ᐅ Comparing Quotes – The Challenge of Choosing

Created on: 24 Jun 2020 16:45
J
jwhick_07
Hello everyone,

Currently, we have two fairly final offers from two general contractors (GCs). One GC is a regional company that is reportedly very well rated online (4.7 out of 5 stars according to Google). All our discussions with them were very convincing, and we felt very comfortable. On the other hand, we have a well-known and respected GC, especially in the northern region, called Viebrockhaus. Our advisor there is very dedicated, and you can tell you are dealing with a professional salesperson, which does not mean we did not also feel comfortable with the regional GC. The house in question was designed almost identically by both, so we can compare very well. Nevertheless, both have their differences here and there in terms of house construction, building services, etc. Price-wise, Viebrockhaus is predictably about €6,000 cheaper. We are still very torn. For us, the price is not necessarily decisive, but mainly the quality of the final home, which is why I am seeking advice and opinions on the mentioned differences between the offers here in the forum.

In detail, the following points can currently be compared. The costs for the sampling/customization selection are not yet clear.
























































Comparable Services Viebrockhaus Regional GC
Insulation/Wall Construction Double-shell wall construction
15 cm aerated concrete masonry,
12 cm thermal insulation,
1.5 cm air gap,
11.5 cm clinker brick veneer
approx. 40.0 cm total wall thickness
Double-shell wall construction
17.5 cm backing masonry (aerated concrete PPW 2 or PPW 4, e.g., from Ytong or H&H),
18.0 cm core insulation (with thermal conductivity rating WLG 032),
approx. 1.5 cm finger gap,
11.5 cm facing brick,
approx. 1.5 cm textured plaster (grain size 2-3 mm, white color),
approx. 50.0 cm total wall thickness
Attic (Wall Construction) Drywall partitions Solid aerated concrete (wall thicknesses of 11.5 cm and 17.5 cm, PPW 2–4)
Building Services Air-to-water heat pump and controlled ventilation system
Indoor unit: Nibe VVM S320, outdoor unit: Nibe Fighter 2040-6
Air-to-water heat pump including controlled ventilation system with heat recovery
Indoor unit: Stiebel Eltron, model LWZ 5 S Plus.
Photovoltaic System 2.6 kWp with 6.5 kWh battery storage
3.25 kWp with 4 kWh battery storage
Roof Structure Studio truss roof with purlins Purlin roof including concealed steel supports
Living Area 152.40 m² (1,641 sq ft) 151.47 m² (1,630 sq ft)
Warranty 10 years 5 years
J
jwhick_07
26 Jun 2020 16:32
T_im_Norden schrieb:

It should say more expensive.
Site setup and access road, if necessary, can be costly.
I would only consider a battery for the photovoltaic system if it is subsidized.
Otherwise, it doesn’t make much sense.

For the complete supply and disposal as well as all civil engineering work, the costs have been estimated at €25,000 (approximately $27,000), and upon inquiry, it will definitely not be more expensive, probably even cheaper. It should be noted that we have a private driveway to the house, which measures 3.5 x 32 m (11.5 x 105 ft).

The photovoltaic system with 8 modules including storage is priced at €15,150 (approximately $16,300). I am currently trying to find out if someone can do it cheaper.
K
KEVST
26 Jun 2020 17:07
15,150€ for a 2.6 kWp system including a 6.5 kWh battery storage is clearly too expensive. Also, 2.6 kWp is quite low. During the winter months, the battery storage is basically ineffective because you won't be able to charge it properly.
T
T_im_Norden
26 Jun 2020 19:50
Is there already a geotechnical survey?

Otherwise, I would be cautious about statements regarding civil engineering costs.
J
jwhick_07
26 Jun 2020 19:58
T_im_Norden schrieb:

Is there already a geotechnical report for the building site?

Otherwise, I would be cautious about statements regarding earthworks costs.
The authorities have carried out several boreholes throughout the entire development area. For our plot, there is no borehole directly at the location where the house will be built. However, there is a deep borehole quite close to our property, which showed very good soil conditions. I know, in the end, it’s still a bit of a gamble. We will definitely have a final report prepared specifically for our land before committing to anything.
GünniOhneH3 Jul 2020 14:29
Hi, how open are the two suppliers to negotiations? Were you able to negotiate any changes? Of course, the price can always be increased, but was there any room for negotiation? Or is it always a take-it-or-leave-it offer?
H
Hausbauer4747
25 May 2021 11:25
GünniOhneH schrieb:

Hi, what about the willingness to negotiate from both providers? Were you able to renegotiate anything? Of course, prices can often be adjusted upwards, but was there any room for negotiation? Or was it always a take-it-or-leave-it offer?

I still find this a very interesting question even after nearly a year. 🙂

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