ᐅ Single-family house plot C630 Heinz von Heiden at the location in Saxony
Created on: 22 Apr 2022 14:54
O
Oberhäslich
I have browsed through several posts here in the forum and contributed occasionally. Today, I would like to take the opportunity to post a kind of diary about our project, ultimately to look back on the whole thing in the future and see what could have gone better – for my own learning experience.
We will be building in Saxony, near Dippoldiswalde (22 minutes and 19 km (12 miles) from Dresden). We currently live in a rental apartment in Dresden. Our workplaces will remain in Dresden; working from home is planned about 1-2 days a week. It is also worth mentioning that our child lives with us, and my two older children from a previous relationship occasionally stay overnight.
We found the plot at the end of 2021; the listing had been online for a few months at over €165,000. No one really wanted it because the 3,100 m² (33,365 sq ft) plot includes a protected biotope (an old meadow orchard) in the back, which cannot be built on. Additionally, there is a separate owner to the left, right, and in the center. We have what is basically a servient plot with easements (water, electricity, etc.). Since I tend to be optimistic and see this as an opportunity, we just had to have it. In the end, after negotiations, we bought it for €130,000, which personally I consider a bargain. The owner of the neighboring property (one house on the left, one plot with a bungalow on the right) is already 86 years old and in assisted living. We have already discussed a possible exchange or purchase with their successors at some point in the future.
Our general mindset is simple. Everything can be standard, functional, and serve its purpose. We do not like to spend extra money on things that only look good (like paint). I also buy and collect many items for the house and plot via local classified ads, especially for garden design right now—there are many giveaways 🙂
I really enjoy managing and planning the project and handle about 99% of the arrangements. My girlfriend fully trusts me in this. It is definitely an advantage and very relaxing not to have to discuss every single tile choice. Also, I make decisions quickly. We are building with Heinz von Heiden because I believe the price-performance ratio is good here. What the end result will be remains to be seen, but considering that they have built 50,000 houses, there is trust.
No official zoning plan. Building according to the surrounding development since it is a village. Mixed-use area, open development according to Section 34, Paragraph 1.
Plot size: 3,152 m²
Slope: 5%
Number of floors: 2 full stories
Roof type: gable roof, 25 degrees
Style: country house
Orientation: terrace facing northwest
Additional requirements: From the sewage operator: cistern (an old but good 3-chamber septic tank already exists and will be used)
Client Requirements
Basement, floors: no basement, 2 full stories
Number of people, ages: 3 (M: 36, F: 36, Child: 3)
Space requirement on ground and upper floors: 80 m² (860 sq ft) each
Office: family use or home office?: yes, an office/hobby room upstairs
Guests per year: occasionally, hence a guest room and shower bathroom on the ground floor (also in case one cannot go upstairs with age)
Open or closed architecture: ground floor rather open, upper floor closed
Conservative or modern style: mixed
Open kitchen, kitchen island: open kitchen, no kitchen island
Number of dining seats: 12 (the table is already owned, so no kitchen island)
Fireplace: planned, but the builder wants €6,000 for a masonry fireplace in the center of the house, which I find expensive. I want to install a stainless steel fireplace on the exterior wall myself.
Music/stereo wall: less important
Balcony, roof terrace: no, poor cost-benefit ratio given the large plot
Garage, carport: steel garage 6 x 8 m (20 x 26 ft) with gable roof, 3.30 m (10.8 ft) high and with electric door for the man of the house :p
Useful garden, greenhouse: not important for now
Other wishes/peculiarities/daily routine, including reasons why something should or should not be done: my major wish is definitely a fireplace, but it must be room-air-independent because the house has KfW55 energy standard. I am hoping to get some advice here in the forum on retrofitting a stainless steel chimney.
House Design
Who planned the design:
- Planner from a construction company: Heinz von Heiden prefab house C630 (The Immutable)
- Architect: Heinz von Heiden
- Do-it-yourself: painting and flooring, tiling, excavation, landscaping, and utility earthworks
What do you particularly like? Why?
