ᐅ House Construction Planning / Comparison of Prefabricated House Providers
Created on: 28 Jun 2015 14:30
H
haeuslebau16H
haeuslebau1628 Jun 2015 14:30Hello!
Is there anyone else still in the initial phase and looking for the right builder?
I have already had four consultation meetings with Scanhaus Marlow Marlow, Pro Haus, Renschhaus, and Fingerhaus, and now I’m even more confused and uncertain. Each one includes different services in their building specifications. How am I supposed to know what is necessary and good? I have already educated myself using the book "Die Muster - Baubeschreibung" from the consumer advice center, but I’m still overwhelmed.
I want a fully finished ready-to-move-in house and don’t want to deal with missing elements on the foundation slab or having to hire someone separately for additional work.
Did you have your building performance specifications reviewed before deciding on a builder?
Why did you choose your builder? Was it because of the price or the building specification?
For example, I think everything is clearly listed at Fingerhaus, but it is also the most expensive option for me. I’m not sure if the building specification from Pro Haus has some gaps, but the price is good.
Can someone help me? What is your opinion of Scanhaus Marlow Marlow or Renschhaus?
Thank you very much!
Is there anyone else still in the initial phase and looking for the right builder?
I have already had four consultation meetings with Scanhaus Marlow Marlow, Pro Haus, Renschhaus, and Fingerhaus, and now I’m even more confused and uncertain. Each one includes different services in their building specifications. How am I supposed to know what is necessary and good? I have already educated myself using the book "Die Muster - Baubeschreibung" from the consumer advice center, but I’m still overwhelmed.
I want a fully finished ready-to-move-in house and don’t want to deal with missing elements on the foundation slab or having to hire someone separately for additional work.
Did you have your building performance specifications reviewed before deciding on a builder?
Why did you choose your builder? Was it because of the price or the building specification?
For example, I think everything is clearly listed at Fingerhaus, but it is also the most expensive option for me. I’m not sure if the building specification from Pro Haus has some gaps, but the price is good.
Can someone help me? What is your opinion of Scanhaus Marlow Marlow or Renschhaus?
Thank you very much!
A completely finished house without any personal tweaks? Good luck. Maybe with a developer who is also the owner during the construction phase.
Utility connections are usually never included in the scope of the builder’s services (I have never seen it anywhere), same goes for sewage and stormwater connections. In addition, you have to handle all the paperwork with the authorities and the notary yourself. That’s what I’m currently struggling with. Instead of one invoice for everything, there is a separate invoice for every little document. Here 25 euros, there 95, and so on...
What can usually be included without much hassle: kitchen, flooring and wall work, landscaping, carport/garage, driveway.
If you don’t want to deal with all the paperwork, the decisions, etc., there are two options: buy an existing property or hire an architect with power of attorney to handle all that stuff. If the architect is not allowed to do this for some reason, there is usually another legal person who can (with a few exceptions, such as buying the land).
Comparing the scope of services in general is not easy. I once created an Excel sheet and broke down the construction service descriptions. In the end, it really comes down to gut feeling.
Utility connections are usually never included in the scope of the builder’s services (I have never seen it anywhere), same goes for sewage and stormwater connections. In addition, you have to handle all the paperwork with the authorities and the notary yourself. That’s what I’m currently struggling with. Instead of one invoice for everything, there is a separate invoice for every little document. Here 25 euros, there 95, and so on...
What can usually be included without much hassle: kitchen, flooring and wall work, landscaping, carport/garage, driveway.
If you don’t want to deal with all the paperwork, the decisions, etc., there are two options: buy an existing property or hire an architect with power of attorney to handle all that stuff. If the architect is not allowed to do this for some reason, there is usually another legal person who can (with a few exceptions, such as buying the land).
Comparing the scope of services in general is not easy. I once created an Excel sheet and broke down the construction service descriptions. In the end, it really comes down to gut feeling.
H
haeuslebau1628 Jun 2015 17:03No, of course I have to take care of utility connections and so on.
It was more about the fact that, for example, something might be missing with the foundation slab for some people. According to ProHaus, it seems that I am responsible for ensuring the slab is level and that the final layer of gravel or similar must be done by the homeowner. Since I can’t do that, I would need to hire someone again. Then I wonder why this isn’t included or at least mentioned as an additional cost. But maybe I simply haven’t understood many of these things yet.
Or, for example, insulation under the foundation slab. ProHaus doesn’t say anything about an insulated foundation slab, but Fingerhaus does. Do I need that, and do I have to hire someone else again for it, and so on...
