Since I plan to build next year or at the latest the year after, I am now starting to look more closely into the topic of house construction and hope to get some suggestions or answers to my questions.
The plot (2400 sqm (about 26,000 sq ft)) is already available, approximately 40 km (25 miles) south of Hamburg. I am not allowed to build a two-story house; otherwise, everything is allowed.
Basically, I want two things: unusual architecture and a very spacious, open design.
- Point 1 is very important to me. I want to stand in front of my house and be impressed by it every day. It should definitely not be a standard design. I have many pictures of houses from magazines and the internet that I like, but I never know what such houses cost or how large they need to be at minimum to realize them. I do not yet know exactly what I want.
- Point 2: I expect a lot of criticism or comments that it is too large, but I am planning about 400-500 sqm (4300-5400 sq ft) of living space. I currently live alone in 190 sqm (2045 sq ft) and do not consider that too large.
Rough idea:
Ground floor: 100 sqm (1075 sq ft) living room as the heart of the house, with ceiling height over two floors. Kitchen 40 sqm (430 sq ft), dining room 30 sqm (320 sq ft), bathroom 15 sqm (160 sq ft), guest room 20 sqm (215 sq ft), utility room 30 sqm (320 sq ft), office 25 sqm (270 sq ft).
First floor: Bedroom 35 sqm (375 sq ft), bathroom 30 sqm (320 sq ft), walk-in closet 30 sqm (320 sq ft), small office 15 sqm (160 sq ft) (all en suite).
Three children’s rooms each 30 sqm (320 sq ft), full bathroom 20 sqm (215 sq ft).
Currently, the area distribution between the ground and first floor does not quite fit yet, but these are just my initial ideas without having spoken to an architect.
Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to find information online about projects of this size—prices, floor plans, pictures, etc.
What is the best way to proceed now? I have two architects nearby who have built quite unusual reference projects that I like and plan to schedule appointments with them soon. Does anyone have recommendations for architects in Hamburg and the surrounding area who could realize such a project? An architect who typically works with more traditional single-family houses is probably not the right contact. Where can I find an architect suitable for my building project?
All trades will be contracted separately. Would the architect also handle the tendering, negotiation, and acceptance, or should I hire a second person for this?
How much time should I plan for the entire project? Three to six months for planning and then another six months for construction, or is that too long or too short?
And now perhaps the most difficult question: What kind of budget should I expect? The house fully move-in ready—meaning kitchen, flooring, painting, lighting for all rooms, incidental construction costs, but excluding garage, furniture, and landscaping, which will be extra. Of course, this question is very general. You can spend $5,000 on a kitchen or $200,000. It should be very high-end quality but no golden faucets needed. Can I expect to manage with around one million euros?
I appreciate any suggestions or experiences; feel free to contact me via PM as well.
The plot (2400 sqm (about 26,000 sq ft)) is already available, approximately 40 km (25 miles) south of Hamburg. I am not allowed to build a two-story house; otherwise, everything is allowed.
Basically, I want two things: unusual architecture and a very spacious, open design.
- Point 1 is very important to me. I want to stand in front of my house and be impressed by it every day. It should definitely not be a standard design. I have many pictures of houses from magazines and the internet that I like, but I never know what such houses cost or how large they need to be at minimum to realize them. I do not yet know exactly what I want.
- Point 2: I expect a lot of criticism or comments that it is too large, but I am planning about 400-500 sqm (4300-5400 sq ft) of living space. I currently live alone in 190 sqm (2045 sq ft) and do not consider that too large.
Rough idea:
Ground floor: 100 sqm (1075 sq ft) living room as the heart of the house, with ceiling height over two floors. Kitchen 40 sqm (430 sq ft), dining room 30 sqm (320 sq ft), bathroom 15 sqm (160 sq ft), guest room 20 sqm (215 sq ft), utility room 30 sqm (320 sq ft), office 25 sqm (270 sq ft).
