ᐅ Feedback on Floor Plan – Are Size and Price Acceptable?
Created on: 28 Apr 2020 09:19
J
JohannFugger
Hello dear house building forum,
After a promising start working with our architect, there has been a significant drop in performance lately, and we’re no longer sure if he is really doing his best to achieve the optimal result for us.
--> Time for the house building forum!
Attached are the floor plans for the granny flat, first floor, attic, and exterior views.
Where we started / Basic information:
- Single-family home with shared wall – one child (10)
- Slightly sloped site – ideal for a small granny flat for later use by our child or for rental
- Roof pitch 38° – gable roof
- South-facing slope
- Plot approx. 650sqm (7000 sqft)
- The small extension at the rear living area on the ground floor came about because the neighbors want to build a noticeably longer house, so we’re trying to visually soften the resulting wall at our terrace
- My wife had a slipped disc, so we decided to plan a laundry chute from the basement to the first floor. The washing machines should definitely stay in the basement
- We are currently planning a simple gas heating system, photovoltaic system, and central mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
- Gas fireplace
- Open-plan design
Our main concerns at the moment:
- Is the size appropriate? On the plans, it all looks quite nice, but when the architect estimates a price of 545,000 EUR, it makes us wonder if everything really adds up. (The building plot also had to be paid for)
- Do you find the exterior look harmonious and balanced?
- Do you think a wardrobe of this size on the first floor is sufficient?
- We have currently commissioned the architect only up to phase 4 – do you think it makes sense to have him carry out the other construction phases as well, or should we rather hire an external construction expert? Phases 5 to 9 alone would cost another 45,000 EUR, which seems quite high to me.
We are already looking forward to your feedback and an open discussion!
Best regards
JohannFugger
After a promising start working with our architect, there has been a significant drop in performance lately, and we’re no longer sure if he is really doing his best to achieve the optimal result for us.
--> Time for the house building forum!
Attached are the floor plans for the granny flat, first floor, attic, and exterior views.
Where we started / Basic information:
- Single-family home with shared wall – one child (10)
- Slightly sloped site – ideal for a small granny flat for later use by our child or for rental
- Roof pitch 38° – gable roof
- South-facing slope
- Plot approx. 650sqm (7000 sqft)
- The small extension at the rear living area on the ground floor came about because the neighbors want to build a noticeably longer house, so we’re trying to visually soften the resulting wall at our terrace
- My wife had a slipped disc, so we decided to plan a laundry chute from the basement to the first floor. The washing machines should definitely stay in the basement
- We are currently planning a simple gas heating system, photovoltaic system, and central mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
- Gas fireplace
- Open-plan design
Our main concerns at the moment:
- Is the size appropriate? On the plans, it all looks quite nice, but when the architect estimates a price of 545,000 EUR, it makes us wonder if everything really adds up. (The building plot also had to be paid for)
- Do you find the exterior look harmonious and balanced?
- Do you think a wardrobe of this size on the first floor is sufficient?
- We have currently commissioned the architect only up to phase 4 – do you think it makes sense to have him carry out the other construction phases as well, or should we rather hire an external construction expert? Phases 5 to 9 alone would cost another 45,000 EUR, which seems quite high to me.
We are already looking forward to your feedback and an open discussion!
Best regards
JohannFugger
A
Alessandro28 Apr 2020 11:46A lot of money can be saved by buying a mobile home.
I roughly estimated that it should be about 265 m² (2850 sq ft) excluding the garage, with complex architecture featuring many recesses and projections.
With some luck, the budget of around 545k might be enough, but it can easily be exceeded due to the elaborate design. However, this estimate does not include additional construction-related costs (such as architect fees), landscaping, kitchen/furnishings, and likely not the garage either (which, if integrated nicely, will be quite expensive).
And yes, this is already very large for three people, and some tight spots would bother me at this size (kitchen, wardrobe, narrow-shaped children’s room, no separate kids’ bathroom).
With some luck, the budget of around 545k might be enough, but it can easily be exceeded due to the elaborate design. However, this estimate does not include additional construction-related costs (such as architect fees), landscaping, kitchen/furnishings, and likely not the garage either (which, if integrated nicely, will be quite expensive).
And yes, this is already very large for three people, and some tight spots would bother me at this size (kitchen, wardrobe, narrow-shaped children’s room, no separate kids’ bathroom).
Alessandro schrieb:
If it fits the budget, JohannFugger schrieb:
Cost estimate according to architect/planner: 545,000 euros
Personal price limit for the house, including fittings: 450,000 euros A
Alessandro28 Apr 2020 11:50Alright, I take it all back! I missed the price limit because it was posted afterwards.
Sorry...
Sorry...
The budget does not match the house. I would adjust both: increase the budget or reduce the house size. All the projections cost a lot, the slope adds expense, and then there’s the size. It’s fine if you can afford it. Based on the current house plan, I expect the cost to be closer to 800k rather than 400k.
You are building a semi-detached house. Do you have the same architect as your neighbor? That would be advisable.
I would remove the granny flat.
Reduce the footprint.
The reading corner can become a separate room in the basement. While large open living spaces are nice, they offer little privacy. Issues start when, for example, a woman wants to make a phone call in peace or a man wants to watch football.
Entrance, cloakroom, reading corner, and technical room should go in the basement.
Ground floor with a smaller multi-purpose space, and adjust the pantry layout so a freezer can fit.
The multi-purpose room can be smaller. Losing 20-30 sqm (215-323 sq ft) won’t hurt. That alone could save 40-60k.
I would remove the bay windows (reading corner, above the garage). Bay windows cost almost as much as enlarging the house across the entire width.
First floor:
Remove the son’s gallery. Quote from our architect: it costs about 5,000 euros. My three children each had one—it was interesting for four weeks, then that was it. The children’s room is huge, about twice the normal size.
A gallery is a matter of taste. It costs money and affects privacy.
Put the washing machine on the first floor where the laundry is generated.
Remove the bay window from the bedroom.
Some of the appearance could possibly be achieved with wood or color accents.
You are building a semi-detached house. Do you have the same architect as your neighbor? That would be advisable.
I would remove the granny flat.
Reduce the footprint.
The reading corner can become a separate room in the basement. While large open living spaces are nice, they offer little privacy. Issues start when, for example, a woman wants to make a phone call in peace or a man wants to watch football.
Entrance, cloakroom, reading corner, and technical room should go in the basement.
Ground floor with a smaller multi-purpose space, and adjust the pantry layout so a freezer can fit.
The multi-purpose room can be smaller. Losing 20-30 sqm (215-323 sq ft) won’t hurt. That alone could save 40-60k.
I would remove the bay windows (reading corner, above the garage). Bay windows cost almost as much as enlarging the house across the entire width.
First floor:
Remove the son’s gallery. Quote from our architect: it costs about 5,000 euros. My three children each had one—it was interesting for four weeks, then that was it. The children’s room is huge, about twice the normal size.
A gallery is a matter of taste. It costs money and affects privacy.
Put the washing machine on the first floor where the laundry is generated.
Remove the bay window from the bedroom.
Some of the appearance could possibly be achieved with wood or color accents.
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