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Building a house is a significant investment that involves multiple steps, requiring careful planning and execution. In Germany, the Honorarordnung für Architekten und Ingenieure (HOAI) or the Fee Structure for Architects and Engineers, outlines nine critical phases that ensure the successful completion of construction projects. Understanding these phases is essential for homeowners, architects, and contractors alike. This guide will walk you through the nine phases of house construction according to HOAI, providing comprehensive insights into each stage. Throughout, we’ll also highlight how modern tools like Building Radar can enhance project efficiency by helping teams identify early opportunities and streamline processes.

What is HOAI?

The HOAI is the official fee scale used by architects and engineers in Germany. It governs how professionals are compensated for their work and defines a clear structure of service phases, ensuring that each step of the construction process is planned, supervised, and carried out correctly. This structured approach ensures transparency, legal compliance, and quality assurance throughout the construction process. Understanding these phases helps both clients and professionals to communicate more effectively and meet project expectations.

The first two phases, preliminary planning and design planning, are especially important in defining the scope and direction of the project. Platforms like Building Radar offer valuable support during these early stages by providing data on ongoing construction projects, allowing teams to anticipate market trends and make informed decisions.

Phase 1: Basic Evaluation (Grundlagenermittlung)

In the basic evaluation phase, the project begins with an initial discussion between the client and the architect or engineer to establish the project’s requirements. This includes reviewing the client’s goals, budget, and legal conditions. At this stage, important aspects such as site surveys and feasibility studies are conducted.

With tools like Building Radar, construction professionals can identify relevant trends and ongoing projects, allowing for better alignment with client expectations. The AI technology can help in assessing potential locations or trends that influence project outcomes early on, thus enhancing planning accuracy.

Phase 2: Preliminary Design (Vorplanung)

During the preliminary design phase, the architect develops an initial concept based on the findings from the basic evaluation. Rough drafts, cost estimates, and scheduling considerations are made at this point. It is crucial to identify potential obstacles early to avoid complications down the line.

For architects and project managers, tools like Building Radar can aid in market analysis and give insights into construction trends that could influence design choices. This makes it easier to align a project’s vision with current industry standards and innovative solutions.

Phase 3: Design Planning (Entwurfsplanung)

The design planning phase involves the creation of detailed designs and the preparation of necessary documents for approval. This phase is where the final layout and appearance of the house are determined. Cost estimation becomes more precise, and all key decisions are made regarding materials, dimensions, and structural integrity.

Having access to real-time data on construction projects through platforms like Building Radar allows architects to optimize their designs by staying ahead of market demands and trends. This results in more efficient planning and reduces the risk of last-minute changes, which could lead to delays and additional costs.

Phase 4: Approval Planning (Genehmigungsplanung)

Once the design is finalized, the next step is approval planning, where the necessary permits are obtained from local authorities. This involves submitting detailed plans and technical drawings to ensure that the project meets all legal and regulatory requirements.

To facilitate the process, teams can streamline project workflows with solutions like Building Radar. The platform integrates seamlessly with downstream tools such as CRM systems and offers a user-friendly interface for tracking project documentation, helping to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Phase 5: Execution Planning (Ausführungsplanung)

The execution planning phase marks the point where detailed plans and specifications for construction are created. Architects and engineers must now translate the conceptual design into a practical, buildable format. Every aspect, from materials to construction methods, is determined and documented during this phase.

Having access to an organized platform like Building Radar helps contractors track relevant construction projects and identify emerging trends that may affect execution planning. With 45+ search filters, Building Radar ensures professionals stay on top of developments that impact their building strategies.

Phase 6: Preparation of Contract Award (Vorbereitung der Vergabe)

During the contract preparation phase, architects and engineers work to define the services required by contractors and suppliers. They draft tender documents and manage the bidding process, ensuring that the best possible partners are selected for the project.

Here, Building Radar plays a crucial role by helping teams track tender opportunities, allowing for quick responses to potential project bids. The platform’s AI-driven insights ensure professionals don’t miss any valuable opportunities in the competitive construction market.

Phase 7: Participation in Awarding the Contract (Mitwirkung bei der Vergabe)

In this phase, the construction contract is awarded to the selected contractor(s). The architect assists in evaluating offers, ensuring that the chosen contractor meets all technical and financial requirements. Once selected, the contract is formalized, and construction can begin.

Building Radar’s AI-powered tools can support this phase by automating the tracking of bids and tenders, saving time and improving accuracy in decision-making.

Phase 8: Construction Supervision (Bauüberwachung)

Construction supervision is one of the most critical phases in house construction. The architect or engineer monitors the progress of the build, ensuring that work is carried out in accordance with the plans, budget, and timeline. Any discrepancies or issues are addressed immediately to prevent further delays.

Incorporating a tool like Building Radar into the workflow helps teams stay organized throughout this phase. With customizable project tracking features, contractors can easily monitor progress and receive real-time updates, leading to more efficient supervision.

Phase 9: Project Completion and Handover (Objektbetreuung)

The final phase, project completion, involves handing over the completed house to the client. Final inspections are conducted to ensure that the construction meets all agreed specifications. Any defects or issues are rectified before the final handover.

Building Radar continues to add value even in the final phase. With features that allow for post-project analysis and market forecasting, Building Radar helps contractors assess performance and gain insights for future projects.

How Building Radar Enhances Construction Project Management

Building Radar offers cutting-edge solutions for professionals in the construction industry, from architects and general contractors to manufacturers. By enabling teams to identify new projects at an early stage through AI-driven technology, Building Radar provides a significant first-mover advantage. This is especially important in large-scale projects, where early involvement often leads to better outcomes.

With scalable revenue engineering software, Building Radar ensures that sales teams can focus on high-margin projects and maximize their conversion rates. By streamlining sales processes and providing real-time project data, teams can increase selling efficiency and reduce time wasted on non-viable opportunities. Furthermore, Building Radar offers seamless integration with popular CRM platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Dynamics, making it easier for professionals to manage their projects and workflows from one central hub.

Conclusion

Understanding the nine phases of house construction according to HOAI is essential for a successful project. From preliminary planning to final completion, each phase builds upon the last, ensuring a smooth construction process. Leveraging modern tools like Building Radar can further streamline project management and help professionals stay ahead of the competition.