First floor: Bedroom 35 sqm (375 sq ft), bathroom 30 sqm (320 sq ft), walk-in closet 30 sqm (320 sq ft), small office 15 sqm (160 sq ft) (all en suite).
Three children’s rooms each 30 sqm (320 sq ft), full bathroom 20 sqm (215 sq ft).
Currently, the area distribution between the ground and first floor does not quite fit yet, but these are just my initial ideas without having spoken to an architect.
Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to find information online about projects of this size—prices, floor plans, pictures, etc.
What is the best way to proceed now? I have two architects nearby who have built quite unusual reference projects that I like and plan to schedule appointments with them soon. Does anyone have recommendations for architects in Hamburg and the surrounding area who could realize such a project? An architect who typically works with more traditional single-family houses is probably not the right contact. Where can I find an architect suitable for my building project?
All trades will be contracted separately. Would the architect also handle the tendering, negotiation, and acceptance, or should I hire a second person for this?
How much time should I plan for the entire project? Three to six months for planning and then another six months for construction, or is that too long or too short?
And now perhaps the most difficult question: What kind of budget should I expect? The house fully move-in ready—meaning kitchen, flooring, painting, lighting for all rooms, incidental construction costs, but excluding garage, furniture, and landscaping, which will be extra. Of course, this question is very general. You can spend $5,000 on a kitchen or $200,000. It should be very high-end quality but no golden faucets needed. Can I expect to manage with around one million euros?
I appreciate any suggestions or experiences; feel free to contact me via PM as well.
I think one million is a bit underestimated – even without aiming for a luxury level, you can easily spend 1.5 million or even 2 million on a project like this, without any golden faucets.
However, it must be said: just having a large number of square meters doesn’t necessarily make a house feel spacious – there’s more to it. Do you have specific representational plans, aiming for a living area of around 100 square meters? In a house of this size, you would expect each bedroom to have its own bathroom, or at least that children share a bathroom between two. Many couples also prefer separate bathrooms for each – which would then be somewhat smaller. A shower-only bathroom of 12 square meters (130 square feet) can still feel generous – while a bathroom with a freestanding tub plus shower can easily be around 20 square meters (215 square feet).
Hallways should ideally be more like entrance halls. You can also plan enough utility rooms so that you get plenty of storage without making the house confusing to navigate. You might also consider including a separate apartment for live-in staff, a nanny, or similar. Ample garage space (4 to 6 cars plus room for sports equipment) – that all adds up.
Find a very good architect – preferably a woman who also thinks practically – as well as an experienced construction manager who can oversee the trades, handle the tendering, etc. It’s rare that one person covers both roles. However, a good architectural firm will often offer both. Additionally, get a building surveyor or construction expert to accompany the build – this helps avoid major work defects and ensures the construction process runs as smoothly as possible.
However, it must be said: just having a large number of square meters doesn’t necessarily make a house feel spacious – there’s more to it. Do you have specific representational plans, aiming for a living area of around 100 square meters? In a house of this size, you would expect each bedroom to have its own bathroom, or at least that children share a bathroom between two. Many couples also prefer separate bathrooms for each – which would then be somewhat smaller. A shower-only bathroom of 12 square meters (130 square feet) can still feel generous – while a bathroom with a freestanding tub plus shower can easily be around 20 square meters (215 square feet).
Hallways should ideally be more like entrance halls. You can also plan enough utility rooms so that you get plenty of storage without making the house confusing to navigate. You might also consider including a separate apartment for live-in staff, a nanny, or similar. Ample garage space (4 to 6 cars plus room for sports equipment) – that all adds up.
Find a very good architect – preferably a woman who also thinks practically – as well as an experienced construction manager who can oversee the trades, handle the tendering, etc. It’s rare that one person covers both roles. However, a good architectural firm will often offer both. Additionally, get a building surveyor or construction expert to accompany the build – this helps avoid major work defects and ensures the construction process runs as smoothly as possible.
In addition to Nofret:
with these requirements, I would include an interior designer / lighting planner right from the start of the planning process. This is important both to achieve the desired atmosphere in the rooms and to plan the lighting outlets. I would also have a media room installed with a projector and surround sound...
