ᐅ Initial Consultation Appointment with the Prefabricated House Manufacturer
Created on: 19 Jun 2017 18:38
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Illexchubby
Hello everyone,
My girlfriend and I have decided to fulfill our dream of owning a home. We chose to build a prefabricated house and have already provisionally reserved a plot of land that meets our location and price expectations.
Our plan was (and is) to sit down with prefab house manufacturers, show them our development plan and regulations, and then work together on possible floor plans that meet our individual wishes. We also hoped to get some initial quotes to help us plan and estimate the financing of the whole project.
It’s quite a rough approach for the beginning, I know, but this was primarily meant to help us decide for or against the reserved plot and, of course, to better estimate whether we can afford it.
Over the last few months, we have visited many model home parks and have narrowed down to 3-4 preferred manufacturers.
We recently scheduled our first appointment for a consultation. By the way, it was with a “top” manufacturer, at least according to recent reviews from sources like FocusMoney.
At the start of the meeting, the representative neither introduced herself nor her company in any way. It quickly became clear that the main purpose of the meeting was just to present us with an initial offer. We had sent our plot plan in advance, requesting a review and feedback regarding the location and orientation, but we received no response on that. When I asked about it, she just said she showed it to an architect, who did not see any issues. We flipped through some catalogs, and when I pointed out a floor plan that roughly matched our ideas, it was immediately noted for inclusion in the offer. Then she asked me which heating system I wanted. But who would know that at the first meeting? She then mentioned that for this size, about 160m² (1720 square feet) over two floors, it basically only makes sense to build to KfW55 standards and use an air-source heat pump. When I asked how flexible the floor plans could be, she said we would handle that with the architect later, when the time comes. However, it turned out that I can only see the architect if I sign a preliminary contract because, according to her, the planning involves high costs and the company needs a certain level of security. I also learned that this manufacturer does not have in-house architects but commissions them externally.
Is this the usual process? I feel like I can't buy a plot without at least a floor plan or rough draft, right? At the kitchen showroom, they design my kitchen for the space before I sign anything! I always thought you first look at the building site with the architect in person…
Am I mistaken? Is this just wishful thinking on my part? What can I realistically expect?
Thanks a lot for your answers.
Best regards,
Dennis
My girlfriend and I have decided to fulfill our dream of owning a home. We chose to build a prefabricated house and have already provisionally reserved a plot of land that meets our location and price expectations.
Our plan was (and is) to sit down with prefab house manufacturers, show them our development plan and regulations, and then work together on possible floor plans that meet our individual wishes. We also hoped to get some initial quotes to help us plan and estimate the financing of the whole project.
It’s quite a rough approach for the beginning, I know, but this was primarily meant to help us decide for or against the reserved plot and, of course, to better estimate whether we can afford it.
Over the last few months, we have visited many model home parks and have narrowed down to 3-4 preferred manufacturers.
We recently scheduled our first appointment for a consultation. By the way, it was with a “top” manufacturer, at least according to recent reviews from sources like FocusMoney.
At the start of the meeting, the representative neither introduced herself nor her company in any way. It quickly became clear that the main purpose of the meeting was just to present us with an initial offer. We had sent our plot plan in advance, requesting a review and feedback regarding the location and orientation, but we received no response on that. When I asked about it, she just said she showed it to an architect, who did not see any issues. We flipped through some catalogs, and when I pointed out a floor plan that roughly matched our ideas, it was immediately noted for inclusion in the offer. Then she asked me which heating system I wanted. But who would know that at the first meeting? She then mentioned that for this size, about 160m² (1720 square feet) over two floors, it basically only makes sense to build to KfW55 standards and use an air-source heat pump. When I asked how flexible the floor plans could be, she said we would handle that with the architect later, when the time comes. However, it turned out that I can only see the architect if I sign a preliminary contract because, according to her, the planning involves high costs and the company needs a certain level of security. I also learned that this manufacturer does not have in-house architects but commissions them externally.
Is this the usual process? I feel like I can't buy a plot without at least a floor plan or rough draft, right? At the kitchen showroom, they design my kitchen for the space before I sign anything! I always thought you first look at the building site with the architect in person…
Am I mistaken? Is this just wishful thinking on my part? What can I realistically expect?
Thanks a lot for your answers.
Best regards,
Dennis
I
Illexchubby19 Jun 2017 20:59@Alex
For me, it’s quite important to know before buying the plot whether the house I have in mind fits well on it. I have my ideas and wishes that I want to be realized. The plot is as it is, but maybe that’s also a matter of perspective. Otherwise, I do understand your argument about the architect, but I believe that the risk of a possibly “free planning” should be borne by the construction company. After all, we are talking about quite substantial sums. But reality has shown that this is not usually the case. Maybe their order books are really so full that they don’t need to take that risk currently.
@Heinz
Your recommendation sounds good. That was actually our consideration as well if the further discussions go in the same direction. Could you maybe name general contractors from your area? Just so I can browse their websites to get an idea of how these companies are structured, then I’ll have a better idea of what to look for.
