ᐅ "Large House" vs. "Small House" + Outbuildings

Created on: 17 Jan 2020 21:54
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Micha8589
Good evening,
we had our first appointment last week with a local construction company, and we were so positively impressed that we probably don’t need to look for any other companies, but that’s a different topic...
Today, the architecture department sent me the first draft of the house type we discussed. The more we look at the floor plans, the less certain we feel.

So here is the question: We have two house types from the company to choose from and are undecided because with the smaller house, adding an outbuilding (e.g., behind the carport) might be financially possible sooner or later (about 20m2 (215 sq ft)).

About the types:

House A
Single-family house, gable roof, brick facade, approximately 125m2 (1,345 sq ft), 5 rooms

House B
Single-family house, gable roof, brick facade, approximately 114m2 (1,227 sq ft), 4 rooms

Both houses are constructed with solid masonry and some extras (roller shutters, underfloor heating, walk-in shower in the guest bathroom, etc.) at a cost of about 1700€/m2 (approximately $158 per sq ft).

We currently have one child (about 1 1/2 years old), and a second child is neither planned nor ruled out.

I am a passionate musician and occasionally enjoy a half weekend gaming session on the PC. So an outbuilding like the one described actually makes more sense—maybe it could also be used as a party room?! Also, my wife prefers the layout of the smaller house significantly more.

I’m curious to hear the opinion of the “collective.”
Y
ypg
20 Jan 2020 08:24
It is clear that the kitchen is reaching its limits. Ironing will not work in the utility room. Consider where the wardrobe should be placed. Possibly enclose the staircase and create a wardrobe storage room underneath. Set the sloping wall differently, preferably as a straight wall.
11ant20 Jan 2020 11:37
House B is probably a Grzebiela "Finkenweg," I couldn’t find House A.
CrazyChris schrieb:

28 sqm (300 sq ft) living and dining area is really small; sooner or later, that will bother you.
In 28 sqm (300 sq ft) living and dining space, all the uncles and aunts always fit, and there was still room for neighbors despite the large Christmas tree.
Tassimat schrieb:

How about a basement?
Basically like an attached outbuilding underneath—but not possible to add later.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
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CrazyChris
20 Jan 2020 11:42
And all the connection cables in the utility room will significantly disrupt your layout in there.

Maybe consider adding a window in the living room? The TV corner could possibly get a bit dark.

Otherwise, cute little house.
H
hampshire
20 Jan 2020 11:54
CrazyChris schrieb:

28sqm (300 sq ft) living and dining area is really quite small; you’ll notice it sooner or later.

I don’t agree with this statement. It only feels cramped if you are a "wall unit or entertainment center enthusiast," need a large "sectional sofa," and absolutely want to make a TV the dominant feature of the room. With 28sqm (300 sq ft), you can create a great space.

We have accommodated a kitchen, dining area for 8 people (without extending the table), kitchen stove with a seating bench, chaise lounge, and straight staircase within a 50sqm (540 sq ft) area. It looks spacious and has no tight spots.

Living room with dark blue sofa, open kitchen area, wooden beams and loft staircase.


Living room from above: fireplace on the left, sofa, glass sliding doors to the terrace, staircase to the upper floor on the top right.
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CrazyChris
20 Jan 2020 11:59
Cozy and nicely designed. Very nice!
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Micha8589
20 Jan 2020 12:09
11ant schrieb:

House B is probably a Grzebiela "Finkenweg," I couldn't find House A.

In 28 sqm (300 sq ft) of living space, all the uncles and aunts always fit in, and there was still room for neighbors, despite a large Christmas tree.

Basically like an additional outbuilding underneath – but not retrofittable
That is correct. The other house is a modified "Vellahn" type. I myself grew up in a single-family house with just under 115 sqm (1,237 sq ft), but as a child/teenager you see everything quite differently than as an adult.