Hello,
Since April, we have been looking for a construction company to build a single-family house. Our plan was to first gather some quotes or cost estimates. After all, this is a decision that should be well considered. However, many of the companies we contacted either do not provide an offer, stop responding, or do not reply at all. This is starting to make us suspicious. We are not planning anything unusual. A simple single-family house of about 130m² (1400 sq ft), with an air source heat pump, living room, kitchen, toilet, and utility room on the ground floor, as well as a bedroom, children’s room, bathroom, and office on the upper floor.
For example, we had a conversation with a local construction company that ended with the statement that we would receive an offer. We then heard nothing from them for weeks. When we called, we were only told the manager was out of the office, would call back later, or similar excuses. When we finally reached him, he just postponed again until we gave up asking.
Another company wanted to schedule a meeting with us. After I suggested a date by email, we received no further response.
Another said they would call the next day to arrange a meeting, but never called.
Yet another asked us to call at the beginning of the week to set up a meeting, which we did. Suddenly, they became dismissive and said they could not estimate costs without a completed design from an architect hired by us, and that was the end of it.
What are we doing wrong? Isn’t it normal to present your ideas and get a rough idea of the costs or whether it is achievable within the desired budget? We are becoming quite desperate.
Since April, we have been looking for a construction company to build a single-family house. Our plan was to first gather some quotes or cost estimates. After all, this is a decision that should be well considered. However, many of the companies we contacted either do not provide an offer, stop responding, or do not reply at all. This is starting to make us suspicious. We are not planning anything unusual. A simple single-family house of about 130m² (1400 sq ft), with an air source heat pump, living room, kitchen, toilet, and utility room on the ground floor, as well as a bedroom, children’s room, bathroom, and office on the upper floor.
For example, we had a conversation with a local construction company that ended with the statement that we would receive an offer. We then heard nothing from them for weeks. When we called, we were only told the manager was out of the office, would call back later, or similar excuses. When we finally reached him, he just postponed again until we gave up asking.
Another company wanted to schedule a meeting with us. After I suggested a date by email, we received no further response.
Another said they would call the next day to arrange a meeting, but never called.
Yet another asked us to call at the beginning of the week to set up a meeting, which we did. Suddenly, they became dismissive and said they could not estimate costs without a completed design from an architect hired by us, and that was the end of it.
What are we doing wrong? Isn’t it normal to present your ideas and get a rough idea of the costs or whether it is achievable within the desired budget? We are becoming quite desperate.
T
toxicmolotof13 Oct 2015 21:40Are you looking for a (shell) construction company or a general contractor/general turnkey contractor?
Do you already own a suitable plot of land? In other words, have you already purchased it?
Are there already planning sketches from an architect?
You are asking for quite a lot of work.
Do you already own a suitable plot of land? In other words, have you already purchased it?
Are there already planning sketches from an architect?
You are asking for quite a lot of work.
Almost all of the approximately 25 builders I spoke with (except for one unfortunate exception) would have quickly scheduled 2 to 3 consecutive appointments and given you a fixed price for house model xy from their portfolio.
So if building plots are not difficult for you to obtain... then in my opinion, something is seriously wrong on your end.
So if building plots are not difficult for you to obtain... then in my opinion, something is seriously wrong on your end.
It’s always a matter of supply and demand. Construction companies are overwhelmed with orders and pick the best jobs. Your project isn’t very attractive because it involves a lot of work and the chances of securing a contract are very uncertain. In our case, the offers came much faster than the moment we presented our plot with the cadastral map. That way, they know it’s not a wild idea.
So, we already have a plot of land. I usually mention that as well. This is not just some random idea! Thanks to our discussions with the bank, we also know the budget we want to allocate and can work with.
We are looking for a company that can build the house for us "turnkey." We have self-designed sketches and clear ideas about the number of rooms, the desired technology, and other features... Architectural services are usually included with the construction companies anyway.
Just as merlin describes it, that’s how I imagine it too. Initially, an estimate or example calculation based on reference houses or something similar is sufficient. The main point is to get a sense of how much house you can get for how much money with each company.
With two companies, this also worked out. One showed us a house they had previously planned and adjusted it slightly. The other also sent a design. However, neither of these convinced us yet.
We are looking for a company that can build the house for us "turnkey." We have self-designed sketches and clear ideas about the number of rooms, the desired technology, and other features... Architectural services are usually included with the construction companies anyway.
Just as merlin describes it, that’s how I imagine it too. Initially, an estimate or example calculation based on reference houses or something similar is sufficient. The main point is to get a sense of how much house you can get for how much money with each company.
With two companies, this also worked out. One showed us a house they had previously planned and adjusted it slightly. The other also sent a design. However, neither of these convinced us yet.
T
toxicmolotof14 Oct 2015 11:39For similar houses with comparable technology and quality, the price will likely always be similar (if not identical).
What needs to happen for you to be convinced? I mean, it seems you have already had bad experiences with two companies.
What needs to happen for you to be convinced? I mean, it seems you have already had bad experiences with two companies.
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