ᐅ Demolition / New Construction – Building Envelope and Basement

Hello, I am new here and not sure if this is the right section....

We want to build and have now found our dream plot (although at a very high price) – and already we feel somewhat overwhelmed and don’t really know where to start.

We have a building consultation appointment only next week, and the local authority does not provide information over the phone. Maybe you can help me?

When I look at the development plan or cadastral map, all the plots are long and narrow. The houses are located at the front part of these plots, and this strip is marked in red across all plots on the plan. However, “our” plot currently has an old building outside of this red strip. If we want to demolish and build anew, do we have to build within the red strip, meaning also in the front part of the plot?

What if there are large trees there that are not allowed to be cut down? Does that mean you cannot build on the plot at all, or could you build at the back again, or just remove the trees?

Another question: if we have to and can build at the front, can we simply leave the old basement underground? This would presumably save quite a bit on demolition costs...

Thanks in advance for any answers and further advice.

Hello,

Lesska schrieb:

When I look at the development plan or cadastral map, all the plots are long and narrow. The houses are located at the front part of these plots, and this strip is marked in red across all the plots on the plan. However, our plot has an older building located outside this red strip. If we want to demolish and rebuild now, do we have to build within the red strip, meaning at the front part of the plot as well?

I would assume yes; legal protection usually only applies to existing structures. Some municipalities use this method to “correct” the mistakes of previous officials.

Lesska schrieb:

What if there are large trees that you are not allowed to cut down? Does that mean you can’t build on the plot at all or can you build further back, or do you just remove the trees?

Simply removing them will likely become quite expensive!

Lesska schrieb:

Another question, if we have to and can build at the front, can we just leave the old basement in the ground? That would probably save significant demolition costs…

No one can answer that! No one here knows the age or condition of the basement. Only an expert on site can answer such questions.

With all due understanding for your curiosity, you should first wait for the appointment at the building planning office (also called building permit or planning permission office) – as hard as that may be for you right now – and then, if necessary, consult an expert.

Kind regards

Is this the only plot of land under consideration? It doesn't even seem to be inexpensive, so why go through the trouble with the existing building at all?

If you decide to buy it, definitely try to negotiate the price down. Demolition costs can be quite high, and relocating trees may also add to the expenses. Disposal of debris, refilling, and so on should also be factored in.