ᐅ Pay attention to small details during the planning stage, such as towel warmers and similar features.

cschiko schrieb:
I personally really like rimless toilets (hygiene), but if they don’t fit the budget in the end

The price difference for us was just 50 Euro...

11ant schrieb:
I prefer the laundry chute—another useful little feature. I would design it as a multi-chamber chute so you can sort laundry types right at the source.

Well, the laundry still has to be brought back up later. Two extra flights of stairs that have to be used unnecessarily. Our new washing machine is almost quieter than our dishwasher, so when it comes to noise, I don’t see a problem.

With a price difference of 50€ (about $55), I wouldn’t even think twice. If it really comes down to that, I’d just ask my in-laws to gift us the 2-3 times 50€ (2-3 times $55) upfront as a housewarming present XD

Mycraft schrieb:
And as you write, the price ultimately isn’t much higher. But it is generally higher.

I consider that a misconception. Just as you don’t want to compare a conventional electrical installation with a KNX system and rightly put the additional cost of KNX into perspective, the same approach should be applied here.

If you want to achieve the same functionality with a conventional electrical system as with KNX, it will be significantly more expensive. If you want to replicate a conventional electrical installation using KNX (even though it might not make sense), KNX will noticeably cost more.

It is the same with architects. If you want to build the same customized house designed by an architect (including shapes, materials, finishes) with a general contractor (GC), you will definitely pay more. Which is not surprising.
If you are okay with (to put it bluntly) catalog-type houses with a few variations, you probably have a price advantage with a GC, although many apparently do not realize that you can also hire a GC when working with an architect. In my opinion, this approach reduces flexibility and the transparency you get from directly contracting individual trades.

My impression is that building with an architect generally takes longer. And if you want to put costs to that, there is probably a slight price disadvantage. GCs are usually quite effective and efficient, which often results in shorter construction times. Whether this is good or can turn into a problem (for example if the building is still too damp but the GC proceeds with flooring to meet the deadline for profitability) is another question.

We are building with an architect and do not regret it. On the contrary! Friends of ours have also had major problems with an architect. The same applies similarly to GCs. There are bad apples everywhere.... Oops, I realize this is somewhat off-topic. Sorry [emoji51]

What about alarm systems? Considering the rising crime rates, it is certainly something worth thinking about.

None. Living in one of the quietest counties.
Ask the police. They provide advice here and are independent.

Hausbauer1 schrieb:
What about alarm systems? Considering the rising crime rates, it's definitely something to think about.

Crime rates are actually still decreasing, or are you only watching Fox News?

A light switch for each room should be placed immediately to the right of every door frame—!!! We saved one or two switches in the hallway by placing two switches centrally, but that’s simply not ergonomic and has become annoying over time.

I have also considered a fixed window section so you don’t always have to clear off the windowsill. Maybe in 20 years, when we get new windows.