Hello,
we are planning to build a city villa with 135 m² (1453 sq ft) over two floors this summer. On the roof (approximately 23° pitch), a solar system for domestic hot water preparation is to be installed, possibly including a ventilation system with heat recovery (different thread).
Our question, especially after visiting several trade fairs, is whether we should choose a solid, brick-on-brick house or a solid, expandable prefabricated house. Pros and cons?
The only thing we know so far is that the disadvantage of a prefabricated house is that it does not have solid masonry walls, which can be a problem for heavy wall cabinets, etc., and that its resale value might not be as high as that of a brick house. Energy efficiency, insulation, and speed of construction naturally speak in favor of the prefabricated house, as well as the lower initial costs, of course.
For your information, we are fortunate to have many skilled tradespeople in the family and would like to do a lot ourselves (as long as our builder gives us free rein and it is allowed within warranty terms). Electricians, drywallers/plasterers, masons, and bricklayers are all present in the family.
Which building method and whether a shell/partial self-build house would you recommend to us?
What do you think?
we are planning to build a city villa with 135 m² (1453 sq ft) over two floors this summer. On the roof (approximately 23° pitch), a solar system for domestic hot water preparation is to be installed, possibly including a ventilation system with heat recovery (different thread).
Our question, especially after visiting several trade fairs, is whether we should choose a solid, brick-on-brick house or a solid, expandable prefabricated house. Pros and cons?
The only thing we know so far is that the disadvantage of a prefabricated house is that it does not have solid masonry walls, which can be a problem for heavy wall cabinets, etc., and that its resale value might not be as high as that of a brick house. Energy efficiency, insulation, and speed of construction naturally speak in favor of the prefabricated house, as well as the lower initial costs, of course.
For your information, we are fortunate to have many skilled tradespeople in the family and would like to do a lot ourselves (as long as our builder gives us free rein and it is allowed within warranty terms). Electricians, drywallers/plasterers, masons, and bricklayers are all present in the family.
Which building method and whether a shell/partial self-build house would you recommend to us?
What do you think?
The only thing we already know is that the disadvantage of a prefab house is that it doesn’t have solid masonry walls, which can be a problem for heavy wall cabinets, etc., and that the resale value at some point is not as high as with a brick house.I think that’s a myth. If you choose a good home builder, you won’t have those problems. On the contrary. How would you feel if someone told you that you can even mount heavy kitchen cabinets on the wall without anchors?
That’s actually not an issue if the wall construction is right. One or more solid wood panels need to be installed, then it works.
We’ve also heard the argument about resale value quite often. Of course, mainly from solid masonry house builders. But personally, I build to live in the house. And a 60-year-old house, no matter the construction type, doesn’t sell particularly well. Our builder has been making prefab homes for more than 50 years, so it can’t be that bad.
But the biggest advantage, and our deciding factor: the construction time.
Five days after the house is set up, everything is finished and the screed can start drying. Since we both work full-time, we can’t afford to constantly monitor and supervise the construction site. I take a week off, and that’s it.
Besides the lower acquisition costs If you don’t buy a flimsy house, there is no price difference. As I said, it depends on the wall construction.B
Bauexperte27 Mar 2012 11:46Hello,
Ventilation is rarely a bad decision nowadays, especially with increasingly airtight buildings!
First of all, to clarify: the market share of prefabricated houses in new constructions is at most 15%. The traditional prefab industry naturally focuses on upcoming energy regulations, as they seem to have an easier time meeting future exterior wall requirements without significantly increasing wall thickness. On the other hand, “massive” house builders are not standing still, and it remains an undeniable fact that many typical homebuyers prefer solid masonry walls over prefabricated construction.
Regardless of this, it is already crucial today which prefab company you choose—there are huge differences here. You should especially avoid low-cost providers. A solid prefabricated house is always more expensive than a solidly built masonry house, but there are no problems financing it or later reselling it. Your mortgage advisor will be able to give valuable advice about reputable providers and help you choose the right company in this segment.
I have already commented on the costs of a “classic” prefabricated house above.
If you follow my posts here a bit, you will quickly notice that I am a strong advocate of masonry houses—without, however, criticizing the serious competitors in the prefab market; which would be more than questionable, since there is no “good” or “bad” building system—it always depends heavily on the provider!
Recently, it is no longer true that only the prefab industry offers fast construction. A proven system has returned to the market, addressing the fact that 85% of homebuilders still want to combine the benefits of a solid single-family house with the apparent advantages (especially regarding speed) of a prefab house. This system uses precast load-bearing walls made of expanded clay aggregate (Liapor). Thanks to the precision of wall elements (produced with laser-controlled manufacturing plants), windows and doors can be ordered before the shell assembly; corresponding openings and wall channels for building services are integrated on delivery. Due to the smooth formwork finish of the walls, the “interior plastering” trade is eliminated, which also reduces additional construction moisture—something still common even with mostly glued finishes.
I personally visited the concrete plant and production just last week and was impressed. My partner, who had once sold this system years ago, was recently offered distribution rights in his sales area; but that is just a side note.
