External architect and prefabricated house builder

Hello everyone,

we are currently at the first steps towards realizing our house building project.
We would like to have our house designed by an independent architect and then go to a prefab house builder (timber frame).
Is that even possible? If yes, is there already experience on how the process works or if it causes problems?
Can you go to any house provider with a drawing from an external architect?

Thanks and regards

You can even go to a house provider with any private doodle. The prefabricated house providers have long been prepared for this; in the catalogs there are only suggestions instead of predetermined types. However, it is somewhat tricky to familiarize the architect with the construction method of the house manufacturer. At the detailed level, there is so much to rework that it is better to let the architect work only up to the preliminary design level. At the level of the execution drawings, he would quickly be working just for the wastepaper basket.

Yes, it works! You just have to clearly agree with the architect that he takes on service phases 1-4 (=design and building application) and that the prefab house manufacturer starts from LPH 5 (execution planning). Then it should also be explicitly stipulated which services belong to LPH 4 and which to LPH 5. Although this is basically already regulated by the LPHs, there is still potential for dispute over some details regarding who should do the work.

Can you go to any house provider with a drawing from an external architect?

Thanks and regards

No, not every company builds "custom" houses. Some affordable ones only offer their standard houses, possibly with an extension or internal wall adjustments within a house. This is because the structural engineering has already been calculated, which is why they can offer them so cheaply. This is the company's concept.

But there are enough house providers who advertise free designs. Often an ambitious architect is employed there. Usually, a custom design is then available for an additional fee of a few thousand euros. With your own design you are usually also welcome there - why not. But a phone call will certainly clarify the procedures best. Every company does it differently :)

Regards, Yvonne

Hello,

thank you for your helpful answers.
We have now arranged a few initial introductory appointments with [Hausanbieter] and will present the first draft of our architect there.