Hello,
I am a single man, 45 years old, currently considering building a house again. I have three teenage children who often stay with me, although they officially live with my ex-wife. When the marriage broke down, I bought the next best house within cycling distance (in a great suburban location of a major city, built in 1995, well equipped). The house is intended to be sold if necessary, is free of liabilities, and my financial situation is comfortable partly because of this. With about 280 square meters (3000 square feet) of living space and just over 1000 square meters (0.25 acres) of property, however, it is far too large for someone living alone and requires a lot of maintenance. Maintenance means time, and I would rather spend that time on my children, traveling, and my job. I have been interested for some time in Bauhaus-style houses (more precisely: what is currently considered Bauhaus style, basically a cube-shaped design), around 140–160 square meters (1500–1700 square feet) of living space, no basement, and a plot of 500–600 square meters (0.12–0.15 acres).
Through networking, I might have the opportunity to acquire a suitable plot in the coming months.
Has anyone had similar experiences? How did you approach building your house? Did you build just for yourselves, or did you rather opt for a “family house” even if you were moving in alone? Did you ultimately decide against a detached house and choose a condominium instead?
Thanks!
I am a single man, 45 years old, currently considering building a house again. I have three teenage children who often stay with me, although they officially live with my ex-wife. When the marriage broke down, I bought the next best house within cycling distance (in a great suburban location of a major city, built in 1995, well equipped). The house is intended to be sold if necessary, is free of liabilities, and my financial situation is comfortable partly because of this. With about 280 square meters (3000 square feet) of living space and just over 1000 square meters (0.25 acres) of property, however, it is far too large for someone living alone and requires a lot of maintenance. Maintenance means time, and I would rather spend that time on my children, traveling, and my job. I have been interested for some time in Bauhaus-style houses (more precisely: what is currently considered Bauhaus style, basically a cube-shaped design), around 140–160 square meters (1500–1700 square feet) of living space, no basement, and a plot of 500–600 square meters (0.12–0.15 acres).
Through networking, I might have the opportunity to acquire a suitable plot in the coming months.
Has anyone had similar experiences? How did you approach building your house? Did you build just for yourselves, or did you rather opt for a “family house” even if you were moving in alone? Did you ultimately decide against a detached house and choose a condominium instead?
Thanks!
P
pagoni202030 May 2021 18:46I think the idea is great. We are also building again at an older age and doing it completely differently than when we had children.
Despite many advantages today through technology and information, it is still more exhausting than I expected, even though we haven’t had any serious problems with the construction itself so far. If there were, I would definitely want to allow myself time for planning and idea development. Who knows, it might end up quite different once you really get started.
For us, it’s different now because we put much more thought into furnishing and the overall atmosphere, and less into numbers and comparison values; plus, our life regarding growth is planned and essentially complete.
I could imagine a modern, open house for frequent visitors but with the option of small, separate (visitor) apartments for 1–2 children or guests. I would definitely approach this with an interior designer or architect to ensure these functions are properly considered; such solutions are rarely off-the-shelf.
If another person joins later, life will adapt again—you never really know what the future holds.
So the focus is on planning and design, and having enough leisure time to plan and create the enjoyable aspects. I wouldn’t put myself through a stressful construction process that might cause stomach ulcers in your situation; renting something nice would be a better option.
Despite many advantages today through technology and information, it is still more exhausting than I expected, even though we haven’t had any serious problems with the construction itself so far. If there were, I would definitely want to allow myself time for planning and idea development. Who knows, it might end up quite different once you really get started.
For us, it’s different now because we put much more thought into furnishing and the overall atmosphere, and less into numbers and comparison values; plus, our life regarding growth is planned and essentially complete.
I could imagine a modern, open house for frequent visitors but with the option of small, separate (visitor) apartments for 1–2 children or guests. I would definitely approach this with an interior designer or architect to ensure these functions are properly considered; such solutions are rarely off-the-shelf.
If another person joins later, life will adapt again—you never really know what the future holds.
So the focus is on planning and design, and having enough leisure time to plan and create the enjoyable aspects. I wouldn’t put myself through a stressful construction process that might cause stomach ulcers in your situation; renting something nice would be a better option.
T
thoughtless8630 May 2021 19:36Hello @mrnoname, I’m also building a house on my own at the moment. I think your considerations are completely justified, and your terms sound great. Since you already live in a house, you probably have some excellent ideas about what you definitely want to include again in the new build and what might be different. I believe one should take potential changes, like new partnerships or general changes in life circumstances, into account during the planning. I initially thought about a condominium (apartment), but then the idea of “personal development” and designing everything from A to Z seemed much more interesting, since you can create something truly your own. Plus, I found a nicely shaped plot where there’s a lot you can do. So, I wish you much success with your project, and to me, it sounds like you should go for it!
thoughtless86 schrieb:
Hello @mrnoname, I’m also building a house on my own right now. I think your considerations are completely justified, and your conditions sound great. Since you already live in a house, you surely have great ideas about what you definitely want to include again in the new build and what might be different. I believe you should consider possibilities like new partnerships or general changes in life circumstances in your planning. I had initially thought about a condominium, but then I found the idea of "personal freedom" and designing everything from A to Z much more interesting because you can create something of your own. Also, I found a well-shaped plot where you can do a lot. So, I wish you great success with your project; it sounds to me like you should go for it!Exciting and encouraging. Yes, I’ve been interested in modern architecture for over 10 years... my bookshelf is full of “Houses of the Year” (mostly exaggeratedly modern designs). I think to myself, I’m now 45; in 10–15 years, it will certainly not get any easier...
pagoni2020 schrieb:
I wouldn’t put myself through a stressful build with stomach ulcers in your situation; better to rent a nice place then.It’s definitely stressful, but complex projects and challenges are actually my thing 🙂 (former entrepreneur). A nice rental is without a doubt the easier way...
kati1337 schrieb:
I don’t have much to add on the actual topic, but one thing comes to mind: We planned 2 of our rooms as “hybrid rooms” and are very happy with that.Thanks. Indeed, hybrid rooms are important, especially since I’m planning without a basement or attic (at least in my mind). The office and the children’s room will certainly both be guest rooms at the same time with minimal rearrangement. The spinning bike must also fit into the office, unless there is space somewhere for a small fitness room. There should also be two showers in the house (one on the ground floor, one on the upper floor).
Well, what can you say? Everyone has their own approach. So far, I have built according to the current requirements each time. It has worked well, and if the requirements change in the long term, the building can simply be adapted. However, there may be people who never want to move again, which is why I said that in the beginning.
So, I have an old house, but there is no living space due to the office. Except for university and community service, I have never lived in a “foreign” apartment before, but for the past 3 years I have. I have never really settled in and I’m looking forward to moving in 3 months. If you have such great conditions, I personally wouldn’t hesitate for long. 😉
A
AllThumbs30 May 2021 20:31K1300S schrieb:
Well, what can you say? Everyone has their own approach. So far, I have built each time according to the current regulations. That has worked well, and if the requirements change (in the long term), you simply rebuild. However, there might be people who never want to move again, which is why I made my initial statement.How many times have you built for your own use? 🤨