Is the cost estimation by the architect realistic?

What kind of windows and doors are being planned? Plastic? Wood-aluminum? Fingerprint and other technology? What kind of flooring? What is included with the heating? Presumably also controlled residential ventilation? Where in bw are you building?

This is an estimate from the architect, which I myself consider too high.

I think 60k for the windows.
No idea… normally the architect calculates differently, by cubic meters.. and in the experience here in the forum he is often roughly 20% off. So lower…
If I apply our 3000/sqm and 1500/sqm ancillary area, I come to just under 600,000 without additional costs. That then makes 700,000€. But those were prices before the war.
Now the construction sector has become 25%/30% more expensive. Although not in planning etc, but material and craftsmen. Thanks to the war. In this respect, the correction from 700,000€ to 850,000€ makes sense and is understandable. There are quite a few here who have to cancel their construction project.
With the general contractor, I estimate that he calculates (too) flat rate…

I mean 60k for the windows. No idea... normally the architect calculates differently, by cubic meters... and from experience here in the forum, he is often roughly 20% off. So less... If I apply our 3000/sqm and 1500/sqm secondary area, I come to just under 600,000 without additional costs. That was prices before the war. Now the construction sector has become 25%/30% more expensive. Not so much in planning etc., but in materials and craftsmen. Thanks to the war. In this respect, the correction from 700,000€ to 850,000€ makes sense and is understandable. There are quite a few here who have to cancel their construction projects. I estimate that the general contractor calculates (too) flatly...

I haven’t read whether the general contractor would give you a fixed price guarantee. If yes, I would build with them. But first inquire about them from other builders (not reference customers). Security or at least approximate security is nowadays already very valuable.

Since I know many craftsmen from various trades, or even have some in my family, I have always preferred individual contracts, as the general contractor (GU) understandably is not necessarily flexible when it comes to choosing craftsmen. Also, you never really get credited for the actual savings.
Thus, at the beginning of this year, we approached an architect who developed a layout with us that is 100% suitable for us.

If you’re going to manage the trades yourself anyway, I would cut the architect starting from service phase 4.
That certainly saves about 40k.
Better to have a building surveyor come for the acceptance 10 times, that might cost around 2500€ and is definitely worth the money.

So I find some points extremely overpriced. Shell construction with 280k should be too much. Ok, I built without a basement, but it was 180 thousand including the roof for 220 sqm. However, it was also built 1 1/2 years ago. I find the roof position too expensive for a gable roof. So overall, a lot is too expensive. Same goes for plumbing. For that money, you get a high-class equipment. Unless, of course, that is your claim. ;)

If you forget the trades anyway, I would cut the architect from service phase 4 onwards. Saves definitely 40k, Better to have a building surveyor come for acceptance 10 times, that costs maybe 2500€ and is definitely worth the money.

How long should the building surveyor travel and work for 250€? I find that rather unrealistic in the current situation. More like 5K for a building surveyor who deserves that name. But in my opinion, that is also the better alternative.