Questions about cost estimation per m3 FFM Hanau region

Thank you for the answers!

I am aware that these are more like estimates. I am just trying to get a better sense of the whole thing. I also assumed that thorough planning would be required for financing, but from what I have understood so far, the volume (Kubatur) is sufficient. I feel quite uncomfortable with all these estimates. Although it is about a high-end finish, the recommendations range between €1,800 and €2,200. That is an €80k difference for 200m². My assumption is that besides the region and the different ideas of what constitutes high-end, this is also due to the size of the house. An entrance door, heating, stairs, etc. are spread over the square meters and then it becomes somewhat "cheaper" and defines the price range a bit. However, I am now also reading that many apparently "common" DIY tasks like painting and flooring are not factored in. Sabine also did this but at least pointed it out. I can imagine that not everyone does this. Of course, we want to calculate with a buffer, but it also has to be affordable somehow, and the prices are currently anything but reasonable...

& niri09 Where exactly are you building? I would be interested to know where the different price quotes of 2k to 2.5k come from.

If you have doubts about estimates, then you better not go to an architect. With him, it stays exciting until the end :-) I also can't give you exact figures like a construction company with a fixed price; everything is negotiable when you award individual trades, and it's worth comparing. I would recommend that you first consider what and with whom you want to build, solid or prefab house, general contractor or architect, etc. By the way, there is a great model home park in Bad Vilbel.

If you have stomach aches with estimates, then you better not go to an architect. With him, it stays exciting until the very end :)

Stomach aches is the wrong expression. However, I prefer as precise values as possible, but without concrete offers you don’t get them. I can still understand a price range of 1800-2000€/m², but 1800-2500€/m²? That’s also the first time the spread is so wide. The most interesting thing is that some acquaintances etc. do not believe some numbers, even though I have estimates from companies and partly offers on hand.

True, it stays exciting for a long time with an architect, but friends who built with BU never had certainty. We are currently planning with an architect, but also have an offer from Bad Vilbel in the drawer.

Estimates are based on the entire house: the expensive technology is distributed over the square meter price. Or rather the room volume. If a few more square meters are added, the average decreases because these additional square meters relate more to additional living space. These are certainly somewhat cheaper to consider. Overall, the average square meter price shrinks. But everything is based on estimates [emoji4]

Just ask your architect what is included in his estimated costs. Exact brand specifications can only be found during the tender. Your architect has certainly made a cost estimate, and you can even add up to 20% at the beginning. The further along the construction is, the more accurate the estimates become. My cost estimate is not the same as yours even though we both are building in the Rhein Main area, due to the size, equipment, etc. At this point in time, I cannot even provide exact numbers for myself, since the shell construction is just beginning. You have to be clear about that when you decide on an architect. He is very committed to keeping the costs down but he cannot perform miracles either, since there is simply too much going on in the market. If you still have contacts, you can also negotiate well there. Definitely plan enough buffer, then almost nothing can go wrong. Regarding concrete offers: shell and civil engineering with the same performance and material differed by €15,000.

If you have stomach aches about estimates, then you better not go to an architect. With them, it stays exciting until the very end :-)

Hm... you are free to obtain ALL bills of quantities after the execution planning. I don't usually do it that way, but I have heard of some here in the forum doing it. Then nothing remains exciting [emoji6] A look into the HOAI also helps to recognize that different phases of service allow for different degrees of uncertainty/deviation regarding cost estimation, calculation, and determination. Therefore, the often-quoted "grab bag" is not accurate.
My personal opinion: the effort to make estimates more precise is wasted effort – there is simply too much movement in the construction project itself, often caused by the client. A more precise estimate won't help you then either.
To put it figuratively: the estimate gives the rough direction, the actual path itself is taken in small (iterative) steps. If you want to know the exact price, the exact date, and the exact route beforehand, you have to take the train (aka turnkey/general contractor with fixed price), but you might miss some nice sights off the tracks. There is nothing good or bad about that, it just has to fit your personality.
Regarding the estimate basis of 2000€/sqm to 2500€/sqm: this does not include anything upscale or even luxurious. Good, solid standard. Also please be careful whether incidental costs (architect) are already included. Depending on the rate and scope of billable construction costs, around 50k +/- often falls on this item.
By the way: more precise estimates also do not help to reduce the currently high construction costs. These are just the current conditions. I would listen to myself to see if I need a fixed price to feel comfortable. If yes, I would rather tend to the general contractor...