DIN 276

DIN 276 is a German DIN standard used in the construction industry (Bauwesen) for cost planning. It serves two primary purposes: determining project costs and serving as the basis for calculating fees for architects and engineers under the German Fee Structure for Architects and Engineers (HOAI).

Scope

DIN 276 applies to cost planning in construction, specifically for the identification and organization of costs. It covers costs for new construction, reconstruction, and modernization of buildings and related project-related costs. The standard extends to building construction (Hochbau), civil engineering (Ingenieurbau), infrastructure facilities, and open spaces. For usage costs in building construction, DIN 18960 applies.

Cost Determination Stages

The standard defines six stages of cost determination, each corresponding to a specific phase of the planning process:

1. Cost Framework (Kostenrahmen) – Needs planning (LPH 0 or 1)
2. Cost Estimate (Kostenschätzung) – Preliminary planning (LPH 2)
3. Cost Calculation (Kostenberechnung) – Design planning (LPH 3)
4. Cost Quotation (Kostenvoranschlag) – Execution planning and preparation of awarding (LPH 6) – added in the 2018 edition
5. Cost Budget (Kostenanschlag) – Participation in awarding (LPH 7)
6. Cost Determination (Kostenfeststellung) – Object supervision (LPH 8)

Under HOAI, only the cost estimate, cost calculation, and cost determination are classified as basic services (Grundleistungen); the other stages may require additional fees as special services.

Cost Groups (Kostengruppen)

Costs are organized hierarchically into seven main cost groups (KG 100–700):

• KG 100: Grundstück (Land/Property) – includes land value, ancillary land costs, third-party rights
• KG 200: Vorbereitende Maßnahmen (Preparatory Measures) – site preparation, public and non-public utilities, compensatory measures
• KG 300: Bauwerk – Baukonstruktionen (Building – Construction Structures) – excavation, foundations, walls, ceilings, roofs, infrastructure structures, built-in elements
• KG 400: Bauwerk – Technische Anlagen (Building – Technical Installations) – plumbing, heating, HVAC, electrical, communication/security systems, conveyors, building automation
• KG 500: Außenanlagen und Freiflächen (Exterior Facilities and Open Spaces) – earthworks, foundations, pavements, technical installations, vegetation, water features
• KG 600: Ausstattung und Kunstwerke (Furnishings and Artworks) – general and special equipment, IT equipment, artistic works
• KG 700: Baunebenkosten (Ancillary Construction Costs) – client tasks, planning services, specialist planning, general construction ancillary costs
• KG 800: Finanzierungskosten (Financing Costs) – financing ancillary costs, interest on borrowed and equity capital, guarantees

Historical Development

• DIN 276 (1981) – The version still referenced in HOAI 1996/2002 for fee determination.
• DIN 276-1:2006-11 – Title and structure revised to extend the standard beyond building construction.
• DIN 276-1:2008-12 – Incorporated amendments A1 (2008) and correction 1 (2007).
• DIN 276:2018-12 – Consolidated DIN 276-1 (building construction) and DIN 276-4 (civil engineering) into a single standard. The title was updated to "Costs in Construction." Cost group KG 540 was moved to KG 550.

Relationship with HOAI

HOAI 2009, 2013, and 2021 still reference the outdated DIN 276-1:2008-12 for project processing and fee calculation. This means cost calculations must often be prepared in two structures: the most recent version for project processing and the 1981 version for fee determination.

Equivalent Standards

In Austria, the equivalent standard is ÖNORM B 1801-1.