Then a traditional “shell and core” house—closed shell including roof and windows—might be the right choice for you if your family/friends reliably stand by their word! The question then is whether you will buy the necessary interior finishing materials yourself on the open market or purchase finishing packages (if offered) from the builder and only handle the installation. If the family electrician has the appropriate certification, either option is possible; the same applies for the family plumber.
I will not make any recommendations since you must decide this together with your loved ones; clarify whether the family really keeps their word and tackles the interior finishing together. I would always advise against low-cost providers—whether you choose a prefab or masonry house. Because, in the end, cheap always turns out to be expensive.
Kind regards
eifohn schrieb:
We are planning to build a townhouse of 135m² (1,453 sq ft) over two floors this summer. On the roof (about 23° pitch), a solar system for domestic hot water preparation is to be installed, possibly including room ventilation with heat recovery (another thread).
Ventilation is rarely a bad decision nowadays, especially with increasingly airtight buildings!
eifohn schrieb:
The only thing we already know is that the disadvantage of a prefabricated house is that it does not have massive masonry walls, which can be an issue for heavy wall cabinets etc., and that the resale value might not be as high someday as with a masonry house.
First of all, to clarify: the market share of prefabricated houses in new constructions is at most 15%. The traditional prefab industry naturally focuses on upcoming energy regulations, as they seem to have an easier time meeting future exterior wall requirements without significantly increasing wall thickness. On the other hand, “massive” house builders are not standing still, and it remains an undeniable fact that many typical homebuyers prefer solid masonry walls over prefabricated construction.
Regardless of this, it is already crucial today which prefab company you choose—there are huge differences here. You should especially avoid low-cost providers. A solid prefabricated house is always more expensive than a solidly built masonry house, but there are no problems financing it or later reselling it. Your mortgage advisor will be able to give valuable advice about reputable providers and help you choose the right company in this segment.
eifohn schrieb:
Energy efficiency, insulation, and speed of construction naturally speak in favor of the prefab house, besides the lower initial costs, of course.
I have already commented on the costs of a “classic” prefabricated house above.
If you follow my posts here a bit, you will quickly notice that I am a strong advocate of masonry houses—without, however, criticizing the serious competitors in the prefab market; which would be more than questionable, since there is no “good” or “bad” building system—it always depends heavily on the provider!
Recently, it is no longer true that only the prefab industry offers fast construction. A proven system has returned to the market, addressing the fact that 85% of homebuilders still want to combine the benefits of a solid single-family house with the apparent advantages (especially regarding speed) of a prefab house. This system uses precast load-bearing walls made of expanded clay aggregate (Liapor). Thanks to the precision of wall elements (produced with laser-controlled manufacturing plants), windows and doors can be ordered before the shell assembly; corresponding openings and wall channels for building services are integrated on delivery. Due to the smooth formwork finish of the walls, the “interior plastering” trade is eliminated, which also reduces additional construction moisture—something still common even with mostly glued finishes.
I personally visited the concrete plant and production just last week and was impressed. My partner, who had once sold this system years ago, was recently offered distribution rights in his sales area; but that is just a side note.
eifohn schrieb:
Maybe as information, we are lucky to have many craftsmen in the family and would like to do a lot ourselves (as long as our builder allows free hand and warranty conditions permit). Electrician, drywall/plasterer, mason, bricklayer are all in the family.
Then a traditional “shell and core” house—closed shell including roof and windows—might be the right choice for you if your family/friends reliably stand by their word! The question then is whether you will buy the necessary interior finishing materials yourself on the open market or purchase finishing packages (if offered) from the builder and only handle the installation. If the family electrician has the appropriate certification, either option is possible; the same applies for the family plumber.
eifohn schrieb:
Which type of house and whether a shell house or self-build would you recommend to us?
I will not make any recommendations since you must decide this together with your loved ones; clarify whether the family really keeps their word and tackles the interior finishing together. I would always advise against low-cost providers—whether you choose a prefab or masonry house. Because, in the end, cheap always turns out to be expensive.
Kind regards
Thanks to everyone, after a lot of discussion and consideration, we have decided on a masonry house. We want something solid and that will still hold its value in a few years (even though hopefully we will keep it until we are 100).
Now the next question is, which type of masonry blocks would you recommend? Calcium silicate blocks, Poroton... which have better properties, what are the price differences, or are there alternatives?
Now the next question is, which type of masonry blocks would you recommend? Calcium silicate blocks, Poroton... which have better properties, what are the price differences, or are there alternatives?
B
Bauexperte2 Apr 2012 10:44Hello,
There is no single "best" brick; each has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice always depends on the specific building project and, ultimately, on what is important to me and my personal preference...
Kind regards
eifohn schrieb:
Now the next question arises: which type of bricks would you recommend? Sand-lime brick, Poroton... which have better properties, what are the price differences, or are there alternatives?
There is no single "best" brick; each has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice always depends on the specific building project and, ultimately, on what is important to me and my personal preference...
Kind regards
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