Single-family house, general contractor or architect - Are clueless

Hello!

I had already written in other posts that we want to build a detached house in Bavaria on an existing plot of land. So far, we have only really looked for a general contractor because we are absolute laymen in the field of craftsmanship. And until now, we thought that a general contractor was the better choice because it is cheaper, easier, faster...

Well, then came the appointment with our building expert. She has been supporting us for a long time (initially we were still looking for a new existing property but now we have decided to build). In any case, she listed the advantages of the architect or individual contracts and the disadvantages of the general contractor. And that has now " unsettled" us or made us think about using an architect.

Regarding the price difference, she couldn't give any definite statements of course, but said that in the end it usually doesn't make much difference.

But before I write much more here, I wanted to know if there is a thread here about dealing with general contractors / architects / individual contracts? Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything in the search.

If not, I would be happy to receive your opinions on this. I will gladly provide more details then.

Thank you very much!
Best regards

In any case, she listed the advantages of the architect or individual contracting and the disadvantages of the general contractor. And that has now "unsettled" us or made us consider an architect as well.

Both have advantages and disadvantages. Basically, both are about the same price with the same performance. However, it is more individual with an architect (which also leads to the fact that as a client you often say "I would also like that extra" and the price then goes up).

Yes, individuality has of course now appealed to us as well. And the possibility to always be able to change something. To know what you are getting. The expert subtly dissected the construction & performance description of the GU

I can only report from my own experience. We are building with architect 1-9. And if I were to build again, I would do it the same way. You simply have maximum control over what ends up there in the end. Costs don't differ that much in the end, I think. Every general contractor house usually gets heavily scaled down in the end anyway. However, I have to say that we are very lucky with our architect. Meeting spontaneously at the construction site on a Sunday? No problem. Calling again at 10 p.m.? No problem. Quickly getting information? Thanks to the WhatsApp group, no problem. That is probably not standard.

Before I write a lot more here, I wanted to know if there is a thread about dealing with general contractors / architects / individual contracts? Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything in the search.

a) yes, several but b) the search could work better and I can't just pull them out of thin air for you right now.

And we thought, at least so far, that a general contractor is the better choice. Because cheaper, simpler, faster....

Okay, the proof of amateurism has at least been established
What is it about: Easypeasy property, and you would be perfectly happy with standard 08/15? (then the inclusive sign clerk would be sufficient in terms of planning).

a) yes, several but b) the search could run smoother and I can’t just pull it out of my sleeve for you right now.

Okay, the proof of amateurism would at least be provided
What’s it about: easy-peasy property, and you would be perfectly happy with 08/15? (then the planning-wise inclusive sign-wench would be sufficient).

You are often so refreshingly heartwarming, brutally direct. But you are right. Edit: I don’t mean this as a comment on amateurism.