ᐅ Building a House is Coming Up! Tips, Tips, Tips

Hello everyone,

My surroundings and I are complete novices when it comes to building.
I have recently purchased a small 219 m2 (2,358 sq ft) plot and plan to build a semi-detached house on it.

The semi-detached house will have 2.5 floors. I am attaching a picture of how it is supposed to look and some plans.

I WOULD BE REALLY GRATEFUL FOR ANY ADVICE.

Current status:

I have an offer from an architect acting as the general contractor.
For the house without a basement with 154 m2 (1,657 sq ft), there is a fixed price of 295,000 euros.
NOT included in this price:

Painter and flooring work

Extras included:

Underfloor heating on the ground floor and first floor
Triple-glazed windows
Plumbing for guest toilet and main bathroom
Paving of the terrace
Building permit / planning permission
Construction site expenses
Soil survey
[Cadastral office measurement]

What should my next steps be?

Is this good value for money? Is 295,000 euros a lot for a solid masonry build?
Where is there potential to save money for someone inexperienced in construction?
Should I contract some work to other tradespeople myself?
How and where can I get comparable offers?
Where can I find other building companies or general contractors to compare? I am building in Krefeld.

The plot seller told me that while the price is firm, it may be possible to negotiate extras.
What would be realistic?

Any other tips would be greatly appreciated.
What else should I be thinking about now?

PDF attached

How are the finances looking? I’m a pro at complaining!

The architect’s price estimate initially seems realistic.
Have a look here and here for some information, and especially compare the additional costs with your plans and the general contractor’s scope of work description.
I find the house plan workable for now; it would be interesting to know a bit more about the plot of land.
Why not add a small bathroom in the attic?

P.S. I just revisited your other post, which includes a site plan. Are you referring to the northern or the southern plot?

apokolok schrieb:

The architect’s cost estimate seems realistic at first glance.
Read up a bit here and here, and especially compare the additional costs with your plans and the construction specifications from the general contractor.
I find the house plan practical overall; it would be interesting to know more about the plot.
Why not add a small bathroom to the attic?

P.S. I just connected this to your other post, which also has a site plan. Are you referring to the northern or southern plot?

So, the plot is in the south. The garden would face southwest.
In the initial meeting, the architect mentioned a fixed price including additional construction costs.
295,000 euros (approx. $) fixed price.
Except for flooring and wall coverings, garden landscaping, and 4,000 euros (approx. $) for "connections."
Everything else is included in the 295,000 euros (see above).
Adding a bathroom to the attic would incur an extra charge, but I will ask the general contractor for a goodwill discount.

HilfeHilfe schrieb:

How are things looking financially? I’m a professional at complaining!

What do you mean by that?

He means whether you make a living by collecting returnable bottles or if something else is increasing the numbers in your bank account...