ᐅ Developer charges high fees for redesign – is this justified?

Created on: 18 Jun 2014 17:07
V
vosa_haus
Hello,
I am still in negotiations and already have the first issue:
The utility room in the basement had to be relocated for technical construction reasons. Now, I would like to move the bathroom on the upper floor to achieve a slightly different layout similar to the neighboring semi-detached house.
In my opinion, the builder should actually be happy that the piping will be shorter, but instead, this adjustment would cost me $5,000. Is this overcharging, or does this really require that much effort from the builder?

Detaillierter 2D-Grundriss eines Gartengeschosses mit Kellern, Fluren und Treppen


Zweigeteilter Obergeschoss-Grundriss mit Treppenhaus, Schlafzimmern und Bad
B
Bauexperte
19 Jun 2014 11:50
Hello Yvonne,
ypg schrieb:

I find it strange, however, that a semi-detached house is built differently from the start than its counterpart.

Semi-detached houses do not have to be constructed identically on the inside. They only need to meet the requirements of the development plan, or the textual stipulations, concerning eaves and ridge heights as well as roof pitch. Possibly also the external appearance; that is basically all.

Regards, Bauexperte
Y
ypg
19 Jun 2014 12:24
Bauexperte schrieb:
Hello Yvonne,


Semi-detached houses do not have to be built identically inside. They only need to meet the requirements of the development plan, specifically regarding eave/ridge height and roof pitch. Possibly also the external appearance; that’s basically it.

Regards, Bauexperte

Of course. Still, for the builder, it is easier to offer and build two identical halves (one mirrored). Where I come from, it’s always the same: everything is identical, and you have to pay extra if you deviate from the standard. Maybe they offer two options, then you are already among the lucky ones who benefit 😉

Here there are two versions, and the original poster wants the version like next door. It’s kind of confusing... or maybe the builder is now taking the opportunity to earn a bit more...
B
Bauexperte
19 Jun 2014 15:20
Hello Yvonne,

No, the general contractor / main contractor doesn't care how the semi-detached house is divided internally. What you describe usually applies to developers who build semi-detached houses "in bulk" or "en bloc," or to budget builders who have to outsource the architecture and structural engineering.

Happy holiday from the Rhineland

Bauexperte
Y
ypg
19 Jun 2014 16:52
Bauexperte schrieb:
Hello Yvonne,

No, the general contractor/project manager doesn't care how the semi-detached house is divided internally. What you describe usually applies to property developers who build semi-detached houses "by the dozen" and "en bloc," or to low-cost providers who have to purchase architecture and structural engineering services.

Happy holiday from the Rhineland

Bauexperte

Hello,
Yep, the general contractor doesn’t care… but I was referring to the property developer, and that’s the problem TE has with the developer.

Are you already enjoying the holiday with a bridge day?

Here in the north, work is going full speed – the public holiday is only marked on the calendar.
B
Bauexperte
19 Jun 2014 17:46
Hello Yvonne,

Having a day off or at least enjoying a bridge holiday would be nice...

Today was for buying a new car because the old one broke down on the highway Tuesday due to a control arm failure and other issues. Tomorrow is full of appointments one after another.

But you’re right – my mind probably took a hit in the accident too; good thing I can read ;-)

Then I wish you a pleasant evening instead!

Bauexperte, on the road
V
vosahaus
23 Jun 2014 18:28
I still don’t quite understand which version is structurally simpler or even more logical.
Isn’t it the case that it should be more complicated for the builder (ncc) to construct the bathroom in the original location?
To clarify: due to structural reasons (chimney shaft), the heating system had to be relocated to the smaller room on the left in the basement!
To me, it only makes sense to move the bathroom as well, in order to have the shortest possible pipes. :-o