The architect’s fee has been regulated for engineers and architects by a German statutory order in the “Honorarverordnung für Ingenieure und Architekten (HOAI). The HOAI differenciates service phases and different levels of complexity of the building task. Prior to ordering a service, the client has received a comprehensive offer for the specific job. Sometimes package deals or fees on an hourly basis are also possible.

The construction costs are being computed by carefully listing single figures on experience and are being specified and revised as the project progresses.

The consequential expenses are operating and maintenance costs. In total, they exceed the building costs and therefore have to be taken into account during conception and planning phases.