Cost calculation for the architect and the resulting fee

Hello, I am planning a single-story extension and had an architect recommended for the building permit. He spontaneously created a design that in no way meets my specifications (living area 30% smaller, entrance on the wrong side, utility rooms far too small, but a huge unwanted open-plan kitchen, etc.). When I pointed out that everything deviates from the written specifications, I only received his fee proposal (fee zone III, middle rate). He estimates costs of over 200,000 euros for 70 sqm. I consider that grossly exaggerated, especially since the actual building area is around 100 sqm. Many of the listed items I will do myself anyway or will not be realized at all (such as stairs).

Can anyone tell me whether the individual items he charges must necessarily be included in the invoice and whether their amounts are justified or where I can check the amounts?

Is each item always multiplied by the total living area?

I find it strange that an architect gives an estimate and calculates his fee based on his own estimate. But this is obviously common practice.

The building permit alone would cost me about 10,000 euros without structural engineer, surveyor, fees, etc. The architect should not do more than obtain the building permit.

Which building permit authority charges 5% as a fee? You probably mean 5 per mille, right? Then it would be 1000€ :)

He means the architect's fee for the architect who is supposed to prepare the documents (and the signature!) up to the point of building permit readiness. According to HOAI, Phase ? Finds it unsettling. But since we were not present at the conversation, we do not know exactly what was agreed upon (always send a conversation protocol by e-mail after the conversation: As discussed personally earlier .. I summarize our conversation as follows ...) An order is given verbally faster than you can blink (evidential value aside)

He spontaneously created a draft that in no way corresponds to my specifications (living area 30% smaller, entrance on the wrong side, utility rooms far too small, but a huge unwanted open-plan kitchen, etc.). When I informed him that all this deviates from the written specifications, I only received his fee proposal (Fee zone III, middle rate). He estimates costs of over 200,000 euros for 70 sqm. I consider this to be enormously exaggerated, especially since the actual building area is around 100 sqm. Many of the listed items I will do myself anyway or will not be realized at all (like stairs).

1. What have you commissioned? Is there already an architect contract? You write that you received his fee proposal. What does all this mean or how did everything proceed? 2. To earn his fee, he doesn’t have to present just any plan, but the plan you requested. Therefore, the architect—assuming you have even commissioned him yet—has not earned any fee. 3. The cost calculation with €2,850 per sqm living area is realistic and therefore also suitable for determining his fee. Whether you eventually hire craftsmen for the work or, in the "worst" case, do everything yourself, is irrelevant for the fee calculation.

Whether you ultimately hire craftsmen for the work or, in the "worst" case, do everything in EL yourself, is irrelevant for the fee calculation.

Whereas the cost calculation is carried along through all service phases and his fee is always adjusted to the current actual costs

1. So far, nothing has been commissioned at all. No architect contract has been concluded. He only sent me the fee agreement with the table above.
2. Interesting. What could he have invoiced so far without a contract? He was here once, called the building authority, wrote me emails. Based on the emails, it also turns out that we specified things quite differently than he drew them.
3. Thank you. At least he is honest with me. What makes me suspicious is that friends made a larger extension and paid the architect (who lives further away) a flat rate of €2000 + VAT until the building permit. I am surprised that I should pay about 4 times as much for less. I will probably have to have a clarifying conversation with the architect and, if necessary, hire someone who is significantly cheaper than according to the [HOAI]. After all, it is no longer mandatory.