I don’t think 1 million will be enough.
I really need to start playing the lottery again.
with these requirements, I would include an interior designer / lighting planner right from the start of the planning process. This is important both to achieve the desired atmosphere in the rooms and to plan the lighting outlets. I would also have a media room installed with a projector and surround sound...
I don’t think 1 million will be enough.
I really need to start playing the lottery again.
@Robson: It is possible to build two stories even if only single-story construction is permitted. If the first upper floor covers less than 66% of the ground floor area, it is not counted as a full story. With the planned living room spanning two levels, this is relatively easy to achieve. For example, 300 sqm (3,229 sq ft) on the ground floor and 200 sqm (2,153 sq ft) on the first floor.
@Nofret and Malli: There were already some very good tips here, thank you!
A separate apartment, one bathroom per bedroom, and six garage spaces fall under what I consider "unnecessary luxury." But of course, that’s a matter of personal opinion. I have high standards for the kitchen, bathroom, technical installations, and lighting. On the other hand, I don’t need hardwood flooring that costs 300€ per sqm.
In fact, it’s not just about square meters but also about the layout and furnishings to make a house of this size really come to life. There’s no point in having a 30 sqm (323 sq ft) bedroom with only a bed and a nightstand in it.
Does anyone have ideas or recommendations for an architecture firm (in Hamburg and surrounding areas) that ideally offers all services from a single source?
Is there any place where you can get information (such as plans, photos, costs) about similar projects? Obviously for a fee. I seem to remember that such information for commercial properties was available online somewhere. Unfortunately, I can’t find anything quickly.
@Nofret and Malli: There were already some very good tips here, thank you!
A separate apartment, one bathroom per bedroom, and six garage spaces fall under what I consider "unnecessary luxury." But of course, that’s a matter of personal opinion. I have high standards for the kitchen, bathroom, technical installations, and lighting. On the other hand, I don’t need hardwood flooring that costs 300€ per sqm.
In fact, it’s not just about square meters but also about the layout and furnishings to make a house of this size really come to life. There’s no point in having a 30 sqm (323 sq ft) bedroom with only a bed and a nightstand in it.
Does anyone have ideas or recommendations for an architecture firm (in Hamburg and surrounding areas) that ideally offers all services from a single source?
Is there any place where you can get information (such as plans, photos, costs) about similar projects? Obviously for a fee. I seem to remember that such information for commercial properties was available online somewhere. Unfortunately, I can’t find anything quickly.
D
DragonyxXL18 Apr 2016 14:48timbolo schrieb:
I’m not allowed to build two stories, otherwise everything is permitted. How many square meters of the plot are allowed to be built on according to the development plan or floor space index (if there is one)? We thought that with our plot of over 1300m² (about 14,000 sq ft) and a floor space index of 0.25, we wouldn’t have any problems, but now it’s tight. Is there no specification for eaves height or anything similar?
timbolo schrieb:
I just never know what such houses cost and how large they need to be at minimum in order to be feasible. I’m not exactly sure what I want yet. Architects are usually the best source for this kind of information. If you want something tailored specifically to your needs, it’s unlikely you’ll find exactly what you want in existing floor plans or photos of other buildings.
timbolo schrieb:
Unfortunately, there is relatively little information online about projects of this size—prices, floor plans, photos, and so on. That’s because this clientele rarely shares information about their villas online. Why is the price an issue anyway? As mentioned before, price ranges for properties of this size vary widely. Still, an architect can help here as well. Alternatively, you can look at what existing properties of this size cost.
timbolo schrieb:
All trades should be contracted separately. Why?
timbolo schrieb:
How much time should I plan for the entire project? 3–6 months for planning and then another 6 months for construction, or is that too much or too little? As far as I know, 6 months is roughly the standard for a single-family home built with solid construction methods. Other building methods might allow completion in 4–5 months. Considering the size, 6 months might be optimistic. Ultimately, it depends on how many contractors are working on site.
Similar topics