Every successful construction project is based on a detailed concept - from initial preliminary planning through to actual construction. In Germany, the fee structure for architects and engineers (HOAI) determines how the individual basic planning services are to be remunerated.
In nine separate HOAI service phases, the architects' total work is broken down in detail and the respective percentage share of the total remuneration is shown. In this article, we provide an overview of the most important aspects of the various construction phases and show how digital support can make the practical application of the HOAI much more effective.
The most important facts in brief
The HOAI is the main remuneration basis for architects in the construction industry
It defines nine specific service phases and seven service profiles
Digital processes create synergies and help to maintain an overview of individual process steps
What are HOAI service phases?
Even in supposedly simple construction projects, the coordination of a multitude of tasks and information is crucial in order to successfully complete the project. This is where the HOAI service phases come into play, providing a structured framework for the planning, execution and monitoring of construction projects on the architect's side.
In Germany, the HOAI is the main basis for calculating fees for planning services. The HOAI divides the entire planning and construction process into nine successive service phases, each representing a specific section of the project.
Communicative planning basis
The HOAI service phases provide a structured timetable for the entire project development, from the basic assessment, in which the requirements and objectives of the project are defined, to the final phase, project management and documentation, in which the implementation is monitored and documented.
These phases thus serve not only as an orientation aid for planners, but also as a basis for communication between all relevant project participants.
New version of the HOAI 2021
Until 2020, planning and implementation services in the construction industry had to be remunerated in accordance with the HOAI. With the new version, however, it now only serves as a guide and is no longer a mandatory basis - fees can now also be freely agreed.
However, the remuneration must still be in line with the services provided. In addition, it is now also sufficient to agree the remuneration purely in writing, without a separate form.
The 9 HOAI service phases at a glance
Regardless of the specific construction project, the HOAI provides a structured guideline for the systematic handling of construction projects. An overview.
Basic determination (LPH 1): In this initial phase, the basic requirements and objectives of the project are determined. This creates the basis for further planning.
Preliminary planning (LPH 2): Initial ideas and concepts are developed here. Sketches are created to check the feasibility of the project.
Design planning (LPH 3): In this phase, the ideas from the preliminary planning are concretized. The design takes shape and details are worked out.
Approval planning (LPH 4): The plans are prepared in such a way that they can be approved by the relevant authorities.
Implementation planning (LPH 5): This is where the technical details for implementation are defined. Precise plans are created that serve as the basis for the construction work.
Preparation of the contract award (LPH 6): In this phase, the services to be awarded are described. Offers are obtained from companies.
Participation in the awarding of contracts (LPH 7): Tenders received are checked and evaluated. The executing companies are selected.
Project supervision (LPH 8): During construction, compliance with the plans and quality standards is monitored. Defects are identified and rectified.
Project management and documentation (LPH 9): After completion of the construction, the documentation is created. This includes all relevant information for the future use and maintenance of the building.
The seven service profiles
In addition to the service phases, the HOAI sets out the various disciplines and areas of responsibility in the construction industry in seven clearly defined service profiles. They serve as a guide for calculating fees and specify which services must be provided in which phase. These include
Buildings and interiors: This service includes planning and consulting for buildings, interiors and outdoor facilities.
Structural design: This involves the calculation and planning of load-bearing structures such as foundations, columns and beams.
Technical equipment: deals with the planning of technical systems, such as heating, ventilation, sanitary and electrical systems.
Traffic facilities: Describes the planning of traffic routes such as roads, paths, squares and bridges.
Engineering structures: This involves the planning of engineering structures, such as hydraulic structures or special civil engineering.
Outdoor facilities: This service profile deals with the planning of open spaces, gardens, parks and other outdoor facilities.
Interiors: The focus here is on the design and planning of interiors, for example for commercial or private use.
These service profiles are divided into the nine HOAI service phases described above. The percentage shares of the respective services in the overall result differ depending on the service profile.
Conclusion - No longer mandatory, but still essential
Even though the HOAI has no longer been a mandatory basis for remuneration since 2021, it still provides a transparent and structured framework for construction projects, which enables an adequate presentation of the services to be provided by the architect. The HOAI is therefore essential for correct and appropriate budget planning for all project participants.
However, the various service profiles and phases of the HOAI result in a level of complexity, particularly for extensive construction projects, that is difficult to manage in analog form and sometimes involves enormous losses in efficiency. Appropriate software support can provide a remedy here and significantly increase productivity with digital processes - with simultaneous cost savings.
The digital toolbox for more effective processes
Already in the planning phase, Trimble Nova proves to be an outstanding planning software that can model and display even complex construction projects in great detail - Trimble Nova thus becomes an indispensable tool for maintaining a transparent overview of individual construction phases.
Networking with Trimble Connect helps with this. This connection opens up additional efficiency benefits and plays a key role in creating a shared data environment. This is because integration ensures that all information is accessible to all relevant project participants in real time.
Viewpoint for Projects is a powerful and ISO 19650-compliant construction management tool that helps during the actual construction phase. The software offers comprehensive support in all work phases and enables user-friendly task management to keep track of project progress at all times.
In combination with Viewpoint Field View, the entire construction process can be displayed transparently in terms of the HOAI service phases. Field View is a cloud-based and mobile offline solution that replaces analog input in the field with customizable mobile forms for smartphones or tablets - and thus enables particularly smooth communication between the construction site and the office.