We especially like the open area comprising entrance, living room, and kitchen with a glazed front facing the garden. The floor plan convinced us immediately. And of course, the space with 160 m² (1,722 sq ft). We currently have 91 m² (979 sq ft).
What do you dislike? Why?
It is rightly called "The Immutable," as walls cannot be changed. But it was €30,000 to €40,000 cheaper because of that.
Price estimate according to architect/planner: fixed-price contract signed in February with 15 months price guarantee:
~€260,000 including special features (standard: ~€235,000)
Included: air-to-air heat pump with storage, large controlled ventilation system, electric shutters on ground and upper floors, underfloor heating on both floors, all materials except tiles, floors, and walls
Preferred heating technology: air-to-air heat pump – not changeable
If you have to give up any details or extras:
- You can forego: upper full floor, large controlled ventilation system, electric shutters, photovoltaic (preparation only)
- You cannot forego: fireplace, 6 rooms
Why is the design as it is?
Standard design from the planner?
Yes
Which wishes were implemented by the architect?
Changes to windows and access to the master bathroom through the bedroom
What makes it particularly good or bad in your opinion?
Open design, large and sufficient rooms
Financing
Through our local savings bank. The plot is still variable at 1.8% interest, and the house loan for 15 years also at 1.8%. Equity is about 17%. Monthly payments should be around €1,380.
Construction costs per m² without additional building costs: €260,000/160 m²: ~€1,625/m²
Construction costs per m² including additional building costs: €322,000/160 m²: ~€2,012/m²
Plot cost without additional costs: €130,000/3,152 m²: €41.24/m²
Plot cost including additional costs: €147,000/3,152 m²: ~€47/m²
As mentioned, I am writing this primarily for myself as a "diary" to document everything in writing. Maybe it will also be included in the construction folder that I keep very meticulously – accountant mode 🙄 😀 I am always grateful for suggestions, opinions, tips, but also critical feedback as food for thought. Questions will certainly arise over time. You find a lot on the internet and other posts.
I am open to questions about the house, costs, builder, etc. anytime.
We will be building in Saxony, near Dippoldiswalde (22 minutes and 19 km (12 miles) from Dresden). We currently live in a rental apartment in Dresden. Our workplaces will remain in Dresden; working from home is planned about 1-2 days a week. It is also worth mentioning that our child lives with us, and my two older children from a previous relationship occasionally stay overnight.
We found the plot at the end of 2021; the listing had been online for a few months at over €165,000. No one really wanted it because the 3,100 m² (33,365 sq ft) plot includes a protected biotope (an old meadow orchard) in the back, which cannot be built on. Additionally, there is a separate owner to the left, right, and in the center. We have what is basically a servient plot with easements (water, electricity, etc.). Since I tend to be optimistic and see this as an opportunity, we just had to have it. In the end, after negotiations, we bought it for €130,000, which personally I consider a bargain. The owner of the neighboring property (one house on the left, one plot with a bungalow on the right) is already 86 years old and in assisted living. We have already discussed a possible exchange or purchase with their successors at some point in the future.
Our general mindset is simple. Everything can be standard, functional, and serve its purpose. We do not like to spend extra money on things that only look good (like paint). I also buy and collect many items for the house and plot via local classified ads, especially for garden design right now—there are many giveaways 🙂
I really enjoy managing and planning the project and handle about 99% of the arrangements. My girlfriend fully trusts me in this. It is definitely an advantage and very relaxing not to have to discuss every single tile choice. Also, I make decisions quickly. We are building with Heinz von Heiden because I believe the price-performance ratio is good here. What the end result will be remains to be seen, but considering that they have built 50,000 houses, there is trust.
No official zoning plan. Building according to the surrounding development since it is a village. Mixed-use area, open development according to Section 34, Paragraph 1.
