode was defined. I would like to involve you (the forum) in the further steps and post photos of the construction progress... :-)

You only change horses between approval and execution planning in case of the death of the approval planner.

Ha — nice analogy. :-) But somehow I’m glad we have come this far with pain and that the cooperation is now ended. Continuing to muddle through with the previous architect somehow doesn’t feel right. At least I don’t see the advantage. Except ‘that’s how it’s done’... Or what exactly do you mean?

You probably mean a general contractor there. Let the execution planner and later site manager also handle the tender. A clever specimen will at least not exclude a general contractor and sometimes even prefer them.

Good point — I thought it was ‘either/or’. Hm... That was actually variant 5...