Hello to the forum. I’m new here, a complete construction novice, and I’m hoping for your help. We (aged 45 and 41) are currently considering whether or not to start a house building project. We could get a good building plot relatively cheaply, but based on my research so far, the budget of 450,000 (approximately, depending on currency) is quite limited. It’s not extremely tight, but we don’t really want to spend more than that. Our expectations are modest: a simple Danwood Family house with 110 m² (1,184 sq ft) and a list price of 245,000 should be the base. I’ve been researching for weeks, but now I really need help from people with relevant experience. Accordingly, I have put together a very rough cost estimate and would like to know how you assess it—whether it is at least somewhat realistic, or if we should better walk away from this project right away. The building site is in the rural area of Baden-Württemberg.
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SeppWeller22 May 2025 20:53The plot is currently only reserved, not yet purchased. What is supposed to be rude about canceling? Unlike all the other online forums, I cannot correct the basics, which were rightly criticized.
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SeppWeller22 May 2025 20:55nordanney schrieb:
Do I hear sarcasm? If you’re not getting the answers you expect, that should make you think, or you need to ask different questions.I would like to do that, but the original post and the table are not editable.
SeppWeller schrieb:
What is rude about deleting? I just explained that.
SeppWeller schrieb:
Unlike all other online forums, I cannot correct the basics, which were rightly criticized. We prefer to leave the bad habit of deleting initial posts to the Green section—that’s disruptive enough already.
SeppWeller schrieb:
I would like to, but the original post and the table are not editable. Just start a new thread and link the two together, done.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
SeppWeller schrieb:
I would like to, but the initial post and the table are not editable.My advice as well: just start a new thread. And then leave out Danwood and gather information from various providers (Town & Country can also build affordably—if you are willing to make compromises).Also, show us the plot—for example, with an excerpt from the zoning plan (mention the zoning plan by name so we can check details there as well).
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SeppWeller22 May 2025 21:55I have already received several offers from different providers. Based on the information provided so far, I also assume that $450,000 will simply not be enough in this setup.
SeppWeller schrieb:
I already have some offers from different providers. Based on the information so far, I also assume that 450k simply won’t be enough in this setup. That’s nonsense. You have 385k for a house. Of course, you can get a nice (small) home with that. Does it have to be a garage? No, a carport or just an open parking space is enough to start. Does the garden need to be fully finished for 20k? No, pave the driveway, build a simple terrace with a sun umbrella, and the rest of the garden can come gradually. Please get your kitchen from Ikea and assemble it yourself — and don’t use luxury appliances.
And so on.
Now here’s the real eye-opener: don’t build, but buy an existing property. It won’t be brand-new, but it’ll still be your own home to grow old in. And if you and your partner aren’t completely clueless with your hands, there’s a lot you can do to make it really nice.