ᐅ Building a house from a distance. New construction located 300 km away.
Created on: 26 Jan 2019 21:46
3
37308Hausbau
Hello,
to all homeowners. I hope you can help me with your experience. My girlfriend and I have already had several consultation meetings with different companies. We already have a plot of land, and once we have sorted out the financing, we could actually start with our preferred general contractor. However, there is a significant problem. Our current place of residence is about 300 km (186 miles) away from the new build.
Advisors from some companies say it is not a problem at all to build from a distance. However, I have my doubts. Therefore, my question to you is: to what extent is the homeowner involved in the construction of a single-family house (appointments/tasks/etc.)?
to all homeowners. I hope you can help me with your experience. My girlfriend and I have already had several consultation meetings with different companies. We already have a plot of land, and once we have sorted out the financing, we could actually start with our preferred general contractor. However, there is a significant problem. Our current place of residence is about 300 km (186 miles) away from the new build.
Advisors from some companies say it is not a problem at all to build from a distance. However, I have my doubts. Therefore, my question to you is: to what extent is the homeowner involved in the construction of a single-family house (appointments/tasks/etc.)?
montessalet28 Jan 2019 09:59From my point of view, when there is a long distance between your current residence and the construction site, you can’t avoid a few key points:
1. Building with a general contractor (everything from a single source): This way, at least some basic responsibilities are clearly defined.
2. Very detailed planning of all trades – with written confirmation of the agreed specifications.
3. Being present on-site during critical trades – documenting agreed points on-site (with minutes): There is simply no other way, so you need to invest vacation time (it’s worth it).
4. Almost constant availability of the homeowners for any arising clarifications: Even when you are not on-site.
5. Someone "on-site": So that at least someone keeps an eye on things during your absence.
1. Building with a general contractor (everything from a single source): This way, at least some basic responsibilities are clearly defined.
2. Very detailed planning of all trades – with written confirmation of the agreed specifications.
3. Being present on-site during critical trades – documenting agreed points on-site (with minutes): There is simply no other way, so you need to invest vacation time (it’s worth it).
4. Almost constant availability of the homeowners for any arising clarifications: Even when you are not on-site.
5. Someone "on-site": So that at least someone keeps an eye on things during your absence.
P
pffreestyler28 Jan 2019 10:05Shell builder: luckily has an email and lives a 5-minute bike ride away.
Carpenter: I wanted to fax him something on Thursday, but it didn’t work. When I asked if he had an email, he said, “No, I can’t handle that,” and explained his fax machine hasn’t worked for some time. “When do you finish on Friday? 12:00?” “Okay, I’ll be at the construction site then, just drop by briefly.”
Electrician: I don’t even have his mobile number. If something comes up, I just go to his home and discuss the details in his kitchen.
Heating technician: he’s different. I prefer to visit him at his company, or we meet directly at the construction site.
I have no knowledge of the different trades, but I’m glad to be on site every day. You notice quite a few things where you can quickly intervene. A recent example: the electrician cut two outlets exactly where the utility room sink is planned. If I hadn’t intervened, it would have gone wrong.
300 km (185 miles) distance seems difficult to me. Even if you have no specialist knowledge yourself, there’s quite a bit to correct or adjust on site. Besides, I imagine tradespeople are a bit more careful if you’re regularly present.
With the right general contractor, though, it’s certainly doable. But that person should probably have a very good reputation and may therefore be somewhat more expensive.
Carpenter: I wanted to fax him something on Thursday, but it didn’t work. When I asked if he had an email, he said, “No, I can’t handle that,” and explained his fax machine hasn’t worked for some time. “When do you finish on Friday? 12:00?” “Okay, I’ll be at the construction site then, just drop by briefly.”
Electrician: I don’t even have his mobile number. If something comes up, I just go to his home and discuss the details in his kitchen.
Heating technician: he’s different. I prefer to visit him at his company, or we meet directly at the construction site.
I have no knowledge of the different trades, but I’m glad to be on site every day. You notice quite a few things where you can quickly intervene. A recent example: the electrician cut two outlets exactly where the utility room sink is planned. If I hadn’t intervened, it would have gone wrong.
300 km (185 miles) distance seems difficult to me. Even if you have no specialist knowledge yourself, there’s quite a bit to correct or adjust on site. Besides, I imagine tradespeople are a bit more careful if you’re regularly present.
With the right general contractor, though, it’s certainly doable. But that person should probably have a very good reputation and may therefore be somewhat more expensive.
WhatsApp has changed quite a bit, mainly making things easier.
Many people on our site had WhatsApp. Last year, all the painters and plasterers received smartphones.
Privately, well, most of it is really nonsense, but professionally it's a dream.
Not every homeowner can or wants to be on the construction site. Also, not every supervisor is always available.
It’s just two pictures: do you want option 1 or 2?
I still need a box from the picture with the number...
Many people on our site had WhatsApp. Last year, all the painters and plasterers received smartphones.
Privately, well, most of it is really nonsense, but professionally it's a dream.
Not every homeowner can or wants to be on the construction site. Also, not every supervisor is always available.
It’s just two pictures: do you want option 1 or 2?
I still need a box from the picture with the number...
Winniefred28 Jan 2019 16:30Our craftsmen didn’t have WhatsApp except for the tiler. I don’t even have WhatsApp myself^^. For some craftsmen, we didn’t even have a phone number, but I was on site every day (renovation). I was usually there longer than the craftsmen themselves, which made things a lot easier.
montessalet schrieb:
1. Building with a general contractor (all services from one source): This way, at least some basic responsibilities are clear.Yes, that should hopefully be clear: "remote" AND "direct contracting" would probably guarantee surprises and/or nervous breakdowns.https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
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