@Chrichie
What you described at the company Talbauhaus is basically what we imagine. What kind of provider are you exactly looking for? If I understood correctly, there are also small construction companies that build complete houses, meaning they handle everything from planning to interior finishing, right?
For me, it’s quite important to know before buying the plot whether the house I have in mind fits well on it. I have my ideas and wishes that I want to be realized. The plot is as it is, but maybe that’s also a matter of perspective. Otherwise, I do understand your argument about the architect, but I believe that the risk of a possibly “free planning” should be borne by the construction company. After all, we are talking about quite substantial sums. But reality has shown that this is not usually the case. Maybe their order books are really so full that they don’t need to take that risk currently.
@Heinz
Your recommendation sounds good. That was actually our consideration as well if the further discussions go in the same direction. Could you maybe name general contractors from your area? Just so I can browse their websites to get an idea of how these companies are structured, then I’ll have a better idea of what to look for.
@Chrichie
What you described at the company Talbauhaus is basically what we imagine. What kind of provider are you exactly looking for? If I understood correctly, there are also small construction companies that build complete houses, meaning they handle everything from planning to interior finishing, right?
M
Marvinius19 Jun 2017 21:01Our sales consultant from the solid house construction company made a real effort and went through several rounds of floor plan designs with us. We definitely had the impression that he was attentive to our wishes and tried to plan cost-effectively. Nevertheless, after signing the contract, we had to completely redesign the plans for various reasons.
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Illexchubby19 Jun 2017 21:11Hello Karsten,
Thank you as well for your response.
We are allowed two full stories on our plot. The land has a slope of about 2 meters (6.5 feet). The soil conditions are not ideal; according to the geotechnical report, approximately 1.5 meters (5 feet) of soil replacement will be necessary for construction (without a basement, on a slab foundation). However, this will be covered by the local authority, which we also have in writing. The ridge direction is flexible. The roof type is basically a gable roof with a specified pitch angle. But flat roofs have already been built in this neighborhood as well. After further inquiry, they seem quite flexible regarding this point too. These are the key facts I can summarize off the top of my head. What do you think?
We actually only came across the prefab house suppliers because I like timber construction, and they all advertise how flexible everything supposedly is. But we don’t really want a house from a catalog. So the real question will be whether we might get along better with a local general contractor.
Thanks very much for your opinions! They definitely help me a lot for now!
Thank you as well for your response.
We are allowed two full stories on our plot. The land has a slope of about 2 meters (6.5 feet). The soil conditions are not ideal; according to the geotechnical report, approximately 1.5 meters (5 feet) of soil replacement will be necessary for construction (without a basement, on a slab foundation). However, this will be covered by the local authority, which we also have in writing. The ridge direction is flexible. The roof type is basically a gable roof with a specified pitch angle. But flat roofs have already been built in this neighborhood as well. After further inquiry, they seem quite flexible regarding this point too. These are the key facts I can summarize off the top of my head. What do you think?
We actually only came across the prefab house suppliers because I like timber construction, and they all advertise how flexible everything supposedly is. But we don’t really want a house from a catalog. So the real question will be whether we might get along better with a local general contractor.
Thanks very much for your opinions! They definitely help me a lot for now!
We have already spoken with several general contractors in our area. With one of them, we received a free design that was revised multiple times at our request. However, even after the fifth revision, the architect did not manage to adequately consider our wishes. The price was also far beyond what we expected, even though I would definitely consider our budget sufficient. The company never sent us the construction scope of work as promised, nor did they follow up with us. I got the impression that they were not very interested in building a house with us. Which region in Baden-Württemberg are you interested in building? Feel free to contact me via private message.
We initially reviewed our general requirements with our provider (from heating to external blinds) and went through our preferred floor plan together. We walked through the house and considered whether the plan would work. Without any preliminary contract, he then packed everything up, and we received an appointment for the factory tour and house presentation. Three weeks later, our customized floor plan was presented to us, including some improvements to the layout, facade design, and 3D views. We were impressed.
So, it can be done differently. At the first meeting, the advisor did ask us seriously again if we were really committed, which we confirmed. The budget was discussed, and feasibility was confirmed.
We had three providers to choose from, and this one convinced us by far the most.
I also believe that client acquisition used to involve risks, but that seems to be a thing of the past. Nowadays, providers can choose their customers.
So, it can be done differently. At the first meeting, the advisor did ask us seriously again if we were really committed, which we confirmed. The budget was discussed, and feasibility was confirmed.
We had three providers to choose from, and this one convinced us by far the most.
I also believe that client acquisition used to involve risks, but that seems to be a thing of the past. Nowadays, providers can choose their customers.
I
Illexchubby19 Jun 2017 21:23Hello ONeill,
Just as you described, that’s exactly what we want. That somehow confirms to me that it is possible. And since we’re not under any time pressure with the whole matter, we can take our time to start looking...
Just as you described, that’s exactly what we want. That somehow confirms to me that it is possible. And since we’re not under any time pressure with the whole matter, we can take our time to start looking...
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