{"id":12966,"date":"2026-03-04T15:19:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T14:19:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nova-ava.de\/cost-estimation-according-to-din-276-structure-cost-groups-and-implementation-with-nova-ava\/"},"modified":"2026-03-19T09:55:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T08:55:42","slug":"cost-estimation-according-to-din-276-structure-cost-groups-and-implementation-with-nova-ava","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nova-ava.de\/en\/cost-estimation-according-to-din-276-structure-cost-groups-and-implementation-with-nova-ava\/","title":{"rendered":"Cost estimation according to DIN 276 &#8211; structure, cost groups and implementation with NOVA AVA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The cost estimate in accordance with DIN 276 is the second stage of cost determination in the construction industry and is part of the basic service of service phase 2 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de\/Redaktion\/DE\/Dossier\/OeffentlicheAuftraegeUndVergabe\/honorarordnung_fuer_architekten_und_ingenieure_hoai.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">in accordance with HOAI<\/a>. It is created as part of the preliminary planning and provides the first systematically structured statement about the expected project costs. It therefore forms a central decision-making basis for clients, investors and planning teams.  <\/p>\n\n<p>Not all details are available at this early stage. Quantities, qualities and technical solutions are partly assessed on the basis of assumptions and empirical values. However, to ensure comparability and transparency, the costs are structured in accordance with DIN 276 up to the second classification level. This creates a reliable overview of construction costs, technical installations and ancillary construction costs.   <\/p>\n\n<p>This article shows how the cost estimate according to DIN 276 is set up correctly and how this process can be implemented with NOVA AVA in a comprehensible, structured and updatable manner as a basis for subsequent cost calculation and tendering.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Inhaltsverzeichnis<\/h2><nav><ol><li><a href=\"#was-bedeutet-kostenschatzung-nach-din-276\">What does cost estimation according to DIN 276 mean?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#die-struktur-der-kostenschatzung-nach-din-276\">The structure: What information belongs in the cost estimate according to DIN 276?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#gliederung-nach-kostengruppen\">Classification according to cost groups<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#projektbeschreibung-und-bezugsgrossen\">Project description and reference values<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#nachvollziehbare-herleitung-der-kosten\">Comprehensible derivation of costs<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#annahmen-risiken-und-fortschreibung\">Assumptions, risks and extrapolation<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#welche-grundlagen-werden-fur-eine-kostenschatzung-benotigt\">What basis is needed for a cost estimate?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#1-planungsstand-und-bezugsgrossen\">1. planning status and reference values<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2-kostenkennwerte-und-vergleichsprojekte\">2. key cost figures and comparative projects<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3-dokumentation-der-annahmen\">3. documentation of the assumptions<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4-fortschreibbarkeit-als-grundvoraussetzung\">4. updatability as a basic prerequisite<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#kostenschatzung-nach-din-276-und-din-276-kostenberechnung-die-klare-abgrenzung\">Cost estimation according to DIN 276 and DIN 276 cost calculation &#8211; the clear distinction<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#typische-fehler-bei-der-kostenschatzung-nach-din-276\">Typical errors in cost estimation according to DIN 276<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#kostenschatzung-nach-din-276-mit-ava-software\">Cost estimation according to DIN 276 with AVA software<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#kostenschatzung-nach-din-276-mit-nova-ava\">Cost estimation according to DIN 276 with NOVA AVA<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#fazit-mehr-sicherheit-durch-strukturierte-kostenschatzung\">Conclusion: More security through structured cost estimation<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"was-bedeutet-kostenschatzung-nach-din-276\">What does cost estimation according to DIN 276 mean?<\/h2>\n\n<p>Cost estimation in accordance with DIN 276 is a separate stage of construction cost calculation within DIN 276.  <\/p>\n\n<p><strong>The standard distinguishes between several successive stages of cost determination:  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cost framework<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cost estimate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cost calculation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cost estimate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cost estimate  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Determination of costs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>The cost estimate forms the second stage and is usually prepared as part of service phase 2 in accordance with HOAI.<\/p>\n\n<p>In contrast to the cost framework, which is still based on the first level of the cost breakdown, the cost estimate is carried out at least up to the second level of DIN 276. This means that the costs are recorded in a more differentiated and structured manner. Depending on the complexity of the project, a further subdivision may be useful if the planning status allows this.  <\/p>\n\n<p>As the project is still in the preliminary planning phase at this stage, the cost estimate in accordance with DIN 276 is based on areas, volumes, characteristic values and empirical values from comparable projects. It represents a well-founded forecast, not a final calculation. Transparent documentation of all underlying assumptions is therefore crucial. Only if calculation approaches and uncertainties are recorded in a comprehensible manner can the cost estimate be updated as the project progresses and used as a control instrument in cost management.   <\/p>\n\n<p>With NOVA AVA, cost estimation within the <a href=\"https:\/\/nova-ava.de\/en\/funktionen\/cost-planning\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/nova-ava.de\/funktionen\/kostenplanung\/\">&#8220;Cost planning&#8221; function<\/a> can be structured in accordance with DIN 276 and continuously developed. The clear assignment to cost groups and documented updating support controlled cost management throughout all further project phases. <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"die-struktur-der-kostenschatzung-nach-din-276\">The structure: What information belongs in the cost estimate according to DIN 276?<\/h2>\n\n<p>The cost estimate according to DIN 276 follows a clearly defined cost breakdown and a comprehensible derivation of the approaches. The aim is to structure the forecast construction costs in such a way that they remain verifiable, comparable and updatable. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"gliederung-nach-kostengruppen\">Classification according to cost groups<\/h3>\n\n<p>The cost estimate is based on the structure of DIN 276 and is structured at least up to the second level of cost groups. This means that the total costs are differentiated according to building, technical installations, outdoor facilities and ancillary construction costs.  <\/p>\n\n<p>DIN 276 distinguishes between the following cost groups on the first level:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>KG 100 Property<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>KG 200 Preparatory measures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>KG 300 Building &#8211; Building structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>KG 400 Building &#8211; Technical installations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>KG 500 Outdoor facilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>KG 600 Equipment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>KG 700 Ancillary construction costs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<p><strong>DIN 276 cost groups &#8211; structured overview<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Level<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Example<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Description<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1st level (hundreds)<\/td><td>300<\/td><td>Building &#8211; Building constructions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2nd level (tens)<\/td><td>310<\/td><td>Excavation pit \/ earthworks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3rd level (one)<\/td><td>311<\/td><td>Manufacture<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p>At least the second level is decisive for the cost estimate in accordance with DIN 276. Further differentiation may be useful if the planning status permits this. <\/p>\n\n<p>This system prevents generalized overall estimates and creates the prerequisite for later comparability with cost calculations, cost estimates and cost determination.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"projektbeschreibung-und-bezugsgrossen\">Project description and reference values<\/h3>\n\n<p>A technically accurate cost estimate in accordance with DIN 276 contains not only the cost breakdown but also a description of the underlying planning status. This includes in particular <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Building use and type of construction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quality and equipment level<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>underlying reference values such as GFA or BRI<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>This information is essential as it forms the basis for deriving the cost parameters.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"nachvollziehbare-herleitung-der-kosten\">Comprehensible derivation of costs<\/h3>\n\n<p>In preliminary planning, the costs are usually derived using characteristic values, comparative projects or specific empirical values. The decisive factor here is not only the numerical value itself, but also the transparent documentation of the calculation approaches. <\/p>\n\n<p>Only if the derivation remains comprehensible can the cost estimate be reliably updated in the further course of the project.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"annahmen-risiken-und-fortschreibung\">Assumptions, risks and extrapolation<\/h3>\n\n<p>As the cost estimate in accordance with DIN 276 is a forecast, assumptions, uncertainties and open points must be clearly stated. Detailed technical decisions, market price developments or specialist planning that has not yet been coordinated directly influence the accuracy. <\/p>\n\n<p>Equally important is the continuous updating in the event of planning changes. A cost estimate is not a static document, but part of a dynamic cost control process. <\/p>\n\n<p>With NOVA AVA, cost groups, cost elements and calculation approaches can be stored and versioned in a structured manner. This means that the cost estimate can be evaluated at any time and can be systematically transferred to the subsequent stages of cost calculation and to the tender. <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:16px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"welche-grundlagen-werden-fur-eine-kostenschatzung-benotigt\">What basis is needed for a cost estimate?<\/h2>\n\n<p>The quality of a <strong>cost estimate in accordance with DIN 276<\/strong> depends largely on the available planning status and the data basis. In service phase 2 according to HOAI, initial design drawings, area calculations and functional concepts are usually available. These form the basis for deriving the costs within the DIN 276 cost groups.