ᐅ The layout is finalized. What are your thoughts?

The challenge for a layperson is that at some point, they assume this is final and do not consider starting over. Here, the living room just came together naturally, and upstairs the rooms are simply lined up. The bedroom is a walkthrough room; it might be worth considering a laundry area on the upper floor, as is often recommended elsewhere.

The orientation of the house is questionable. Regarding the issue of overbuilding: there are always options, since not every paving stone contributes to impervious coverage. An architect can provide better advice and address any concerns.

Edit: The utility room is difficult to furnish, and now there is the unplanned chute, which will need a place somewhere.

Well, there is definitely reason to think things through. So far, we haven’t dared to hire an architect. Since we don’t know what the costs would be, we assume normally there would be three different ones who each make proposals. But what happens with those you don’t choose, or if you don’t use any and just take the ideas? Our current house was planned according to our wishes in the floor plan by the construction company (built in 2010). Back then, we received several offers; however, many companies only wanted to create floor plans and elevations after signing the contract, but we would prefer to see what we are signing beforehand.

Another issue is that we currently live in Heidekreis, Lower Saxony, while the new house will be built in Schleswig, so we are not located near the companies and architects. Construction is planned to start in September or October, although we will only move there in August.

A few words about our floor plan.
Right now, we have an open living and dining area, but we no longer want that. We want a separate, cozy living area that can be opened up with double doors. A home office on the ground floor is essential since it will be used daily and we want to avoid going up and down the stairs every day—so it should be as simple and comfortable as possible. The attic is planned to be used as storage and possibly as a playroom; however, the space is not ideal for a children’s bedroom. Storage space is available on the ground floor under the masonry staircase. On the upper floor, this has been sacrificed in favor of larger children’s bedrooms. Of course, I could explain everything individually, but that would probably be too much here.

We are very grateful for suggestions, criticism, and ideas. If something can be implemented, we will try to do it—that’s why we are here.

However, everything must remain affordable for us. Anything is possible—with the right budget, a house can be made significantly larger, and then we wouldn’t have to try so hard to fit everything necessary into the space.

Here, we have tried to develop a functional floor plan for us and to correct or avoid mistakes from our current house.

Unfortunately, the shaft in the dressing room does not fit; it would end up in the kitchen :-(

The terrace extends along the entire living, dining, and kitchen side, as well as a small one near the home office and living room window.

MKoni schrieb:
Well, there are definitely reasons to think about this. So far, we haven’t dared to hire an architect. Since we don’t know what the costs might be, we imagine you’d normally have three different ones each making proposals. But what about those you don’t choose, or if you don’t hire any and just take their ideas? Our current house was planned on the floor plan according to our wishes by the contractor (built in 2010). We also had numerous offers at that time; however, many firms only wanted to draft a floor plan with elevations after signing the contract, but we wanted to see what we were agreeing to beforehand.

So, how does it actually work? Do you buy a pig in a poke with an architect? How do I find one I can trust? Should I ask for references? Or only pay the one who gets the contract?

MKoni schrieb:

Another problem is that we currently live in the Heidekreis district in Lower Saxony, and the new house is to be built in Schleswig, so we are not close to any companies or architects. Construction is planned to start in September or October, but we will only move there in August.

Well, there are programs like Skype, Outlook, WeTransfer, TeamViewer, and telephones. Nowadays, I don’t think that’s a valid excuse anymore.

MKoni schrieb:

However, it also has to remain affordable for us. Anything is possible—with the right amount of money a house can be designed much larger, then we wouldn’t have to struggle to fit everything necessary in.

I think that’s a misconception. An architect’s house won’t be bigger or more expensive than this one; it will just be better.

MKoni schrieb:

We tried here to develop a functional floor plan for us and to correct or avoid mistakes from our current house.

Yeah, I don’t even think it’s that bad. But a professional architect will make it so much better.

Good evening,

MKoni schrieb:

Since we don’t know how the costs will be, we think normally there would be 3 different firms each making their own proposals. But what happens with those you don’t choose or if you end up not choosing any and just take their ideas?

You should select a maximum of three architectural firms and have "only" discussions with them, including about costs! Forget about "stealing" ideas or partial designs; that will be expensive for you if you get caught... and you will get caught.

MKoni schrieb:

Another problem is that we currently live in the Heidekreis district in Lower Saxony, and the new house is to be built in Schleswig, so we are not located near the companies and architects. Construction is planned to start in September or October, although we will only move there in August.

That is just a matter of organization. Have an architect nearby for the designs, and an independent expert to oversee the construction on site for the one you choose as your favorite.

MKoni schrieb:

A few words about our floor plan ...

Talk to an architect and you will realize there is much more to discover than you have imagined so far. With clever space planning, your 250 square meters (2,690 square feet) will feel like 300.

Regards, Bauexperte

Hello,

although we are not architects, we gave it another try and started over from scratch based on the suggestions and honest feedback on the first version. The result looks like this:

Do it again with the actual wall thickness and dimensions.

Then you will see that it doesn't work this way, sorry.