ᐅ Experiences with Architect, General Contractor, and Construction Manager for a Solid Single-Family House (Neuss, Lower Rhine)

We are looking for an architect, general contractor, or construction manager from the Neuss, Mönchengladbach, Krefeld, or Viersen area for the construction of a single-family house. A plot of land is already available.

Helpful are especially recommendations for local building companies from the region and personal experiences with solid construction home manufacturers (e.g. Viebrockhaus, Kern, Town & Country, Baumeister, ARGE).

Currently, the following is planned:
Single-family house
Solid construction
200 sq m (2,150 sq ft)
No bay windows, balconies, or similar planned
A lot of glass facing the rear on the ground floor
Gable roof
KFW 55 (energy standard)
Central ventilation with heat recovery
Photovoltaic system
Geothermal heat pump
Optional: Basement with waterproof concrete (white tank)
Optional: KNX (home automation system)

We appreciate any tips!

EFH2020 schrieb:

We are looking for an architect, general contractor (GC), or project manager for the construction of a detached single-family house.

That sounds very vague. Are you just “open to anything” or “without a clear plan”? (You have only been registered as a member here for a few hours, but it’s hard to estimate how long you have been following the forum — I suspect it is still quite recent.)

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/

We are strongly leaning towards a general contractor, but have not made a decision yet.

EFH2020 schrieb:

We are leaning strongly towards a general contractor,

It might be helpful to explain this preference

EFH2020 schrieb:

but we haven’t made a final decision yet

… because of uncertainty (what is holding you back?) or because it’s still open?

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

11ant schrieb:

It might be helpful to explain this tendency

... because uncertain (where is the issue?) or because open?

Thanks for asking, here is a more detailed explanation to clarify:

We are still in the exploratory phase. Having everything from a single source with a fixed construction schedule and predictable costs from a general contractor (GC) suits us. We are still uncertain about how high the additional cost for this might be and whether our requirements can be met by providers in this form.

Before we find a suitable GC, we do not want to rule out any other options.

Are you from the area and do you have experience with GCs that could be helpful for us?

EFH2020 schrieb:

A plot of land is available.

EFH2020 schrieb:

our wishes

Then just go here: https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/grundrissplanung-unbedingt-vor-Beitrag-Erstellung-lesen.11714/ – then we can get started.

In NE/MG/KR/KK I don’t have a recommended general contractor (GC) on hand. Basically, you should know that an architect and a GC/main contractor are not mutually exclusive. I think it’s smart to have the architect manage the detailed planning and construction supervision, while also allowing GCs to participate in the tender process. Without knowing your wishes, your plot, and your zoning plan (building permit/planning permission), it’s hard to say anything more specific. The more standard these three factors are, the more likely a suggestion from the GC and their draftsman will be sufficient – conversely, the more complex this trio, the more you will need an independent architect (even if the house is not aiming to win design awards).

The less experience you have, the more strongly it is recommended to read widely through other threads here.

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