Dear Forum,
We are about to purchase a plot of land (500m2 (5,382 sq ft)) and are trying to get an idea of the costs involved in building a house.
Our maximum budget for the house construction is €400,000, but since we want to have a safety margin, we initially set a budget of €350,000.
Our ideal house would have a pitched roof and a basement, with approximately 130m2 (1,400 sq ft) of living space—no frills, no luxury, but still modern.
We are unsure whether to go for a traditional masonry build or a prefabricated house. A well-known local company specializing in masonry construction quoted us costs of around €3,000 per m2 (€3,000 per 10.8 sq ft) as a basis for a “standard house.”
At first, this sounds quite expensive to me.
Since we could imagine contributing some work ourselves (with help from acquaintances and skilled friends), we hope to reduce costs somewhat this way.
Is it necessary to plan for €3,000 per m2 in any case? Even with prefabricated houses? I am also quite skeptical of the attractive offers in catalogues.
I would greatly appreciate your feedback.
We are about to purchase a plot of land (500m2 (5,382 sq ft)) and are trying to get an idea of the costs involved in building a house.
Our maximum budget for the house construction is €400,000, but since we want to have a safety margin, we initially set a budget of €350,000.
Our ideal house would have a pitched roof and a basement, with approximately 130m2 (1,400 sq ft) of living space—no frills, no luxury, but still modern.
We are unsure whether to go for a traditional masonry build or a prefabricated house. A well-known local company specializing in masonry construction quoted us costs of around €3,000 per m2 (€3,000 per 10.8 sq ft) as a basis for a “standard house.”
At first, this sounds quite expensive to me.
Since we could imagine contributing some work ourselves (with help from acquaintances and skilled friends), we hope to reduce costs somewhat this way.
Is it necessary to plan for €3,000 per m2 in any case? Even with prefabricated houses? I am also quite skeptical of the attractive offers in catalogues.
I would greatly appreciate your feedback.
haydee schrieb:
Storage space where you need it.
Garden shed for gardening tools, grill, seat cushions, pool items for winter
Attached carport for tools, tires, bicycles
Slightly larger utility room for cleaning supplies, beverage crates
Built-in closet under the stairs
Possibly a small storage room on the upper floor
Attic for Christmas decorations, suitcases, etc.
For 420,000 you get a house in the size you want, okay, without a basement +20m (65.6 ft), a carport, a garden shed, an outdoor area, and additional costs. Nothing high-end, but solid standard fittings. Great, that gives me hope! Many thanks.
A
Alessandro23 Jun 2020 13:07Does it make sense to include the storage room behind the carport within the thermal envelope and also use it for the heating installation?
Hello Mlt1402
I am a confirmed basement enthusiast. For me, a house without a basement is not a proper house.
You mentioned that you want to contribute some DIY work. Then build the house yourself. I have done this three times now. It takes time and patience, but it is also a great experience. Hire an architect until the shell of the building is complete. After that, contract out the individual trades and do a lot yourself. My shell construction cost 180,000 euros about 12 years ago (without the roof), including brickwork. Without the basement and double garage, I would have saved almost 30,000 euros.
Steven
I am a confirmed basement enthusiast. For me, a house without a basement is not a proper house.
You mentioned that you want to contribute some DIY work. Then build the house yourself. I have done this three times now. It takes time and patience, but it is also a great experience. Hire an architect until the shell of the building is complete. After that, contract out the individual trades and do a lot yourself. My shell construction cost 180,000 euros about 12 years ago (without the roof), including brickwork. Without the basement and double garage, I would have saved almost 30,000 euros.
Steven
I agree.
A basement is much more than just an expensive storage space.
It’s an additional level. That’s where the washing machine, dryer, deep freezer, and beverage fridge are located.
Of course, all of this could be upstairs as well. But you don’t want to hear or see it there. Especially the washing machine and dryer aren’t exactly quiet.
A mancave with a workspace, dartboard, small whiskey collection, and a decent TV is, in my opinion, also extremely valuable. Especially in recent months, many would have given an arm and a leg for an undisturbed workspace.
It’s going to be really hot this week, and here the basement shows all its advantages again.
I would always build with a basement, unless the size of the plot really doesn’t matter.
Usually, not having a basement nowadays also means having even less garden space on an already quite limited plot.
A basement is much more than just an expensive storage space.
It’s an additional level. That’s where the washing machine, dryer, deep freezer, and beverage fridge are located.
Of course, all of this could be upstairs as well. But you don’t want to hear or see it there. Especially the washing machine and dryer aren’t exactly quiet.
A mancave with a workspace, dartboard, small whiskey collection, and a decent TV is, in my opinion, also extremely valuable. Especially in recent months, many would have given an arm and a leg for an undisturbed workspace.
It’s going to be really hot this week, and here the basement shows all its advantages again.
I would always build with a basement, unless the size of the plot really doesn’t matter.
Usually, not having a basement nowadays also means having even less garden space on an already quite limited plot.
I don’t want to enjoy whisky in a dark cave. The freezer should be located near the kitchen, while the washing machine and dryer belong where the laundry is generated. My appliances are not noisy. When I see it at my parents’ and in-laws’ homes, rooms serve no purpose other than to make way for the trash container. Every trip becomes a hassle, and whatever can be moved ends up upstairs or in the garage.
This is not about the fundamental debate of whether to have a basement or not, but about sticking to the budget of 350,000/420,000. Or do you think it’s better to completely give up the sleeping level (light, sun, and warmth in the bedrooms is something you don’t need) and retreat to the basement with a sleeping bag and a whisky glass?
apokolok schrieb:500 square meters (5,382 square feet)! You should read the threads fully as well
Usually, not having a basement nowadays also means even less garden space on an already quite small plot.
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