HOAI stands as an abbreviation for the ordinance on fees for architects and engineers services, which was last written in 2013. This ordinance regulates the calculation of remuneration for the basic services of architects and engineers with seats within Germany. The prerequisite is that the architectural and engineering services provided are covered by the ordinance and the mentioned service providers have their seat in the Federal Republic of Germany (cf. VOB/HOAI, Beck-Texte im dtv, 33rd edition 2017 – page 193).

This precisely regulates which minimum and maximum rates architects and specialist planners may not undercut and exceed for their services. The fee is basically determined by the construction sum of the object to be planned and also grants specialist planners additional compensation in the fee proposal, which are not included as special services in the HOAI.

The fee zones according to HOAI
Depending on the degree of difficulty and type of object, different fee zones are distinguished.
Depending on the field of expertise, there are three or more fee zones, such as for the field of energy and building technology, which according to HOAI is called technical building equipment:

• Fee zone I: low requirements
• Fee zone II: average requirements
• Fee zone III: high requirements.

Billable costs for the fee
As billable costs for the relevant specialist planners, the costs for construction, conversion, modernization, maintenance and repair of objects as well as the associated expenses must be considered (cf. VOB/HOAI, Beck-Texte im dtv, 33rd edition 2017 – page 194). The planning architect or engineer must reference the cost estimation that he has made within the framework of DIN 276. DIN 276 regulates the precise cost estimation and cost determination of individual trades, which will not be discussed in detail in this work. If a fee is calculated too high, for example, the building owner usually has a claim for correction. A deviating cost arrangement between planner and building owner is not permitted by law in the Federal Republic of Germany, apart from the special services not listed in the HOAI.

Fee proposal for planning your construction project
For your next construction project, we are happy to be available as engineering service providers in the field of energy and building technology as well as building physics. Whether new construction and renovation measures for dormitories, production halls, residential and commercial buildings, underground garages, hospitals or other types of objects.

As an established planning office, we are available to you for all service phases 1 – 9 according to HOAI with full commitment, until the successful completion of your construction project.