ᐅ Home Construction 2015 – Local Craftsmen or Mass-Produced Materials

For us, the price was fixed from the beginning, and upgrades were listed as separate items. This allowed excellent cost control. Initially, everything was handled through a single sales representative, but without any issues.
We trusted the process and were not disappointed. And yes, we would choose this option again and build with this construction company, which is managed by two architects (father and son) and employs local subcontractors (mostly long-established family businesses) for the trades.
At least they all take good care of their reputation.

...which is managed by two architects (father and son) and hires reliable local subcontractors (mostly long-established family businesses) to carry out the trades. They all at least care about their reputation...

This is exactly what convinces me right now! Additionally, there are "Master Craftsman" awards, which in my opinion add a certain quality assurance or seal of approval.

So, perfect! I guess I have chosen my way of building.

I have almost finished my floor plan, but my L-shaped layout for the kitchen/living/dining area is still driving me crazy... Kitchen too narrow, so everything feels like a tunnel, outdoor seating area not very practical... GOOD GRIEF ))

project2015 schrieb:

The costs for planning, etc. will be charged if the contract is awarded simultaneously to this GmbH ---> problematic or good?

To clarify the issue: When registering with the architectural association (which varies by federal state), a distinction can be made between freelance and construction-related activities. This must be clearly communicated to the client, although most clients usually do not initially understand the difference.

In the case of freelance activity, the architect acts as a representative of the client, meaning they are independent and do not stand between the contracting parties, but must represent the client’s interests in every phase of the construction regarding execution and the contractors involved.

In the case of construction-related activity, the architect has an economic interest (e.g., profit maximization) in the whole or part of the construction process and may be released from their representative role in this area. While this sounds positive, it can mean that, for example, the architect is not obligated to point out that there might be a better solution for execution or that another party could provide the same service at a lower price.
The exact distinction between commissioning architectural services and construction activities is always complicated.

Otherwise, search for these terms on the website of the architectural association in the relevant federal state or contact them directly. You can also inquire about the application of the HOAI at the same time.

Hello,

project2015 schrieb:

After a short forced break, I’m back and sharing my experience... NOT mass-produced housing

What exactly does the term "mass-produced housing" mean?

project2015 schrieb:

I have now chosen the path of working with an architect who also runs a construction company (LLC) that offers turnkey construction, among other services.

project2015 schrieb:

I) Together, we roughly estimated the cost per square meter of gross floor area at about 320€ ---> realistic?

How are we supposed to know if it’s not clear what is included in the €320? Lightweight concrete blocks, calcium silicate bricks, aerated concrete, perforated bricks, mid-level finishes, or what exactly….

project2015 schrieb:

II) The costs for planning, etc., are charged when awarding the contract to this LLC simultaneously ---> problematic or good?

No, that’s normal.

project2015 schrieb:

To me, this method of building sounds very trustworthy, and I hope I have finally chosen the right approach.

Here we go again—the white coat...

project2015 schrieb:

However, from the very beginning I deal directly with the architect (Dipl. Eng.) himself. Until now, I always had to deal with salespeople and study countless brochures.

And you really believe that the architect (by the way, usually someone with a university degree) is not also a salesperson?

project2015 schrieb:

and then still show and explain everything somehow to my wife, who unfortunately understands even less about construction than I do.

And why didn’t your wife participate in the previous meetings?

project2015 schrieb:

There are also "Masterful" awards, which in my view add a certain quality certification or seal to the whole thing.

Have you ever considered that the "Masterful" award system might just be another marketing gimmick? These 3- to 5-star ratings simply reflect what reputable providers have to consistently deliver anyway to stay successfully in business: quality management. Continuing education in construction technology is, by the way, evaluated through engagement within this system.

The only one who truly benefits significantly from the stars is the creator of the system; these attractive little stars say nothing about the actual quality of the building.

Best regards, Bauexperte

@Wanderdüne:
Yes, the architect is not freelance but professionally registered, which is also clearly indicated. I found the contact through the Chamber of Crafts website, listed as

publicly appointed and sworn expert
Certified by the Chamber of Crafts xxx:

• Masonry and concrete construction trade

Main areas of activity

• Single-family and two-family houses
• Terraced housing developments
• Multi-family houses
• Low-energy houses
• Construction using ecological/biological building materials
• Energy certificates/residential buildings
• Energy certificates/non-residential buildings
• Barrier-free housing
• Commercial and workshop buildings
• Agricultural buildings
• Community centers/town halls
• Medical practices
• Local/village development planning

Additional information
Carrying out airtightness tests (BlowerDoorTest), energy consultant

It all sounded reasonable.

@Bauexperte
Maybe I didn’t express myself clearly enough. By standard models I meant finding a show home that we like. Usually, what we liked was ruled out during the cost calculation (plus basement, double garage, etc.). And I definitely need a basement. However, it’s not really easy to find a show home with a basement, since most are shown without basements, and usually they are quite large... but I have to calculate the 300–350 m³ (10,600–12,300 ft³) basement volume anyway.
I agree with you about the €320, that was my mistake or rather too vague. I will provide more detailed information soon.

The white coat, yes, I know. But for those of us who have zero experience with building and all the related matters, who work through all these questions in forums and so on… everyone eventually reaches a point where they really need help!

My architect obviously acts in the interest of his company, so naturally, he wants to build the planned house. Of course.
At the show home parks, so far we have almost always only spoken with salespeople/drafters. From our perspective, detailed questions were not answered satisfactorily — it was basically just “we are the best, build with us.” That is simply confusing.

I don’t want to overemphasize the “Master craftsman” asterisks either; as you said, it does somewhat separate the reputable from the less reputable.

Oh well, it’s all not easy, but we have to manage somehow with a budget of €350,000 (about $380,000), for 1.5 stories with basement and double garage (excluding land), living upstairs, daily living on the ground floor for a household of 4 people, including all additional costs.

Hello,

project2015 schrieb:

Oh dear, it’s all quite complicated, but we have to manage with a budget of €350,000 for 1.5 stories with a basement and double garage (excluding the land), living in the attic floor, daily living on the ground floor for a household of 4 people, including all additional costs.

You probably mean €300,000, right? There are also some incidental construction costs to consider. It will be tight anyway since the €300,000 should include all costs up to moving in. In your own interest, you should already start thinking about alternatives to the basement now; that way, the disappointment at the end won’t be so great. A good start would be to honestly list what you want to store in the basement....

Regards, Bauexperte