ᐅ Prefab house provider with electrical installation as a self-performed task

Peter L. schrieb:
Here, the argument was made solely based on losing the entire(!) warranty or similar.

Which is factually absolutely correct:

Peter L. schrieb:
I considered it from the perspective of solid construction and mistakenly equated it with timber frame construction.

In solid construction, you can chase channels into the wall because there does not have to be a vapor barrier inside the wall.

However, you can also choose to order appropriate empty conduits (probably at about the same cost as running all the cables according to your plan) or focus your electrical self-installation on planning and control wiring.

ONeill schrieb:
We built with Büdenbender [...] In the equipment consultation, I provided all necessary information (power outlets, fixtures, etc.).

However, Büdenbender is more like a Michelin-star restaurant, probably not comparable to Okal Haus or Streif Haus.

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https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/

We are torn. Ideally, we would like to build with an architect, but the costs are a bit intimidating. Although it is said that architects can secure better offers through contracting, the initial estimates are significantly higher. Therefore, we are considering switching to a prefabricated house provider.

In the meantime, we have also received information that the electrical installation can be done by ourselves. You submit the electrical plan during the selection process, and then it is prepared. I’m not exactly sure whether the cables are pulled through directly or if only empty conduits are installed. At least it’s an option, but I’m not completely convinced yet.

11ant schrieb:
Now, Büdenbender is a fine-dining restaurant, which probably can’t be compared to Okal Haus and Streif Haus

How would you assess Okal Haus and Streif Haus, and which providers offer a higher quality than Okal Haus? What makes those providers better? I actually thought Okal Haus was positioned more toward the upper end.

Peter L. schrieb:
Therefore, we are considering switching to a prefab house supplier.

An unshakeable myth is that prefab house suppliers are generally "safer" for tight budgets. The reality is at best that prefab suppliers have more experience with the concept of a "shell house" (or "unfinished house"). Budget overruns happen in all approaches, but for different reasons: with solid construction, they tend to be due to price increases during the building phase and less precisely calculated quantities; with prefab construction, they are more often due to design upgrades.

Peter L. schrieb:
Whether the cables are installed directly or only empty conduits, I’m not exactly sure.

Empty conduits primarily provide an advantage if installations are expanded later on.

In general, pulling cables is mostly straightforward manual work and doesn’t involve much labor cost potential. Wiring is a bit more complex.

I would advise you to reconsider the cost-saving approach: aiming for a high standard (home automation) and the naive idea of making yourself "useful" in a way that pays off financially versus having lower standards; and with prefab houses, you can’t do the masonry yourself – whereas with kit houses, you can.

Those who overtake on the shoulder might end up lost on a dead-end road.

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https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/

Well, the budget is always tight. We just want to get the best value for the budget. So far, the estimates suggest that a prefabricated house, despite generous allowances for selections, is more affordable.

Comparing high-end standards with lower ones is difficult. What prefab house providers call a Smart Home, I don’t consider to be a Smart Home. It’s more like a remote control, and no one would call an old CRT TV smart just because it has a remote control. I can do the planning, connection, configuration, and programming myself, and why wouldn’t I do it if I’m able? For example, I would never do bricklaying myself.

As mentioned before, I don’t see prefabricated houses becoming cheaper or staying better within budget just because of their construction method. When it comes to pulling wiring, you can stay quite busy, but those are generally low-paid hours. I would always recommend dividing the control system so that you handle the programming yourself, and the interface is the wall outlet or junction box. This means specifying exactly where and how many wires coming from different sources should exit the wall. The benefit here isn’t really financial; it’s primarily that you stay decades ahead of the house manufacturers in terms of envisioning applications. In other words, if you do it yourself, you won’t have to wait until 2040 for them to catch up.

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https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/

Ah, okay, now I understand what you mean. Thanks.