Plot size: 3,152 m²
Slope: 5%
Number of floors: 2 full stories
Roof type: gable roof, 25 degrees
Style: country house
Orientation: terrace facing northwest
Additional requirements: From the sewage operator: cistern (an old but good 3-chamber septic tank already exists and will be used)
Client Requirements
Basement, floors: no basement, 2 full stories
Number of people, ages: 3 (M: 36, F: 36, Child: 3)
Space requirement on ground and upper floors: 80 m² (860 sq ft) each
Office: family use or home office?: yes, an office/hobby room upstairs
Guests per year: occasionally, hence a guest room and shower bathroom on the ground floor (also in case one cannot go upstairs with age)
Open or closed architecture: ground floor rather open, upper floor closed
Conservative or modern style: mixed
Open kitchen, kitchen island: open kitchen, no kitchen island
Number of dining seats: 12 (the table is already owned, so no kitchen island)
Fireplace: planned, but the builder wants €6,000 for a masonry fireplace in the center of the house, which I find expensive. I want to install a stainless steel fireplace on the exterior wall myself.
Music/stereo wall: less important
Balcony, roof terrace: no, poor cost-benefit ratio given the large plot
Garage, carport: steel garage 6 x 8 m (20 x 26 ft) with gable roof, 3.30 m (10.8 ft) high and with electric door for the man of the house :p
Useful garden, greenhouse: not important for now
Other wishes/peculiarities/daily routine, including reasons why something should or should not be done: my major wish is definitely a fireplace, but it must be room-air-independent because the house has KfW55 energy standard. I am hoping to get some advice here in the forum on retrofitting a stainless steel chimney.
House Design
Who planned the design:
- Planner from a construction company: Heinz von Heiden prefab house C630 (The Immutable)
- Architect: Heinz von Heiden
- Do-it-yourself: painting and flooring, tiling, excavation, landscaping, and utility earthworks
What do you particularly like? Why?
We especially like the open area comprising entrance, living room, and kitchen with a glazed front facing the garden. The floor plan convinced us immediately. And of course, the space with 160 m² (1,722 sq ft). We currently have 91 m² (979 sq ft).
What do you dislike? Why?
It is rightly called "The Immutable," as walls cannot be changed. But it was €30,000 to €40,000 cheaper because of that.
Price estimate according to architect/planner: fixed-price contract signed in February with 15 months price guarantee:
~€260,000 including special features (standard: ~€235,000)
Included: air-to-air heat pump with storage, large controlled ventilation system, electric shutters on ground and upper floors, underfloor heating on both floors, all materials except tiles, floors, and walls
Preferred heating technology: air-to-air heat pump – not changeable
If you have to give up any details or extras:
- You can forego: upper full floor, large controlled ventilation system, electric shutters, photovoltaic (preparation only)
- You cannot forego: fireplace, 6 rooms
Why is the design as it is?
Standard design from the planner?
Yes
Which wishes were implemented by the architect?
Changes to windows and access to the master bathroom through the bedroom
What makes it particularly good or bad in your opinion?
Open design, large and sufficient rooms
Financing
Through our local savings bank. The plot is still variable at 1.8% interest, and the house loan for 15 years also at 1.8%. Equity is about 17%. Monthly payments should be around €1,380.
Construction costs per m² without additional building costs: €260,000/160 m²: ~€1,625/m²
Construction costs per m² including additional building costs: €322,000/160 m²: ~€2,012/m²
Plot cost without additional costs: €130,000/3,152 m²: €41.24/m²
Plot cost including additional costs: €147,000/3,152 m²: ~€47/m²
As mentioned, I am writing this primarily for myself as a "diary" to document everything in writing. Maybe it will also be included in the construction folder that I keep very meticulously – accountant mode 🙄 😀 I am always grateful for suggestions, opinions, tips, but also critical feedback as food for thought. Questions will certainly arise over time. You find a lot on the internet and other posts.
I am open to questions about the house, costs, builder, etc. anytime.
That means even the teenager or perhaps a young adult in their early 20s, who still lives at home due to training or something similar, always has to go through your bedroom if their job is to start the washing machine.
And no shower in "my" main bathroom… have you really thought that through carefully?
And no shower in "my" main bathroom… have you really thought that through carefully?