It was more about the fact that, for example, something might be missing with the foundation slab for some people. According to ProHaus, it seems that I am responsible for ensuring the slab is level and that the final layer of gravel or similar must be done by the homeowner. Since I can’t do that, I would need to hire someone again. Then I wonder why this isn’t included or at least mentioned as an additional cost. But maybe I simply haven’t understood many of these things yet.
Or, for example, insulation under the foundation slab. ProHaus doesn’t say anything about an insulated foundation slab, but Fingerhaus does. Do I need that, and do I have to hire someone else again for it, and so on...
Usually, a concrete slab with 30cm (12 inches) of gravel is included in the price (this is very common for solid construction houses). Additional earthworks are charged separately. Either a concrete slab is included in the scope of work description or it is not. The scope of work description is a detailed document of about 10 to 20 pages at the end, where every step is explained. There MUST be a mention of the concrete slab. Either it states that one is included or that you have to provide it yourselves.
Of course, you don’t have to do any manual work yourself; everything can be subcontracted.
Of course, you don’t have to do any manual work yourself; everything can be subcontracted.
H
haeuslebau1628 Jun 2015 17:35For example, it says:
“The client carries out the earthworks in coordination with the site manager, including the creation of a level clean/filter layer with a thickness of 15 cm (6 inches) and a grain size of ≤ 32 mm (1.25 inches), at their own expense.”
Who is responsible for this, and how much does it typically cost?
Or:
“During the entire construction period, groundwater, surface water, or seepage water (...) must be removed from the excavation pit. (...) Any sealing and insulation measures are the responsibility of the client.”
Who handles this and what costs are involved?
Is it normal that the client must take care of these tasks themselves?
It also says that the site setup includes all tools, machinery, formwork materials, and possibly scaffolding for the duration of the foundation work. Does that mean it does not cover the entire construction period including interior work? Does site setup also include a construction site toilet? Otherwise, I can’t find any other points about the site setup.
I plan to have a professional review everything in the end, but to understand beforehand what additional costs to expect with one provider and what might be included with another, I need to understand this clearly.
Regarding the slab foundation, it states:
“The slab foundation is made of reinforced concrete with a strength class of C20/25 according to DIN 1045-1, approximately 20 cm (8 inches) thick, and is designed according to static calculations. A protective foil is laid underneath the slab.”
“The client carries out the earthworks in coordination with the site manager, including the creation of a level clean/filter layer with a thickness of 15 cm (6 inches) and a grain size of ≤ 32 mm (1.25 inches), at their own expense.”
Who is responsible for this, and how much does it typically cost?
Or:
“During the entire construction period, groundwater, surface water, or seepage water (...) must be removed from the excavation pit. (...) Any sealing and insulation measures are the responsibility of the client.”
Who handles this and what costs are involved?
Is it normal that the client must take care of these tasks themselves?
It also says that the site setup includes all tools, machinery, formwork materials, and possibly scaffolding for the duration of the foundation work. Does that mean it does not cover the entire construction period including interior work? Does site setup also include a construction site toilet? Otherwise, I can’t find any other points about the site setup.
I plan to have a professional review everything in the end, but to understand beforehand what additional costs to expect with one provider and what might be included with another, I need to understand this clearly.
Regarding the slab foundation, it states:
“The slab foundation is made of reinforced concrete with a strength class of C20/25 according to DIN 1045-1, approximately 20 cm (8 inches) thick, and is designed according to static calculations. A protective foil is laid underneath the slab.”
As I understand it, a small portion of the groundwork is usually included in the price. This way, you establish contact with a groundworker who then handles any additional work and bills the homeowner directly. If groundwork is not included, you need to find a groundworker yourself. Both options have their pros and cons.
It’s also a good idea to discuss your plans with the companies and review the construction specifications. Take notes, schedule appointments, and ask detailed questions. The turnover on a house is always six figures, so a lot of consultation hours (the marketing phase) are already factored into the price.
In the end, having an expert review everything is definitely a smart move. It can save you from unexpected cost items that might otherwise become a real problem.
It’s also a good idea to discuss your plans with the companies and review the construction specifications. Take notes, schedule appointments, and ask detailed questions. The turnover on a house is always six figures, so a lot of consultation hours (the marketing phase) are already factored into the price.
In the end, having an expert review everything is definitely a smart move. It can save you from unexpected cost items that might otherwise become a real problem.
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