ᐅ Which is more expensive: masonry or windows?

I’m not sure either; the sales representative was not willing to reveal any information or negotiate. Of course, that’s a smart approach—it avoids negotiations before the contract is signed.

Masonry costs almost nothing. Windows, on the other hand, are very expensive. That makes sense, doesn’t it?

Windows contain glass, require complex manufacturing, and then there’s the installation. Several people also make good margins on windows.

You can even easily lay a few bricks yourself if necessary, and then it won’t cost you anything!

Windows are more expensive. I assume that a general contractor (GC) who does not pass on the additional costs is recouping the money elsewhere.

Depending on the size of the windows, the structural engineering can also be more complex. For trades like exterior plastering/rendering, windows are often not deducted because although material is saved, the labor becomes more elaborate.

Shading systems (e.g., roller shutters) are also relatively costly.

Additionally, there are windowsills (both interior and exterior), which require payment for materials and labor.

ypg schrieb:

We were basically able to install our exact window dimensions wherever we wanted, including asymmetrical ones under the roof or window bands. No extra charge.

Giving the homeowner the price difference is cheaper than making fifty-seven changes just for the miserable attempt to fit the house into the budget with millimeter precision.

Bookstar schrieb:

Similarly, several people earn good margins on windows.

Nothing is really earned on plastic windows; the money just changes hands—at least for single-family homes. Beyond barely keeping their staff afloat, it no longer generates profit, thanks to price-conscious customers. Homeowners now try to make up for costs on windows that were spent on the barrier-free shower, the external blinds, and the electric double gate of the oversized junk garage.

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Bookstar schrieb:

Masonry costs almost nothing. Windows, on the other hand, are extremely expensive. That makes sense, right?

Windows include glass components, require complex manufacturing, and then there’s installation. Also, several parties take good margins on windows.

You can easily lay a few bricks yourself if necessary, and then it basically costs you nothing!

Are you serious? I’m building my house myself with a master bricklayer friend.
Masonry is often underestimated. It’s not just about laying bricks—what about all the concrete work (reinforcement, formwork, possibly precast slabs, etc.), measuring, and so on? In the end, everything has to be accurate, not only the heights but also the structural integrity. That’s actually not trivial at all, and as a layperson, you can only interpret structural calculations to a certain extent...
Anyone planning to build with a general contractor (GC) probably isn’t close enough to the actual construction to master all of that on the spot. After all, training as a bricklayer takes some time, and a master craftsman certification isn’t given away for free.
Once everything is correct—heights, corners—and you only need to build a wall section, it really goes quickly... But you should definitely have an expert by your side. Then the house will work out, but as a complete amateur, I would definitely advise against tackling it alone.

11ant schrieb:

Nowadays, the homeowners are trying to make up for the costs of the barrier-free shower, the external blinds, and the electric double gate of the oversized storage garage by cutting back on the windows.

That surprises me and I can’t quite understand it. In my opinion, few things are as important as windows. I could easily do without the items you mentioned and wouldn’t even miss them. Let’s see how many windows our house will ultimately have. Oh, if only I could have it exactly as I wanted.