Minimum scope of services Architect + structural engineer possibly self-performance?

Hello,

I have absolutely no idea about site management and planning. I definitely need a professional here, but which one?

An architect

Can I trust the company I hire for the shell construction and basement (they will certainly assign a site manager).

That depends...... Is the site manager also responsible for the interior work? Or does his service end there? Then you have to find a new one? A site manager should not only be on site every four weeks. And especially not only when there are problems. He is there to prevent problems from arising in the first place.

Or should the architect additionally come by every four weeks? Or is an external building surveyor better?

If you hire an external expert, it will certainly not be enough if he only checks the work once every four weeks. A lot happens on the construction site within four weeks. Sometimes it can already be too late. He should come once or twice a week and check that everything is in order.

What is meant by the individual architectural services? As far as I understand Bauexperte, point 4 must definitely be carried out by the architect. And partly point 8 should also be done. What is meant by the rest? I already have very precise ideas about the appearance, size, and floor plans of the house, so what else is needed?

The individual points are called service phases. What services they include is stated in the HOAI

just briefly summarized:

Service phases 1-4 must be done by the architect. Even if you already have concrete ideas for your house, the architect must implement these and above all check whether they are legally and structurally feasible (--> statics)

Service phase 5: Creation of detailed execution plans according to which the trades then carry out their work. Planning meetings with all professionals involved in the construction (technical building services planner, structural engineer, etc.) are necessary here. This is the most important service phase because the house is planned in detail here.

Service phases 6 and 7: Preparation of specifications for tendering and evaluation of the offers.

Service phase 8: Site management and coordination of the trades

Best regards

Hello,

in your position, I would fundamentally reconsider the approach to such a project - as it sounds right now, it could become somewhat chaotic.

Two ways of thinking:

1. Contrary to your attitude, an architect does not only have to be a cost factor. On the contrary! He can be the one who saves you more money through clever design, farsighted planning, good controlling, and tenders than you could yourself. Nowadays, there are quite a few architects whose focus includes affordable buildings. Their buildings often do not differ in cost, including fees, from standard designs but offer much more!

2. You don’t want an individual design at all; something adapted off the shelf is enough for you. Then I would get in touch with the relevant general contractors in your area and review their designs or request offers. This way, the cost center architect/planner can be reduced. However, I would also recommend independent, external construction supervision here – and for heaven’s sake, please one who doesn’t just show up on the construction site every 4 weeks.

Regards Peter

Hello,

...There are now quite a few architects whose specialties include affordable buildings. Their buildings often do not differ in cost, including fees, from standard designs, but they offer much more!

That’s exactly right!

...You don’t actually want an individual design, something adapted off the shelf is enough for you. Then I would contact the relevant general contractors in your area and review their designs or request offers.

However, there are often significant deficits regarding the necessary planning/dimensioning of building services. The "beautified" verification of the Energy Saving Ordinance can lead to very unpleasant surprises in later practical operation.

...
However, I would also recommend an independent, external construction supervision here – and for heaven’s sake, one that doesn’t just show up on the construction site every 4 weeks

Correct, practically a "must" for general contractor projects.

Best regards

Hello! I actually just want to convert the attic above my condominium (in an 8-family house) – or rather have a loggia installed. Unfortunately, a structural engineer and an architect are also necessary for this. (unfortunately, because it involves a so-called Cabrio = installation of large windows that can then be opened – one upwards in the roof slope, the other vertical towards the front; I’m sure this can be explained better ; not really necessary..) Now I would like to roughly know what the two usually charge as fees. What should I base this on? The area to be converted? And where do you find such people? I called the building authority today, but of course they were already closed at 4:30 pm. Many thanks in advance for the answer, Schnubbi

Hello,

I actually just want to convert the attic above my condominium (in an 8-family house) – or rather have a loggia installed. Unfortunately, a structural engineer and architect are also necessary for this. (unfortunately, because with a so-called cabrio = installation of large windows that can then be opened – one upwards in the roof slope, the other vertically forward; it can certainly be explained better ; not necessary..)

If your attic has not been living space so far, you will need a permit. For that, you need an architect and for any possible technical construction proofs (structural engineering, thermal insulation, etc.), a structural engineer. If you change the appearance of your building and even structural elements (large windows in the roof, loggia), this is actually subject to approval.

Now I would like to know roughly what fees the two charge.

The fee depends on the construction costs.

And where can you find such people?

Yellow Pages, internet, phone book ......

Best regards