Who has built with an architect? Experiences??

Ok, whatever. He has done a good job overall.

Hi,
presumably the question cannot be answered completely satisfactorily as to whether it is better to build with an architect or a general contractor. However, I have the feeling that those who are just starting out lack the information to get an independent overview. I am not allowed to post links here. But there are quite good informational events that one might consider. On the one hand, there are associations like Haus und Grund for all property owners, which also offer many informational events and helpful literature, especially regarding building law. In addition, the chambers of architects in the individual federal states provide information for builders. Unfortunately, the websites of the chambers of architects are built differently well, so it is worthwhile not only to look for the website of the chamber of architects in your own federal state but also those of other federal states. Then I can recommend looking at association websites, the typical ones being BDA (Association of German Architects), Bund deutscher Baumeister, or VfA. In principle, architects work for the builder according to HOAI and are thus independent, whereas the general contractor is profit-oriented. Perhaps comparable to an independent insurance broker and one who works directly for an insurer or a bank and therefore has an interest in pushing its products regardless of whether there would be better products. Only those registered in the chamber of architects are allowed to call themselves architects; otherwise, they are a graduate engineer. To be registered in the chamber of architects, one must provide proof of certificates and professional experience and continue education every year and submit corresponding proof to the chamber. Basically like with tax consultants. How effective all this is remains to be seen. Regarding costs, I would recommend calculating at least 30% on top regardless of which trade you ultimately plan and build with, because exact calculations are usually difficult to make when a construction takes 1 to 3 years. I have experience with both trades. And I would only build with an architect from now on. In the end, he negotiates down the craftsmen, etc., and you get your price back. Why? If the workers/companies do their work well, they can expect follow-up orders from the architect.

.,,building with an architect..., If the workers/companies do their job well, you can expect follow-up orders from the architect.

Oh, not with or from the general contractor???
And the architect is not interested in profit because he is paid according to HOAI?!

Which construction of a single-family house takes longer than a year?

And how easily it is always said with the 30% buffer – under today's prices not feasible under normal circumstances. We maybe had a 5% buffer (which really wasn’t great/isn’t), with half of that being the photovoltaic system that I buried yesterday.

I had about a 30% buffer for the house costs, but of the total costs that is significantly less. My neighbor is building with an architect and has been at it for 15 months, and it will still take a while.

But it certainly has less to do with the architect's construction itself... we will be there for 12 months (with basement), which has to do with the personal contributions.