Hello everyone,
First of all: I’m not sure if there is already a thread like this, but nevertheless, I would find it very interesting to gather opinions, ideas, tips, tricks, etc., shortly before or during the construction phase, in order to avoid possible “sources of errors” that some homeowners made out of lack of knowledge.
These should mostly be “small details” that can be relatively easily changed or adjusted and don’t disrupt the entire plan.
We are not talking about:
--> I wouldn’t build a basement anymore
--> I would definitely get a garage in the future
But rather things like:
--> Make sure to install a conduit for the photovoltaic system
--> Wire your front door electrically to allow for technical upgrades later on
--> Install enough power outlets at certain spots to...
--> Have a water connection installed for an additional shower to create more options later
They can really be small things that bothered you afterward, that you would have done differently, but no longer have the chance to change, or that caused additional costs later on.
Topics related to kitchen, bathroom, or similar are also welcome.
We want to think of as many things as possible (which is of course nearly impossible and always depends on individual circumstances) — but surely some tips could still be helpful.
Looking forward to your input 🙂
First of all: I’m not sure if there is already a thread like this, but nevertheless, I would find it very interesting to gather opinions, ideas, tips, tricks, etc., shortly before or during the construction phase, in order to avoid possible “sources of errors” that some homeowners made out of lack of knowledge.
These should mostly be “small details” that can be relatively easily changed or adjusted and don’t disrupt the entire plan.
We are not talking about:
--> I wouldn’t build a basement anymore
--> I would definitely get a garage in the future
But rather things like:
--> Make sure to install a conduit for the photovoltaic system
--> Wire your front door electrically to allow for technical upgrades later on
--> Install enough power outlets at certain spots to...
--> Have a water connection installed for an additional shower to create more options later
They can really be small things that bothered you afterward, that you would have done differently, but no longer have the chance to change, or that caused additional costs later on.
Topics related to kitchen, bathroom, or similar are also welcome.
We want to think of as many things as possible (which is of course nearly impossible and always depends on individual circumstances) — but surely some tips could still be helpful.
Looking forward to your input 🙂
N
nordanney19 Mar 2021 07:34KEVST schrieb:
Is it common for a homeowner to want to make numerous changes during the construction phase? What kind of ideas come up? After spending months working on the floor plan and fixtures, shouldn’t everything be clear by then?Common? Yes, often. Why? Because not enough thought was given beforehand. Necessary? Not if you know what you want and plan thoroughly in advance. Then it might only be about relocating a power outlet or something similar.M
motorradsilke19 Mar 2021 08:47nordanney schrieb:
Common? Yes, often. Why? Because not much thought was given beforehand. Necessary? No, if you know what you want and plan well in advance. Then it might just be a different outlet or something similar. I’m currently at the stage where the planning is basically finished. Yet I keep thinking of things I might want to change or include. Building a house is such a complex process nowadays that as a layperson, you simply can’t consider everything, no matter how extensive the planning phase is. And for everything, there seem to be thousands of options.
What helps me is reading a lot here. Occasionally, a keyword pops up that I want to pay more attention to. Or I read opinions that make me rethink and consider whether they apply to my own situation.
bauenmk202019 Mar 2021 08:57I thought I was already a "complicated" client, but even after construction, I picked up numerous things from the general contractor group that could HAVE been done differently. For example, clarifying whether the Poroton bricks are meant to be dipped or rolled, or requesting delivery notes to compare with the materials actually delivered on-site…
At times, I thought: Have you really studied the floor plan while others have had such details contractually secured? But as @11ant aptly put it: accept the things that should have been done differently and plan for improvements in the next house.
We built a house that considers many situations. Therefore, it ended up being a pure "compromise house." So, something in-between. Not bad, functional, etc., but far from "custom" or even "spectacular." Just standard.
Tips before starting construction or BEFORE signing the contract:
* If possible, get involved in the house design using CAD software. I started my plan in mid-2018: I drew in the building plot, marked neighbors, determined sun paths/shadows. I modeled different house orientations and various options as simple floor plans placed on the lot.
In 2019, sampling and contract signing took place. The building happened in 2020. I kept refining the plan continuously (keyword: actual furniture dimensions). I planned the electrical system, including lights, switches, sockets, etc. I created renderings for my wife to assess the WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor). I planned the garage and am currently working on the landscaping.
For details, I was able to create section views and bring them to the construction site in the morning.
At times, I thought: Have you really studied the floor plan while others have had such details contractually secured? But as @11ant aptly put it: accept the things that should have been done differently and plan for improvements in the next house.
We built a house that considers many situations. Therefore, it ended up being a pure "compromise house." So, something in-between. Not bad, functional, etc., but far from "custom" or even "spectacular." Just standard.
Tips before starting construction or BEFORE signing the contract:
* If possible, get involved in the house design using CAD software. I started my plan in mid-2018: I drew in the building plot, marked neighbors, determined sun paths/shadows. I modeled different house orientations and various options as simple floor plans placed on the lot.
In 2019, sampling and contract signing took place. The building happened in 2020. I kept refining the plan continuously (keyword: actual furniture dimensions). I planned the electrical system, including lights, switches, sockets, etc. I created renderings for my wife to assess the WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor). I planned the garage and am currently working on the landscaping.
For details, I was able to create section views and bring them to the construction site in the morning.
We did not consider the placement of the heating manifold carefully, and in hindsight, it could have been located better.
It should not be placed in a cold room, as it functions like underfloor heating; it does not need to be easily accessible (once set, that’s sufficient).
Avoid placing it directly adjacent to the heat pump in a bedroom (it can be heard in the bathroom).
We also refined the planning until the general contractor said to stop, that this was the final opportunity, and it would be built accordingly.
It should not be placed in a cold room, as it functions like underfloor heating; it does not need to be easily accessible (once set, that’s sufficient).
Avoid placing it directly adjacent to the heat pump in a bedroom (it can be heard in the bathroom).
We also refined the planning until the general contractor said to stop, that this was the final opportunity, and it would be built accordingly.
S
Seven198419 Mar 2021 09:30bauenmk2020 schrieb:
I thought I was already a "demanding" client, but even after construction, I picked up numerous things from the general contractor group that could HAVE been done differently. For example, clarifying whether the Poroton bricks are dipped or rolled, or asking for delivery notes to compare with the materials on site… Well, the method used for masonry construction is ultimately one of the less relevant aspects for you in terms of the final condition and the living value or usability. No one sees that anymore or cares about it in the end.
Structural stability is ensured equally with both methods. Wienerberger still has approval for the dipping process, while other manufacturers do not. So what? I would definitely use the energy differently ;-)
N
nordanney19 Mar 2021 09:32Don’t approach it too rigidly. The first house is for enemies, the second house for friends, the third house for yourself. It actually gets more relaxed with each new house built ;-)
Similar topics