O
Oberhäslich23 Apr 2022 00:05@k a t j a: This is the site plan from the surveyor that Heinz von Heiden needs for the planning. However, the planning will only take place in the next 3-4 months. I will upload it here then.
The green area shows the building footprint, with the excavation pit right next to it. Utility lines for water (dark blue), sewage (brown), rainwater (light blue), and electricity are already on the property, and the driveway is already in place.
An additional garage or carport will only be added if there is money left over; we can do without it for now. Our cars (24 years old, 13 years old) are always parked outside here in Dresden.
The terrace and the living room windows are intentionally oriented northwest because the sun comes from that direction after 3 p.m. and stays until sunset. Also, there is a field and forest view at the back. In the mornings, we are at work, and a southern orientation would heat up the house. The main entrance and street are on the south side.
As more detailed planning progresses, I will post better plans here. This is just meant as a rough orientation for now 🙂
The green area shows the building footprint, with the excavation pit right next to it. Utility lines for water (dark blue), sewage (brown), rainwater (light blue), and electricity are already on the property, and the driveway is already in place.
An additional garage or carport will only be added if there is money left over; we can do without it for now. Our cars (24 years old, 13 years old) are always parked outside here in Dresden.
The terrace and the living room windows are intentionally oriented northwest because the sun comes from that direction after 3 p.m. and stays until sunset. Also, there is a field and forest view at the back. In the mornings, we are at work, and a southern orientation would heat up the house. The main entrance and street are on the south side.
As more detailed planning progresses, I will post better plans here. This is just meant as a rough orientation for now 🙂
Oberhäslich schrieb:
and south-facing heats the house up. Since in our region the truly hot summer days remain an absolute minority compared to autumn, winter, and spring days despite climate change, it is worth reconsidering whether to make better use of the additional warmth from sunlight for the main living areas. I enjoy my east/south-facing living and kitchen space.
O
Oberhäslich23 Apr 2022 00:32kbt09 schrieb:
...if it’s his job to start the washing machine now and then.
And no shower in "my" main bathroom... have you really thought that through? Laundry is mom’s responsibility.
Having a shower only on the ground floor is a deliberate choice, yes—it would cost an extra €4,000 in the main bathroom upstairs. One extra here, another there adds up quickly, and many end up paying 10–20% more than planned. We intentionally keep many things simple; the upgrades will only cost us an additional €1,500. You can do that online with Heinz von Heiden. All this money has to be earned first, after all. Our focus is more on living space: two full stories, underfloor heating, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and a large window frontage. The small details are less important to us. Standard white windows, standard doors, standard sanitary fixtures, standard roof tiles, standard staircase, and so on.
We’ll get a used but like-new kitchen from a classifieds site. For floors and tiles, I buy from classifieds as well. Sometimes people sell new items they no longer need because they changed their minds, for a fraction of the original price.
@Oberhäslich
In case you didn’t know yet: the standard staircase comes untreated (unless something has changed in the meantime). It’s better to have the stair company apply the final finish, as it’s more cost-effective. Also, don’t forget the continuous strike plate on the front door. Back then, it was only a €40 (about $45) extra charge. It looks better.
In case you didn’t know yet: the standard staircase comes untreated (unless something has changed in the meantime). It’s better to have the stair company apply the final finish, as it’s more cost-effective. Also, don’t forget the continuous strike plate on the front door. Back then, it was only a €40 (about $45) extra charge. It looks better.
O
Oberhäslich23 Apr 2022 00:40kbt09 schrieb:
...On autumn, winter, and spring days, one should really reconsider whether it might be better to make use of the heat gained from sunlight for the main living areas.... I agree with you on that point. But I’m not going to build my terrace facing south toward the main street when I have a fantastic view of the forest and fields to the north 😀
@Andre77: I’ll keep the idea of the sealing strip in mind, thanks. We’re going with the steel staircase with wooden treads. Yes, I’ve read it’s only primed. My plan is to have the steel frame powder-coated in Dresden. Otherwise, we’ll see if the stair builder charges extra. If needed, I also have a compressor and paint supplies available.