ᐅ Construction of a 144 sqm bungalow in Fichtenwalde (near Potsdam)

Created on: 16 May 2021 18:56
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Acof1978
Then I would also like to introduce our building project here and keep you updated.

First, a brief introduction about us. He (42.5 years; controller in healthcare), she (38.5 years; full-time teacher), child (8.75 years; fully dependent). Our household net income is currently about €6,400 (approximately $6,800) plus performance bonuses, 13th-month salary, overtime, etc. We own a 1,462 sqm (15,735 sq ft) plot of land in Fichtenwalde. The remaining debt on the land is €37,000 (about $39,000). According to official land value guidelines, the land is valued at €146,200 (about $156,000) (€100 / sqm). The market price is around €400,000 to €600,000 (recent sale prices). We submitted the building permit application including the land conversion at the end of December. We expect approval by mid to late July.

The construction company is KB Brandis from Jüterbog. External site supervision will be handled by Bauherrenhilfe with 13 appointments.

Now about the house. It will be a 144 sqm (1,550 sq ft) bungalow plus a 12 sqm (130 sq ft) covered terrace with the following additions:
- Ceiling height 3.00 m (9.8 ft)
- Electric roller shutters (including smart home integration)
- Double-sided laminated windows (wood-colored; RC3 security rating)
- Brine-to-water heat pump with ground collectors due to water protection area (Bosch Compress 7800i LW)
- Hydraulic balancing of the underfloor heating
- Controlled residential ventilation with heat recovery (Bosch)
- Motion detectors from a security company
- 13 kWp photovoltaic system, including battery preparation
- 10 m³ (2,650 gal) cistern for rainwater use
- Doorbell with video function
- Wallbox preparation for electric vehicle charging
- Exterior lighting

Floor plan attached.

We have not yet finalized financing (although discussions have taken place). So far, we have invested up to €30,000 (approximately $32,000) from our own savings during the planning phase. This is almost all of our equity. However, we continue to save about €2,750 (approximately $2,920) per month. The monthly mortgage payment is expected to be around €1,650 (about $1,750) plus additional costs of approximately €200-250 (about $210-265) (taking into account the photovoltaic system). This means when we move into the house, we will still have savings of at least €1,500 (about $1,590) per month.

The construction contract will be signed within the next few weeks. The prices (recently discussed with the company) correspond to the offer and commitment as of September 2020.

The price per square meter of the house (according to the latest offer and full specification) will be €2,700 (about $2,870). This includes everything, such as painting, flooring, etc. The overall costs are structured as follows:
House: €378,000 (about $402,000)
Land conversion including reclassification: €25,000 (about $26,600)
Additional building costs: €40,000 (about $42,500)
Outdoor facilities: €25,000 (about $26,600)
Total financing volume: €468,000 (about $498,000)

Grundriss eines Hauses: Wohnzimmer, Küche, Schlaf-/Kinderzimmer, Bad, Flur, Terrasse.
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Acof1978
8 Jun 2021 05:46
We have now received the initial bathroom design. We like it quite a bit. We would just prefer the vanity cabinet to be a bit longer. We are still considering the tile options. The floor tiles should be a bit lighter in color.

Modern bathroom: bathtub, toilet, shower, wooden vanity, mirror and plant.


Modern bathroom view with wooden floor, bathtub, toilet, shower and wooden vanity


Modern bathroom: glass shower, wooden floor, white door, black radiator, sink.


Modern bathroom: white tiles, bathtub on the left, toilet, glass shower on the right, wooden floor.


Modern bathroom: bathtub on the left, toilet in the middle, shower on the right, illuminated niche.


Modern bathroom with freestanding bathtub, two mirrors, vessel sink on wooden console, window.


Modern bathroom with bathtub, window, plants, mirror and wooden floor.


Modern bathroom with two round mirrors, sink on wooden shelf and plant.


Modern bathroom: shower, two round mirrors, sink on wooden shelf, white cabinets, plants.


Modern bathtub on the left, wall-mounted toilet, glass shower on the right, wooden floor, plants on the window.
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driver55
8 Jun 2021 16:48
Acof1978 schrieb:

We find it quite good.
Then please take a close look at the pictures. The distance between the bathtub and the washbasin or vanity cabinet is quite tight. You can already tell that from the photo.
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Acof1978
8 Jun 2021 17:19
driver55 schrieb:

Then please take a close look at the pictures. The distance between the bathtub and the washbasin or vanity cabinet—it's already quite tight just from the photo.

Yes, it’s 50cm (20 inches). We will probably move the washbasin toward the towel rail and are considering whether to use shelves there instead.

Ps. I also said that we are quite satisfied and that this is not the final plan :-)
K1300S9 Jun 2021 06:57
I also think there could be a bit more space between the bathtub and the washbasin. However, if you build the partition only behind the toilet, the bathtub can be moved 20cm (8 inches) closer to the wall, which would already help.
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Acof1978
9 Jun 2021 07:41
K1300S schrieb:

I also think there could be a bit more space between the bathtub and the washbasin. If you only build the partition wall behind the toilet, the bathtub can be moved 20 cm (8 inches) closer to the wall, which would help.

You’re right. We will probably just choose a bathtub that is 10 cm (4 inches) shorter. A 60 cm (24 inches) gap is what we have now, and that is perfectly sufficient. Otherwise, we’ll see how far we can recess the bathtub into the drywall construction.

We are still considering how to create a longer but not too high shelf in the shower. I assume the plumbing runs behind the wall, which is why the shelf is on the right side?
K1300S9 Jun 2021 08:54
Acof1978 schrieb:

I assume the connections run behind the wall, which is why the shelf is on the right side?
Exactly. That’s where the pipe for the overhead shower runs. Can you not place the shelf in the side wall? As it is, it’s unnecessarily high.