ᐅ Solid construction or prefab home? Which is more suitable for us?
Created on: 28 Jun 2013 23:48
H
HilfeHilfeH
HilfeHilfe28 Jun 2013 23:48Hello dear forum,
We have also caught the building fever. Since borrowing costs are low and existing properties are expensive, we have decided to build and accept a longer commute.
The plot is reserved, and we are currently discussing with builders. The question is whether our plans are realistic.
The plot is about 500 square meters (5,382 square feet). We want a townhouse, two floors without a basement, floor-to-ceiling windows facing southwest, a chimney connection, living-dining area, 140 square meters (1,507 square feet) / 4 rooms / garage. The budget for the house alone is 200,000 (also including groundwork).
We are very open regarding either solid construction or prefab. We have little to no DIY skills ourselves but have friends and family who can do tiling, flooring, and plumbing (or oversee these). We don’t want a Fiat but not a Porsche either. Simply a reliable VW. We also don’t have time to manage construction extensively; it has to work smoothly. Probably for solid houses, a general contractor is ideal.
Is it realistic to realize such prices and our expectations?
Thank you
We have also caught the building fever. Since borrowing costs are low and existing properties are expensive, we have decided to build and accept a longer commute.
The plot is reserved, and we are currently discussing with builders. The question is whether our plans are realistic.
The plot is about 500 square meters (5,382 square feet). We want a townhouse, two floors without a basement, floor-to-ceiling windows facing southwest, a chimney connection, living-dining area, 140 square meters (1,507 square feet) / 4 rooms / garage. The budget for the house alone is 200,000 (also including groundwork).
We are very open regarding either solid construction or prefab. We have little to no DIY skills ourselves but have friends and family who can do tiling, flooring, and plumbing (or oversee these). We don’t want a Fiat but not a Porsche either. Simply a reliable VW. We also don’t have time to manage construction extensively; it has to work smoothly. Probably for solid houses, a general contractor is ideal.
Is it realistic to realize such prices and our expectations?
Thank you
B
Bauexperte29 Jun 2013 00:33Hello,
Where are you planning to build?
Regards, Bauexperte
Where are you planning to build?
Regards, Bauexperte
H
HilfeHilfe29 Jun 2013 00:35Oh yes, forgot the most important thing. Limburg an der Lahn area
Regards
PS: It shouldn’t be too far for you 😎
Regards
PS: It shouldn’t be too far for you 😎
B
Bauexperte29 Jun 2013 01:19Hello,
Distance is always relative :-)
But that’s not what I was referring to. In Germany, construction costs vary depending on the federal state, so to give a reasonable answer, I need to know the building location.
That won’t be feasible; maybe if you opt for a truss roof instead of a purlin roof. I can’t estimate the earthworks because I know nothing about the plot or ground conditions. However, I assume the necessary work will not be covered within your budget, even with a truss roof.
Town villa with hipped roof KfW 70 – €210,000 (purlin roof)
Fireplace vent €4,000
Garage 3 x 9 m (10 x 30 ft) – €12,000
Additional construction costs – €35,000
Painting works, owner-supplied – €10,000
Floor coverings, owner-supplied – €10,000
Landscaping, owner-supplied – €10,000
Reserve for extras – €10,000
Estimated total investment: €301,000
If you choose the truss roof option, you might save approximately €15,000.
Then read up a bit here on the forum; there are countless discussions on this topic. Both methods are either equally good or equally bad, depending on your choice of builder and ultimately, it’s always a gut feeling.
Regards, Bauexperte
HilfeHilfe schrieb:
Oh, I forgot the most important thing. Location is Limburg Lahn area.
PS: shouldn’t be too far for you 😎
Distance is always relative :-)
But that’s not what I was referring to. In Germany, construction costs vary depending on the federal state, so to give a reasonable answer, I need to know the building location.
HilfeHilfe schrieb:
We want a townhouse, 2 floors without a basement, floor-to-ceiling windows facing southwest. Fireplace vent, living-dining area, 140 sqm (1507 sq ft) / 4 rooms / garage. Budget only for the house is 200k (also including groundworks).
That won’t be feasible; maybe if you opt for a truss roof instead of a purlin roof. I can’t estimate the earthworks because I know nothing about the plot or ground conditions. However, I assume the necessary work will not be covered within your budget, even with a truss roof.
Town villa with hipped roof KfW 70 – €210,000 (purlin roof)
Fireplace vent €4,000
Garage 3 x 9 m (10 x 30 ft) – €12,000
Additional construction costs – €35,000
Painting works, owner-supplied – €10,000
Floor coverings, owner-supplied – €10,000
Landscaping, owner-supplied – €10,000
Reserve for extras – €10,000
Estimated total investment: €301,000
If you choose the truss roof option, you might save approximately €15,000.
HilfeHilfe schrieb:
We are very open regarding solid construction or prefabricated construction.
Then read up a bit here on the forum; there are countless discussions on this topic. Both methods are either equally good or equally bad, depending on your choice of builder and ultimately, it’s always a gut feeling.
Regards, Bauexperte
HilfeHilfe schrieb:
...
We are very open regarding whether to choose a solid (masonry) construction or a prefabricated building method. We ourselves have little to no DIY skills, but within our circle of friends and family, we have the possibility to have tiling, flooring, and plumbing work done or supervised. We don’t want a Fiat, but also not a Porsche. Just a reliable Volkswagen. We don’t have much time to manage construction ourselves; it needs to work smoothly. Probably, for solid houses, a general contractor is ideal. ...A building permit / planning permission is probably the easiest route... that’s what we’re doing too...
When it comes to personal contributions from family members, it’s a tricky situation.
You don’t have warranty coverage, it takes much more time (financial double burden), and the savings compared to hired work are limited.
Costs are as the construction expert says... it usually ends up being more expensive rather than cheaper... the extra thousands add up... even for a reliable Volkswagen.
Two-story construction should also be allowed according to the zoning plan 😉
There’s plenty of information in this forum about financing and which requirements (equity, income, etc.) are generally expected 🙂
Good luck
H
HilfeHilfe29 Jun 2013 08:11Phew, okay... Is this true for both construction methods? Or can you expect to stay within $200k for a prefabricated house?