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-planungsstand-und-bezugsgrossen\">1. planning status and reference values<\/h3>\n\n<p>Typical basics are:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gross floor area (GFA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gross floor area (GFA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First component definitions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Basic technical concepts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>These reference values enable the application of cost parameters per square meter or cubic meter. The more precise these bases are, the more reliable the cost estimate will be. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-kostenkennwerte-und-vergleichsprojekte\">2. key cost figures and comparative projects<\/h3>\n\n<p>As no complete quantity determination is yet available, costs are often overestimated:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reference projects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Statistical key figures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>internal project data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>derived. The decisive factor here is the allocation to the correct DIN 276 cost groups. Only if the costs are clearly structured can a valid DIN 276 cost calculation be based on them later.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-dokumentation-der-annahmen\">3. documentation of the assumptions<\/h3>\n\n<p>An often underestimated part of the cost estimate according to DIN 276 is the transparent documentation of all assumptions. This includes <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>underlying building qualities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Standard technical assumptions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Market developments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Planning decisions still outstanding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Without this documentation, the cost estimate loses its control function.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-fortschreibbarkeit-als-grundvoraussetzung\">4. updatability as a basic prerequisite<\/h3>\n\n<p>A professional cost estimate must not be understood as a static snapshot. It must be structured in such a way that it can be systematically adapted in the event of planning changes. This is the only way to ensure consistent cost development from the cost estimate through the DIN 276 cost calculation to the invitation to tender.  <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kostenschatzung-nach-din-276-und-din-276-kostenberechnung-die-klare-abgrenzung\">Cost estimation according to DIN 276 and DIN 276 cost calculation &#8211; the clear distinction<\/h2>\n\n<p>The DIN 276 cost estimate should not be confused with the DIN 276 cost calculation. Both are part of the cost calculation, but differ in the level of detail and planning status. <\/p>\n\n<p>While the cost estimate in preliminary planning is based on characteristic values and comparative projects, the DIN 276 cost calculation is based on concretely determined quantities from the design planning. It is generally more differentiated and forms the basis for the subsequent invitation to tender. <\/p>\n\n<p>The cost estimate is therefore a forecasting instrument, while the cost calculation is a more precise control instrument in the further course of the project. Structured updating between these stages is crucial for reliable cost development. <\/p>\n\n<p>With NOVA AVA, both stages can be managed and compared within a consistent cost structure.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"typische-fehler-bei-der-kostenschatzung-nach-din-276\">Typical errors in cost estimation according to DIN 276<\/h2>\n\n<p>Although the cost estimate is clearly structured in accordance with DIN 276, inaccuracies often arise in practice. A typical mistake is to record individual cost groups incompletely or to underestimate ancillary construction costs. Costs in group 700 in particular are often estimated too broadly in early phases or are not sufficiently differentiated.  <\/p>\n\n<p>Another common mistake is mixing cost estimates and cost calculations. While the cost estimate is based on assumptions and parameters, the cost calculation requires a more detailed quantity takeoff. If these stages are not clearly separated, unrealistic expectations arise with regard to accuracy and reliability.  <\/p>\n\n<p>The lack of documentation of the underlying assumptions is equally problematic. Without a clear derivation, deviations in the later course of the project can hardly be explained. Planning changes are also sometimes not consistently incorporated into the cost estimate, which distorts the budget picture.  <\/p>\n\n<p>With NOVA AVA, these risks can be reduced, as cost groups can be structured, assumptions can be stored transparently and changes can be systematically updated. In this way, the cost estimate in accordance with DIN 276 remains comprehensible and reliable &#8211; even as planning progresses. <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:14px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kostenschatzung-nach-din-276-mit-ava-software\">Cost estimation according to DIN 276 with AVA software<\/h2>\n\n<p>A structured cost estimate in accordance with DIN 276 benefits considerably from the use of specialized AVA software. While Excel spreadsheets or isolated calculation models often lead to media discontinuities, an AVA-supported working method enables an integrated, consistent cost structure. <\/p>\n\n<p>Cost groups can be created in accordance with standards and linked to cost elements. Individual values, key figures or lump sums can be documented in a traceable manner and updated at any time. Changes in the planning status have a direct effect on the assigned costs, which means that the cost estimate can be updated dynamically.  <\/p>\n\n<p>A decisive advantage lies in the subsequent reuse of the data. The structures created in the cost estimate in accordance with DIN 276 form the basis for the subsequent cost calculation and the invitation to tender. This means that there is no break between early budget assumptions and the later BOQ-based cost calculation.  <\/p>\n\n<p>With NOVA AVA, cost estimating remains part of a consistent AVA process. Cost groups, cost elements and calculation approaches can be set up on a project-specific basis and continued consistently as the project progresses &#8211; from the initial budget forecast to the award of contract. <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:14px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kostenschatzung-nach-din-276-mit-nova-ava\">Cost estimation according to DIN 276 with NOVA AVA<\/h2>\n\n<p>With NOVA AVA, the cost estimate can be set up in a structured and standardized manner in accordance with DIN 276. The cost groups can be created in accordance with DIN 276 and expanded to suit the specific project. This creates a clear, evaluable cost structure right from the start, which is oriented towards the requirements of construction cost management.  <\/p>\n\n<p>Within the cost groups, cost elements are defined that are based on characteristic values, comparative projects or initial quantity takeoffs. These elements can be documented transparently and specified as planning progresses. In this way, the cost estimate remains comprehensible and can be developed step by step into a cost calculation.  <\/p>\n\n<p>A major advantage is the consistency of the data. The structures recorded in the cost estimate in accordance with DIN 276 can later be transferred directly to the Bill of Quantities or linked to items. This consistently establishes the link between early budget planning and concrete tendering.  <\/p>\n\n<p>NOVA AVA also supports evaluation according to cost groups, the display of cost statuses and updating in the event of planning changes. The cost estimate is thus not only created, but actively used as a control instrument in the project. <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"717\" src=\"https:\/\/nova-ava.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/DnTwX5ZEAMq-1024x717.png\" alt=\"Laptop shows the NOVA AVA functions\" class=\"wp-image-12782\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fazit-mehr-sicherheit-durch-strukturierte-kostenschatzung\">Conclusion: More security through structured cost estimation<\/h2>\n\n<p><strong>Advantages of cost estimation according to DIN 276 in the course of the project<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Transparency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comparability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fee calculation according to HOAI<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Basis for awarding units<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Building trust with the client<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<p>The cost estimate according to DIN 276 is much more than an initial rough budget indication. It forms the structured basis for decision-making for clients and planning teams in the preliminary planning phase and creates transparency regarding the expected costs of a project. Thanks to the clear breakdown into cost groups, it enables comparability, traceability and a clean progression to cost calculation.  <\/p>\n\n<p>The decisive factor here is not only compliance with the DIN 276 structure, but also the consistent documentation of assumptions and calculation approaches. This is the only way to ensure that the cost estimate remains reliable and can be systematically updated in the event of planning changes. <\/p>\n\n<p>With NOVA AVA, the cost estimate can be structured in accordance with DIN 276, evaluated and integrated into the subsequent AVA process. The consistent database ensures that consistent cost management is created from an early budget forecast &#8211; from preliminary planning to <a href=\"https:\/\/nova-ava.de\/en\/funktionen\/tendering-and-awarding\/\">tendering<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The cost estimate in accordance with DIN 276 is the second stage of cost determination in the construction industry and is part of the basic service of service phase 2 in accordance with HOAI. It is created as part of the preliminary planning and provides the first systematically structured statement about the expected project costs. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":12781,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12966","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-knowledge"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nova-ava.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12966","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nova-ava.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nova-ava.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nova-ava.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nova-ava.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12966"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/nova-ava.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12966\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12969,"href":"https:\/\/nova-ava.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12966\/revisions\/12969"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nova-ava.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12781"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nova-ava.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12966"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nova-ava.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12966"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nova-ava.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12966"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}