ᐅ Average Construction Time for a Semi-Detached House with a Basement
Created on: 25 Jul 2013 21:14
I
italiano83
Hello everyone,
The question might not be 100% answerable.
However, I’m interested in how long you (or others’ experiences) have found the completion of a house typically takes.
A brief overview of the details:
Semi-detached house, 7 x 12 m (23 x 39 feet) measured externally
Basement approx. 70 sqm (750 sqft)
Ground floor approx. 70 sqm (750 sqft)
Attic approx. 70 sqm (750 sqft)
Flat roof with green roofing
One pellet heating system for all four houses
Two semi-detached houses are being built.
The desired date from the builder was given as June 30, 2014, but contractually the project must not take longer than September 30, 2014, otherwise compensation will be due.
What is your experience regarding how long a build generally takes, assuming a normal winter?
As of yesterday, the waterproof concrete basement (“white tank”) for house 4 has started.
The problem is that we have to vacate our condominium by August 30, 2014, where we still currently live.
Looking forward to your responses.
The question might not be 100% answerable.
However, I’m interested in how long you (or others’ experiences) have found the completion of a house typically takes.
A brief overview of the details:
Semi-detached house, 7 x 12 m (23 x 39 feet) measured externally
Basement approx. 70 sqm (750 sqft)
Ground floor approx. 70 sqm (750 sqft)
Attic approx. 70 sqm (750 sqft)
Flat roof with green roofing
One pellet heating system for all four houses
Two semi-detached houses are being built.
The desired date from the builder was given as June 30, 2014, but contractually the project must not take longer than September 30, 2014, otherwise compensation will be due.
What is your experience regarding how long a build generally takes, assuming a normal winter?
As of yesterday, the waterproof concrete basement (“white tank”) for house 4 has started.
The problem is that we have to vacate our condominium by August 30, 2014, where we still currently live.
Looking forward to your responses.
B
Bauexperte26 Jul 2013 09:47Hello,
I see it differently; you are never safe from poor workmanship if the contractor does not do their job properly. That is independent of the construction time.
A semi-detached house on a slab foundation should be completed within 6 months, with a basement in at most 8 months, and with a habitable basement in no later than 9 months; all timeframes already include a buffer for screed drying times.
You mentioned earlier a contractual penalty of € 1,200.00 per month. I see that as just a nice marketing promise, nothing more, because it will hardly ever be enforced. Unless your builder is still literally laying bricks at that point 😎
What you could have done? Limit the completion to a reasonable period, depending on whether with or without a basement. At the very least, have your deadline formally agreed upon! With the timelines your provider gives you, you are always at a disadvantage when it comes to arranging temporary accommodation and must even be grateful if your builder meets “normal” construction periods.
To me, that means there are even more inflexible pitfalls included in your contract. No construction project is so great that I would agree to that. I understand a partnership—also partially during construction—differently.
Best regards, Bauexperte
italiano83 schrieb:
I also thought that was quite long. All other offers we reviewed earlier promised a construction time of 6 to 8 months... but 14 months would be a disaster. On the other hand, it reduces the risk of poor workmanship since there’s no time pressure... although that’s no guarantee, of course.
I see it differently; you are never safe from poor workmanship if the contractor does not do their job properly. That is independent of the construction time.
italiano83 schrieb:
What else could we have done? Regarding the contract? Then we would have had to let the project die.
A semi-detached house on a slab foundation should be completed within 6 months, with a basement in at most 8 months, and with a habitable basement in no later than 9 months; all timeframes already include a buffer for screed drying times.
You mentioned earlier a contractual penalty of € 1,200.00 per month. I see that as just a nice marketing promise, nothing more, because it will hardly ever be enforced. Unless your builder is still literally laying bricks at that point 😎
What you could have done? Limit the completion to a reasonable period, depending on whether with or without a basement. At the very least, have your deadline formally agreed upon! With the timelines your provider gives you, you are always at a disadvantage when it comes to arranging temporary accommodation and must even be grateful if your builder meets “normal” construction periods.
italiano83 schrieb:
Then we would have had to let the project die.
To me, that means there are even more inflexible pitfalls included in your contract. No construction project is so great that I would agree to that. I understand a partnership—also partially during construction—differently.
Best regards, Bauexperte
B
Bauexperte26 Jul 2013 09:48Hello,
Best regards, Bauexperte
HilfeHilfe schrieb:I’m not going anywhere 😉
@ Bauexperte
we are waiting for the drafts and will get back to you for review!
Best regards, Bauexperte
You think the project should have been abandoned because of the construction time? Well, I believe that in any construction contract, both the buyer and the seller are interested in reaching an agreement. We have a construction period of 10 months and the developer is immediately in default if they do not meet this deadline... according to legal advice, this is a common contractual clause in Baden-Württemberg. It is in my interest to avoid double financial burdens, and the developer wants to sell. So, this contract clause must also be negotiated. Sometimes I feel that people negotiate more when buying cars than when it comes to construction contracts or loan agreements...
The construction period has nothing to do with care, proper workmanship, etc. Everyone just needs to meet their deadlines, and nowadays this should be easily achievable. And a semi-detached house is usually a standard house... so there should be fewer issues.
I hope everything goes smoothly for you and that the developer does not delay until the end due to another project (which might be more profitable).
Best regards
The construction period has nothing to do with care, proper workmanship, etc. Everyone just needs to meet their deadlines, and nowadays this should be easily achievable. And a semi-detached house is usually a standard house... so there should be fewer issues.
I hope everything goes smoothly for you and that the developer does not delay until the end due to another project (which might be more profitable).
Best regards
Oh, there’s always something going on 😉
I guess I would have naively signed this contract too. There will be significant construction breaks, and you just have to accept (or rather tolerate) that calmly now.
If needed, rent a holiday apartment and enjoy the last days of anticipation… if they turn out to be that slow…
We’re staying with family for 4 weeks, then in a holiday apartment 10 meters (33 feet) from the site. That’s where we’ll do the DIY tasks like painting and laying carpet.
Always stay relaxed as long as there are no construction defects. Even "our" work doesn’t always go according to plan, but the quality still has to be right, doesn’t it?!
I guess I would have naively signed this contract too. There will be significant construction breaks, and you just have to accept (or rather tolerate) that calmly now.
If needed, rent a holiday apartment and enjoy the last days of anticipation… if they turn out to be that slow…
We’re staying with family for 4 weeks, then in a holiday apartment 10 meters (33 feet) from the site. That’s where we’ll do the DIY tasks like painting and laying carpet.
Always stay relaxed as long as there are no construction defects. Even "our" work doesn’t always go according to plan, but the quality still has to be right, doesn’t it?!
I
italiano8327 Jul 2013 11:24We pay according to the construction progress. This means that in June, when 90% has been paid out, the commitment interest is minimal. Additionally, the construction loan interest only starts in August. Rather, the interest on the 90% that has been paid is the one that matters alongside the ongoing rent.
But we have enough reserves for that.
But we have enough reserves for that.
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