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.
Yes, you’re right, I rarely see this in my circle of acquaintances and also among future neighbors. And there are definitely clear differences between those building “at the bottom” and those building “at the top” *g*.
Everyone has the right to showcase their achievements, but as mentioned, it should be done with sensitivity. It’s a fine line where you risk belittling what others have accomplished, and that’s where antipathy understandably begins. This line may be narrower in Germany than elsewhere, that is true.
However, reducing this to self-employed versus employed is a stretch. Being employed doesn’t automatically mean someone is unwilling to leave their comfort zone; unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Likewise, not every entrepreneur works hard for their money — I’ve seen many sides of this in my life as well.
I fully agree regarding interference: everyone is welcome to ask why and how something was done, I do this too, as I like to understand other people’s thought processes (occupational hazard). But to put someone down for it is obviously not acceptable. This has nothing to do with envy, but rather with a lack of understanding for other people and their needs.
Everyone has the right to showcase their achievements, but as mentioned, it should be done with sensitivity. It’s a fine line where you risk belittling what others have accomplished, and that’s where antipathy understandably begins. This line may be narrower in Germany than elsewhere, that is true.
However, reducing this to self-employed versus employed is a stretch. Being employed doesn’t automatically mean someone is unwilling to leave their comfort zone; unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Likewise, not every entrepreneur works hard for their money — I’ve seen many sides of this in my life as well.
I fully agree regarding interference: everyone is welcome to ask why and how something was done, I do this too, as I like to understand other people’s thought processes (occupational hazard). But to put someone down for it is obviously not acceptable. This has nothing to do with envy, but rather with a lack of understanding for other people and their needs.
Masipulami28 Apr 2016 09:17That would be the ideal location for a forum meetup.