Construction cost development still normal???

Well, we were too negligent and recognized it too late. I kept asking over the past few months about adhering to the budget. "No problem," "The budget is generous," "We can manage that well," "Don't worry, we'll build your house," "Have faith, that's why I'm here as an architect," "We are the experts and will advise you."

I also repeatedly asked for concrete calculations, to which there were always excuses or references to the time after the building permit.

Only when the bank insisted on a cost calculation according to DIN for the subsidized loan did I push this through and make it a condition for any further services.

The current status is: We have no written cost calculation. The shell construction offer was supposed to be the basis for creating one.

Again, it’s been clear to us for a long time and okay that our dream house won’t come for 400k. We are just surprised by the magnitude. And when I directly said that I'm angry and if I say 400, then you don’t just casually throw out 650, the answer is, "let's first tender the remaining trades and then see where we stand. It'll be fine."

Yes, we have learned a lot for the next house. Only that we actually only want to build one in our lifetime. And I’m saying that even before the first stone is laid...

According to HOAI, he can only do so if the maximum rate is contractually applied accordingly. Otherwise, the rule is: No agreement regarding the rates = minimum rate

Is that correct? I understood it as the fee can be billed on a different basis as long as it is between the minimum and maximum rate. Which would mean: if he needs so few hours that he falls below the minimum rate, he can simply claim the difference. If the billing of hours exceeds the maximum rate, I can refuse further payments.

Is that so?

Basically, what you write is not wrong. But §7 paragraph 5 HOAI also applies

(5) Unless otherwise agreed in writing at the time of the order, it is irrebuttably presumed that the respective minimum rates according to paragraph 1 have been agreed upon.

I would no longer trust the guy and his statements. The bank doesn't need any basis for financing, does it?

I would no longer trust that guy and his statements. The bank doesn't need a basis for financing either, does it?

You mean "one"!

That does not do justice to the profession, but if I were in your position, I would never have agreed to billing according to HOAI and would have searched until I found someone who accepts a flat fixed sum.

That your architect charges the highest rate is outrageous. Common for a single-family house are III and the middle rate.

And one more thing – this "it will be fine" and "let's wait for all the tenders" can go straight up his ass. Where does he want to make money with the non-standard stuff? Cut it and take the plans to a general contractor (4-5 GCs), get advice on where cost savings are possible, and build with the preferred one. Use autumn and winter for preparation and ideally start in spring. The GCs also want to fill their order books for early 2019.

Leave out the projections, do only plaster, white plastic windows, remove the chimney including the fireplace, a decentralized ventilation system, gas only if possible, leave out the coverings around the entrance and the terrace, make a carport with a tool room, do the floors and walls yourself, no lift-and-slide doors, remove the dead wall around the chimney, lay the basement tiles (online up to €10) yourself, and get a waterproof concrete basement calculated, which does not have to be plastered or sealed. Everywhere standard heights 2.64 and 2.38. If you planned spots in the ceiling, take those out as well. No tiled showers, wall tiles only halfway up. Tiles only up to €30 and only standard size 30x60 whether wall or floor, no recesses in the bathroom, no stainless steel rails, no mosaic.

That alone is already a €80,000-100,000 saving. If that is not enough, you have to reduce the house size and have the building permit redone.

I said, many small deaths or one big death with the basement gone and a carport added. Then the study drops out and becomes a utility room, but then the house will look from the outside as planned.