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ᐅ Meeting with the construction company: What questions should we ask?

Created on: 16 Aug 2020 19:03
M
MP12345
Original post
Good evening, we have an appointment with the construction company tomorrow and, after reviewing the brochure as well as the building specifications / notarized contract, we still have some questions:

  • When do we need to sign the construction contract – prices apply for building next year, but we would like to wait for the information sheet from the tax office!
  • Is there a kindergarten behind the house? See the site plan / development plan?
  • Internet connection setup? What type of fiber optic internet is available?
  • When does the selection of finishes and fittings start?
  • Which insurances do we need?
  • When can we move in?
Are there any other questions we should definitely ask?

Thank you in advance for your valuable advice.
kati133717 Aug 2020 08:25
#19
11ant schrieb:

also read this thread: https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/bauunternehmen-stellt-arbeiten-trotz-ueberzahlung-ein.31945/
This thread also came to my mind. Their payment schedule looked very similar.
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MP1234517 Aug 2020 09:27
#20
11ant schrieb:

Are you suggesting that the developer might be using the “separation” of land sale and construction contract as a way to disguise themselves as a general contractor and thus avoid compliance with real estate agent and developer regulations? That could be considered somewhat questionable, if the resemblance to reality is not purely coincidental. For risks and side effects, don’t just ask your doctor or pharmacist, but also read this thread: https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/bauunternehmen-stellt-arbeiten-trotz-ueberzahlung-ein.31945/
kati1337 schrieb:

That thread came to my mind as well. Their payment schedule looked very similar.

Okay, understood. We will inquire today about the performance bond as well as a warranty bond.

Is there insurance that covers this in case of failure?
kati133717 Aug 2020 09:37
#21
I don’t have any recommendations for builders right now. Keep in mind that things often don’t go smoothly. Bankruptcies are frequently delayed for a long time, clients are kept waiting, construction can come to a halt for several months with no progress, and what is built often has defects. Take the time to read through the linked thread from start to finish—it’s a horror story.
Therefore, if you’re not 100% confident in the company, I would advise against proceeding. Choosing the wrong builder can lead to personal bankruptcy, and personally, that payment plan chopped up like parsley would be enough to set off my alarm bells.
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MP1234517 Aug 2020 09:39
#22
kati1337 schrieb:

I can't think of any recommendations for home builders right now. Also keep in mind that things often don’t run smoothly. Bankruptcies are frequently delayed for a long time, homeowners get kept waiting, construction can come to a standstill for several months with no progress, and what is built often has defects. Really read through the linked thread from start to finish—it’s a horror story.
Therefore, if you don’t feel 100% confident about the company, I would advise against going with them. Choosing the wrong builder can end in personal bankruptcy, and personally, this detailed payment plan chopped up like parsley would already be enough to set off alarm bells for me.

Thanks for your information. We spoke with a family in the development, and they are absolutely thrilled with how everything went.

I will actively bring this up today.
kati133717 Aug 2020 09:42
#23
If you know people who have built with them, that's already a good sign.
11ant17 Aug 2020 14:48
#24
MP12345 schrieb:

Okay, understood. Then we will ask today for the performance bond as well as a warranty bond.

You’re still missing the bond for the (in my opinion, very likely) case that the tax office concludes it is a linked transaction and wants to charge you VAT on the land price as well.
MP12345 schrieb:

Thank you for your info. We spoke with a family in the development, and they are very enthusiastic about how everything went.
kati1337 schrieb:

If you know people who have built with them, that’s already a good sign.

I see it differently: taken on its own, the payment schedule might indicate a young company that has not yet built up a substantial financial cushion. Combined with “reference projects,” this raises further caution for me; it makes me think that professional insolvency practitioners often first work on building a solid reputation before a collapse. What do company databases and Gomopa say about the companies and their key personnel?
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/