Hello,
I am currently wondering how it would be practically possible to follow the ideal sequence for building a house in order to maintain the most accurate cost-effectiveness for the various components within the agreed budget.
Many homeowners always ask themselves, "Is this worth it?" But unfortunately, the answer usually comes much later, after the damage has already been done.
For me, the heating load calculation (HLB) provides a key answer regarding the cost-effectiveness of a house or its components. However, this calculation is usually only done once all components are already decided or even built. For prefab home suppliers/general contractors, it is probably even more expensive to maintain this kind of flexibility.
We have about €10,000 (around $11,000) left that we want to invest wisely. The first idea was to improve the masonry from T9 (unfilled) to T7 (filled). This should save real money later on. Assuming we have a quote from the mason with a €4,000 (about $4,400) surcharge compared to the T9. Basically, only the HLB can tell me approximately how many years it will take for the saved heating costs to offset this extra cost. I am aware that this also depends on how efficiently my heating system converts electricity into heat, how cold it will be in the coming years, and so on. But you can still get a rough estimate. Not to forget that the investment will also incur interest costs, which will have a compounding effect over the years of repayment. But all of this can theoretically be calculated.
So, would it be helpful to have the HLB done in advance and analyze different values along with the corresponding costs? Which, incidentally, is not cheap to commission itself... and I believe that is the main reason why this is not usually done in practice, right?
I am currently wondering how it would be practically possible to follow the ideal sequence for building a house in order to maintain the most accurate cost-effectiveness for the various components within the agreed budget.
Many homeowners always ask themselves, "Is this worth it?" But unfortunately, the answer usually comes much later, after the damage has already been done.
For me, the heating load calculation (HLB) provides a key answer regarding the cost-effectiveness of a house or its components. However, this calculation is usually only done once all components are already decided or even built. For prefab home suppliers/general contractors, it is probably even more expensive to maintain this kind of flexibility.
We have about €10,000 (around $11,000) left that we want to invest wisely. The first idea was to improve the masonry from T9 (unfilled) to T7 (filled). This should save real money later on. Assuming we have a quote from the mason with a €4,000 (about $4,400) surcharge compared to the T9. Basically, only the HLB can tell me approximately how many years it will take for the saved heating costs to offset this extra cost. I am aware that this also depends on how efficiently my heating system converts electricity into heat, how cold it will be in the coming years, and so on. But you can still get a rough estimate. Not to forget that the investment will also incur interest costs, which will have a compounding effect over the years of repayment. But all of this can theoretically be calculated.
So, would it be helpful to have the HLB done in advance and analyze different values along with the corresponding costs? Which, incidentally, is not cheap to commission itself... and I believe that is the main reason why this is not usually done in practice, right?
Maybe there will be some left over for buffers. But since some things may cost more along the way (like a bit more stainless steel here and there... etc.),
otherwise, it generally makes sense to invest in insulation or solar, as these reduce operating costs and can potentially increase resale value. Controlled mechanical ventilation is also beneficial for improved comfort.
otherwise, it generally makes sense to invest in insulation or solar, as these reduce operating costs and can potentially increase resale value. Controlled mechanical ventilation is also beneficial for improved comfort.
As mentioned, this is only about the heating system.
There is still plenty of buffer for the other trades. Our financing has also been arranged very securely. We can save or invest a significant amount each year. Photovoltaics, landscaping, exterior plaster, carport, garden shed, attic conversion, and so on can all be done later. Still, we have planned and financed everything so that it could be completed on schedule.
Waiting is not an option—once the walls are up, they’re there for good. Everything else can still be adjusted. We already have a small surplus even after the shell construction, although the foundation cost €3000 (about $3300) more than expected.
I am also aware that this can change quickly. If that happens, it’s our responsibility because we decide which materials to use. So, it’s a matter of discipline.
There is still plenty of buffer for the other trades. Our financing has also been arranged very securely. We can save or invest a significant amount each year. Photovoltaics, landscaping, exterior plaster, carport, garden shed, attic conversion, and so on can all be done later. Still, we have planned and financed everything so that it could be completed on schedule.
Waiting is not an option—once the walls are up, they’re there for good. Everything else can still be adjusted. We already have a small surplus even after the shell construction, although the foundation cost €3000 (about $3300) more than expected.
I am also aware that this can change quickly. If that happens, it’s our responsibility because we decide which materials to use. So, it’s a matter of discipline.
As mentioned... take your building geometry and calculate the U-value back and forth.
In general, you can be pretty sure that the pricing of technical building systems, general contractors, and construction managers is such that additional investment usually pays off only in the long term—or often not at all. They simply don’t want to deviate from their standard or want to maximize profit (this is quite similar to electronics—upgrading from A++ to A+++ efficiency rarely makes financial sense).
If you manage individual contracts yourself, the situation might look somewhat different.
In general, you can be pretty sure that the pricing of technical building systems, general contractors, and construction managers is such that additional investment usually pays off only in the long term—or often not at all. They simply don’t want to deviate from their standard or want to maximize profit (this is quite similar to electronics—upgrading from A++ to A+++ efficiency rarely makes financial sense).
If you manage individual contracts yourself, the situation might look somewhat different.
The result of all my research was that any investment in the future for our building project would not be worthwhile. Therefore, I did what I wanted, without needing it to be cost-effective.
Gas --> Because it is easy to install, quiet, and simply inexpensive.
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery --> No one really knows how to ventilate properly, and stale air causes headaches.
Windows --> Triple-glazed, because it was required for the energy certificate and slightly better at sound insulation.
Solar thermal, photovoltaic panels, heat pump, better insulation --> All would have cost more but wouldn’t have improved living quality for me.
Gas --> Because it is easy to install, quiet, and simply inexpensive.
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery --> No one really knows how to ventilate properly, and stale air causes headaches.
Windows --> Triple-glazed, because it was required for the energy certificate and slightly better at sound insulation.
Solar thermal, photovoltaic panels, heat pump, better insulation --> All would have cost more but wouldn’t have improved living quality for me.
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