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.
B
Bauexperte14 Oct 2015 12:12Hello,
first of all, I was a bit surprised by merlin’s approach of consulting 25 construction companies. It’s a miracle he managed to keep track of everything
If you are thinking about copying merlin’s approach, I don’t think that is very effective. I usually recommend requesting quotes from a maximum of 5 comparable providers, then discarding the cheapest and most expensive proposals (putting them in folder "P") and entering into closer negotiations with the remaining three.
Since, as I understand it, you’re missing a third offer, post your design along with your equipment preferences here, and I’ll be happy to provide an estimate for you.
Best regards, Bauexperte
first of all, I was a bit surprised by merlin’s approach of consulting 25 construction companies. It’s a miracle he managed to keep track of everything
NullVier schrieb:What is holding you back from choosing one of these two providers?
With two companies it worked out. One presented us with a house they had planned before and adapted it slightly. The other also sent a design. However, neither convinced us yet.
If you are thinking about copying merlin’s approach, I don’t think that is very effective. I usually recommend requesting quotes from a maximum of 5 comparable providers, then discarding the cheapest and most expensive proposals (putting them in folder "P") and entering into closer negotiations with the remaining three.
Since, as I understand it, you’re missing a third offer, post your design along with your equipment preferences here, and I’ll be happy to provide an estimate for you.
Best regards, Bauexperte
Well, the first company apparently tried to sell us a house that had been designed for someone else, who eventually built it with another builder. The house was not suitable for our plot at all. They did adjust it, as mentioned, but we didn’t like the way they tried to push this house on us, even though we explained that we didn’t want it that way and believed it simply wouldn’t work on the site. Our wishes were ignored.
The second company offered us a rather cheap house. The materials and finishes they use do not meet our expectations at all. We only visited them on the recommendation of a colleague of my husband’s; otherwise, we probably wouldn’t have even contacted them.
What needs to happen is that our wishes are taken into account and that we are satisfied with the building specification and performance description. It is also important to us that the builder makes a reliable and trustworthy impression and does not just try to sell us ANYTHING.
This doesn’t mean we have “burned” anyone. What exactly is meant by that? It’s not something to sign off on with just anyone who happens to come along.
The second company offered us a rather cheap house. The materials and finishes they use do not meet our expectations at all. We only visited them on the recommendation of a colleague of my husband’s; otherwise, we probably wouldn’t have even contacted them.
What needs to happen is that our wishes are taken into account and that we are satisfied with the building specification and performance description. It is also important to us that the builder makes a reliable and trustworthy impression and does not just try to sell us ANYTHING.
This doesn’t mean we have “burned” anyone. What exactly is meant by that? It’s not something to sign off on with just anyone who happens to come along.
B
Bauexperte14 Oct 2015 13:02Hello,
There are providers who can only offer their catalog homes at a low price; any deviation costs disproportionately more money. Then there is the so-called discount segment, where an apparent bargain ends up being very expensive once all customization requests are taken into account. Their focus is on cheap; anything deviating from this business model must be purchased at a high price.
Then there are providers who don’t mind starting with a blank sheet of paper; that’s how we work as well. The structural design is only created once the building permit/planning permission without conditions is granted. BUT—providers who work this way have a different approach to inspiring potential homeowners with their offer. In their proposals, you won’t find 180mm (7 inch) insulation or 25 x 25cm (10 x 10 inch) tile formats; their prices reflect a mid-range standard from the start. Naturally, there is always room to upgrade.
You wrote that you have quite specific ideas about the floor plan. Has a salesperson ever commented on this? Is this draft—assuming you are not an expert—even buildable? In your previous discussions, did you indicate that you are open to possible changes to your dream home? And fundamentally: have you communicated your ideas in personal conversations or only requested an offer via email? In the latter case, I could understand why you don’t receive offers; I kindly decline them. Just preparing a comparison offer is not worth the time to me; every offer requires explanation!
However, holding so little substance from April to mid-October is quite unusual and explains the reaction of the users here.
Best regards, Bauexperte
NullVier schrieb:I wonder how you made your selection and what criteria you want to use to choose a potential building partner?
Well, the first one seemed to try to push a house on us... The second company offered us a rather cheap house.
There are providers who can only offer their catalog homes at a low price; any deviation costs disproportionately more money. Then there is the so-called discount segment, where an apparent bargain ends up being very expensive once all customization requests are taken into account. Their focus is on cheap; anything deviating from this business model must be purchased at a high price.
Then there are providers who don’t mind starting with a blank sheet of paper; that’s how we work as well. The structural design is only created once the building permit/planning permission without conditions is granted. BUT—providers who work this way have a different approach to inspiring potential homeowners with their offer. In their proposals, you won’t find 180mm (7 inch) insulation or 25 x 25cm (10 x 10 inch) tile formats; their prices reflect a mid-range standard from the start. Naturally, there is always room to upgrade.
You wrote that you have quite specific ideas about the floor plan. Has a salesperson ever commented on this? Is this draft—assuming you are not an expert—even buildable? In your previous discussions, did you indicate that you are open to possible changes to your dream home? And fundamentally: have you communicated your ideas in personal conversations or only requested an offer via email? In the latter case, I could understand why you don’t receive offers; I kindly decline them. Just preparing a comparison offer is not worth the time to me; every offer requires explanation!
NullVier schrieb:ACK
It is nothing you should sign with the first random person who comes along.
However, holding so little substance from April to mid-October is quite unusual and explains the reaction of the users here.
Best regards, Bauexperte
We had close contact with three prefab house manufacturers and two solid construction house builders. All five were able to provide us with a rough estimate after no more than two meetings.
What are you doing wrong? Actually, nothing – we reached the company consultants through the model home centers, who were sales representatives, and they wanted to sell.
What are you doing wrong? Actually, nothing – we reached the company consultants through the model home centers, who were sales representatives, and they wanted to sell.
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