ᐅ Feasibility of a DIY Timber Frame House

Dear community,

First of all, hello from my side. I am considering a potential project but, unfortunately, I have very little experience in this area. I have already found a lot of general information online, but overall, I still lack a solid understanding.

Plan: I would like to build two small houses, each approximately 50sqm (540 sq ft), using timber frame construction on a plot of about 1000sqm (0.25 acres) and use them as residential spaces (primary or secondary residence). The foundation will be a simple concrete slab. For wastewater management, I am thinking about using a biological small-scale sewage treatment system. Electricity would need to be connected (but could be generated independently if necessary). The supply should be largely self-sufficient, using wood from our own forest, homegrown fruit and vegetables, chickens, etc.

In short, the idea is that I will inherit a plot of land. The reasons for this, which might seem somewhat unrealistic at first glance, are beside the point but do exist. Generally, as you can tell, this is not intended to be a fully modern single-family house but rather something more along the lines of a tiny house or DIY project, and it should be actively inhabited for the next 7-8 years. My partner in this project has an architect in the family who would be actively involved, which should also be relevant.

My questions are:
1. Is living in this type of house generally permitted?

2. We are not sure whether the plot is even zoned for building and whether it is connected to utilities. Is it possible to apply for approval as a “self-sufficient cabin” without electricity and with a small sewage treatment system? If not, what options do we have and what would the rough costs be?

3. What does the application process look like if we start with a meadow plot and want to carry out the project there?

4. Assuming the land is zoned for building, is the project feasible and what does the approval process look like?

I want to emphasize that we do not intend to live completely off the grid and will pursue normal employment. Financially, we currently have roughly 80,000 with the option of up to 100,000 through a personal loan (which we would prefer to avoid).

Thank you very much for your answers.
Kind regards and have a nice evening

TZ-Aussteiger schrieb:

2. We don’t know for sure if the plot is designated for building and if it has utility connections.

Then find out!

To me, it sounds like it might be open land, and in that case, your only option would be agricultural or nature-related business, for example, you could grow organic vegetables to sell or breed dogs. However, 1000 sqm (about 10,764 sq ft) is not very large.

TZ-Aussteiger schrieb:

If not, what options do we have?

Wait 15 to 20 years after applying before you are allowed to build on the plot.

TZ-Aussteiger schrieb:

4. Assuming we have a building plot, is the project feasible and what does the application process look like?

I would simply submit a building inquiry first. Even for septic tanks, for example, you need a building permit.
If you want to build on a concrete slab, the only option is one or two single-family houses (SFHs) that must comply with the building energy regulations. Tiny houses or mobile homes need to be movable. You don’t need a building permit for those, but you will definitely need some kind of approval for using them as your official residence.

TZ-Aussteiger schrieb:

1. Is living in this type of house generally allowed?

There is no such thing as "this type of house." All houses built in Germany must meet the same basic requirements. These are regulated primarily by building codes and the current energy standards, such as the Building Energy Act.

TZ-Aussteiger schrieb:

2. We are not sure whether the plot is actually designated as building land and connected to utilities.
Is it possible to submit an application for a "self-sufficient cabin" without electricity and with a small sewage treatment system?
If not, what are our options and what would the approximate costs be?

The answer here is basically the same as for the first question. All plots in Germany must meet certain criteria to be buildable.
Being designated as building land is one of them. Also, connection to utilities must be ensured—meaning electricity, water, sewage, and road access.
Just visit the local building authority for information.
An option if the land is not designated as building land is to have a site-specific development plan drawn up. If any municipality even agrees to this for such a small plot, expect 5-8 years plus a large part of your savings.

TZ-Aussteiger schrieb:

3. What exactly does the application process look like if we start with a meadow plot and want to implement the project on it?

Ask an active architect in your family. This is beyond the scope here. You will also have plenty of time. Come back in the 2030s, if you manage to get building land out of it.

TZ-Aussteiger schrieb:

4. Assuming we have building land. Is the project feasible and what does the application procedure look like?

See the previous answer. The architect designs the house or houses, and a building permit (or planning permission) application is submitted. Whether your house plans are even permissible depends on the local development plan.

P.S. Very small houses tend to be disproportionately expensive. Basically, you can save a lot of money if you build them yourself as DIY projects. However, they must at least meet KfW 55 energy efficiency standards. Also, you will need to have the plot connected to utilities—including electricity.

jens.knoedel schrieb:

P.S. Very small houses tend to be disproportionately expensive. Basically, you can save a lot of money if you build them yourself. However, they still need to meet at least KfW 55 energy efficiency standards. Also, you need to arrange for site development, including the electrical connection.

Why do small houses become disproportionately expensive? If you want to carry out the project as a DIY build (for those interested and with the necessary know-how), you can relatively cheaply source a timber frame kit, for example, from Poland.

BananaJoe86 schrieb:

Why are small houses disproportionately expensive?

Because costs decrease with larger areas. Even a small house requires heating – a house three times the size doesn’t need a heating system three times as expensive, since the larger heating unit is only about 15% more expensive. The contractor charges the same travel fee for both houses.
The water connection costs the same price. There are small quantity surcharges for concrete in the foundation, and so on.
This is not specific to houses. It applies in business to all products.

Of course, you can compensate by doing it yourself. It becomes even more attractive if you build a large house yourself. Everything is always related to the price per square meter (square foot).

You have an architect who is handling the planning. Why don’t you ask them? They know more details than we do.

With $100k for 100 m² (1076 sq ft), that won’t work.