ᐅ Precast concrete construction company, or hire individual contractors?
Created on: 4 Oct 2013 19:43
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verbagdonas
Hello everyone,
I’m new here, and we are planning to build within the next 1–2 years. We’ve already visited several model home exhibitions and have become less convinced about prefabricated houses due to some negative aspects like sound insulation and long-term value. We definitely want a solid construction method, and I already have a few offers, but I find them too expensive based on my expectations. Now my question, which nobody has been able to answer so far: Is it cheaper to hire a prefab solid construction company, or to work with an architect and then hire individual local contractors?
Details about the house: 170 sqm (1,830 sq ft), double garage, dormer, and floor-to-ceiling windows on the terrace side, knee wall about 1.2 m (4 ft) with a gable roof at approximately 30 degrees... budget for the house is around 220,000 without the land.
Furthermore, I would like to know whether it’s better to have the heating and electrical work done by the prefab company (because of standardized solutions) or if it would be cheaper to rely on local firms.
I hope you understand what I mean!
Regards,
Alex
I’m new here, and we are planning to build within the next 1–2 years. We’ve already visited several model home exhibitions and have become less convinced about prefabricated houses due to some negative aspects like sound insulation and long-term value. We definitely want a solid construction method, and I already have a few offers, but I find them too expensive based on my expectations. Now my question, which nobody has been able to answer so far: Is it cheaper to hire a prefab solid construction company, or to work with an architect and then hire individual local contractors?
Details about the house: 170 sqm (1,830 sq ft), double garage, dormer, and floor-to-ceiling windows on the terrace side, knee wall about 1.2 m (4 ft) with a gable roof at approximately 30 degrees... budget for the house is around 220,000 without the land.
Furthermore, I would like to know whether it’s better to have the heating and electrical work done by the prefab company (because of standardized solutions) or if it would be cheaper to rely on local firms.
I hope you understand what I mean!
Regards,
Alex
Even though I probably can’t argue against your wishful thinking, that price is far too low. Not for the mentioned 170 sqm (1,830 sq ft).
Have the contract professionally reviewed by someone who can tell you what’s missing or where the builder is likely to make additional claims.
If the company really builds at the price you mentioned, I would check their financial situation 🙂
That smells like imminent bankruptcy.
Have the contract professionally reviewed by someone who can tell you what’s missing or where the builder is likely to make additional claims.
If the company really builds at the price you mentioned, I would check their financial situation 🙂
That smells like imminent bankruptcy.
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Bauexperte7 Oct 2013 10:51Hello,
Best regards, Bauexperte
verbagdonas schrieb:No, that is not what I wrote. I said that if you exclude electrical and sanitary installations, your preferred company will probably offer you a shell house because they usually will not continue with the electrical work themselves. This has a lot to do with warranty issues.
So you mean that a shell house without technical installations would not be worth it with such a provider? Or that the price difference would hardly be noticeable?
verbagdonas schrieb:There are many threads on this forum with even more opinions on that topic 😀
What about going with a provider or rather hiring an architect and different contractors?
verbagdonas schrieb:In that case, a semi-finished shell would suit you. Do you also have the necessary expertise and time for the interior finishing?
I do not want a turnkey house. I want to do the interior work myself, meaning suspending ceilings, tiling, installing window sills inside, laying underfloor heating, painting, fitting doors, making channels for electrical wiring, etc.
Best regards, Bauexperte
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Bauexperte7 Oct 2013 11:02Hello,
If you believe the offer is acceptable, then sign it. If you want support in making your decision, you need to find someone who can review your documents. A lawyer, building supervisor, or even a consumer advice center will be happy to assist you. Listing individual items from the bill of quantities, as you did here, is of little help. If your focus is solely on the bottom line price, then any further discussion is irrelevant.
To help you understand better: I have been making this kind of assessment for quite some time. However, realistic evaluations can only be made with full knowledge of all the facts, because I also bear some responsibility for decisions made based on my assessments. Therefore, I need to be certain that I know all the facts.
Best regards, Bauexperte
verbagdonas schrieb:I won’t answer that for you because I don’t have the entire contract in front of me. An offer must always be considered as a whole package, meaning the offer itself, the bill of quantities, the construction contract and payment schedule, floor plans, and if applicable, the notary agreement as well as additional attachments.
I received this offer... it looks good, doesn’t it?
If you believe the offer is acceptable, then sign it. If you want support in making your decision, you need to find someone who can review your documents. A lawyer, building supervisor, or even a consumer advice center will be happy to assist you. Listing individual items from the bill of quantities, as you did here, is of little help. If your focus is solely on the bottom line price, then any further discussion is irrelevant.
To help you understand better: I have been making this kind of assessment for quite some time. However, realistic evaluations can only be made with full knowledge of all the facts, because I also bear some responsibility for decisions made based on my assessments. Therefore, I need to be certain that I know all the facts.
Best regards, Bauexperte
B
Bauexperte7 Oct 2013 11:46Hello,
That’s an additional point 😉
Regards, Bauexperte
Der Da schrieb:
Well, even after reading here for 15 minutes, you will notice that others have paid much more for a smaller house. And if you assume that not everyone is a complete fool with money to waste, your own offer should make you quite suspicious.
That’s an additional point 😉
Regards, Bauexperte
V
verbagdonas7 Oct 2013 23:43Bauexperte schrieb:
Then a finished shell construction would be suitable. Do you also have the necessary expertise and time for the interior work?Regarding expertise, my parents completely renovated their house two years ago, and I was involved in almost every step (I learned quite a bit). Additionally, my father-in-law has built two houses and is knowledgeable about many aspects. I also have several electricians, carpenters, and others in my circle of friends.
As for time: right now, I don’t have any because I am attending evening classes alongside my job, which I will complete in 1.5 years, and only then do I plan to start building. In the meantime, we want to buy a plot of land and begin planning.
To be honest, I was surprised by the offer, especially since the garage is included as well 😕 That’s why I would prefer to work with an architect and hire individual local companies. However, I think that besides more detailed planning, higher costs will likely come up.