Hello
We want to build a house in a rural area (in my hometown). The plot is already available, and there is an old house on it that we are allowed to demolish. Now, I would like to ask how to generally approach this process.
We have some ideas about how the house should look in terms of the floor plan (about 150 m² (1,615 sq ft) over 2 full floors). We have looked at various prefabricated house providers, and we liked their floor plans and layouts, so we saved some for reference.
I prefer a solid (masonry) house over a timber frame or wood construction.
We can handle some trades ourselves, such as electrical and plumbing work. Roofing is also possible since my uncle runs a carpentry business. However, other trades are not our strong suit—for example, laying tiles or heating would be left to professionals (air-source heat pump with photovoltaics since there is no gas connection available—or possibly trench collectors for geothermal energy if feasible).
My approach now, since we want to build with solid construction, would be to consult one or several architects with references in the area instead of building a prefabricated house. We feel more flexible with an architect regarding the selection of work we want to do ourselves versus what needs to be contracted out (as well as the choice of equipment in heating, cooling, and ventilation systems).
For the construction phase, we still want to involve an independent expert (from a home builder protection association or similar) who can occasionally check that everything is on track, since it’s impossible to have knowledge of everything.
We also plan to have the construction contract reviewed before signing to ensure everything is legally sound.
Is this a good approach to minimize mistakes during house construction?
We are completely at the beginning, apart from having a serviced plot with water and electricity available.
Thank you for your feedback.
We want to build a house in a rural area (in my hometown). The plot is already available, and there is an old house on it that we are allowed to demolish. Now, I would like to ask how to generally approach this process.
We have some ideas about how the house should look in terms of the floor plan (about 150 m² (1,615 sq ft) over 2 full floors). We have looked at various prefabricated house providers, and we liked their floor plans and layouts, so we saved some for reference.
I prefer a solid (masonry) house over a timber frame or wood construction.
We can handle some trades ourselves, such as electrical and plumbing work. Roofing is also possible since my uncle runs a carpentry business. However, other trades are not our strong suit—for example, laying tiles or heating would be left to professionals (air-source heat pump with photovoltaics since there is no gas connection available—or possibly trench collectors for geothermal energy if feasible).
My approach now, since we want to build with solid construction, would be to consult one or several architects with references in the area instead of building a prefabricated house. We feel more flexible with an architect regarding the selection of work we want to do ourselves versus what needs to be contracted out (as well as the choice of equipment in heating, cooling, and ventilation systems).
For the construction phase, we still want to involve an independent expert (from a home builder protection association or similar) who can occasionally check that everything is on track, since it’s impossible to have knowledge of everything.
We also plan to have the construction contract reviewed before signing to ensure everything is legally sound.
Is this a good approach to minimize mistakes during house construction?
We are completely at the beginning, apart from having a serviced plot with water and electricity available.
Thank you for your feedback.
It’s best to start by selecting a few architects from your local area. You might also find reference projects in new residential developments, as mentioned earlier. Then, arrange a non-binding and free initial consultation with each architect. During this meeting, you can discuss general matters and talk about how to proceed. Usually, you’ll feel more comfortable with one or two architects, and those are the ones I would consider moving forward with.
In our case, the first design already had a cost. However, I have read that especially in cities, the initial design might sometimes be free. That way, you can decide after seeing the first draft, rather than before. Of course, you could also have initial paid designs created by more than one architect, but that’s not necessarily required.
Since for us, it would have cost right from the start, we first approached several general contractors (GCs). They offer free proposals. Naturally, their designs are not as detailed as those from an independent architect, but if your requirements are standard, this works quite well. We are now close to receiving offers from several GCs and have felt well supported by all so far. I think it will be a GC we choose, but we will keep an architect in reserve just in case.
If you have enough time and don’t mind spending 2-3 months on this process, I would recommend this approach. In conversations with the GCs, you gain valuable experience, and perhaps you’ll find something suitable right away. Usually, client self-performed work (DIY) is also not a problem there. If it doesn’t work out, you can still consult an architect afterward.
In our case, the first design already had a cost. However, I have read that especially in cities, the initial design might sometimes be free. That way, you can decide after seeing the first draft, rather than before. Of course, you could also have initial paid designs created by more than one architect, but that’s not necessarily required.
Since for us, it would have cost right from the start, we first approached several general contractors (GCs). They offer free proposals. Naturally, their designs are not as detailed as those from an independent architect, but if your requirements are standard, this works quite well. We are now close to receiving offers from several GCs and have felt well supported by all so far. I think it will be a GC we choose, but we will keep an architect in reserve just in case.
If you have enough time and don’t mind spending 2-3 months on this process, I would recommend this approach. In conversations with the GCs, you gain valuable experience, and perhaps you’ll find something suitable right away. Usually, client self-performed work (DIY) is also not a problem there. If it doesn’t work out, you can still consult an architect afterward.
Thank you very much. I still have some time. First, the old house needs to be demolished in spring.
Unfortunately, linking to other websites with houses, etc., is not allowed. (Sorry again to the moderators for that.) We like the layouts of 2-3 prefab houses, and with this information and pictures, you can go to an architect who will then design a similar plan adapted for a solid construction, right?
My mother’s classmate is an architect (his office only plans commercial buildings, not residential houses) and says that the cost of an architect-designed house is roughly in the same range as a prefab house. Is that correct?
For a mid-range finish, so a bit above average, would you expect around 1700 euros per square meter (about $180 per square foot)? A year or two ago, it was only around 1500 euros (about $160 per square foot), right?
Unfortunately, linking to other websites with houses, etc., is not allowed. (Sorry again to the moderators for that.) We like the layouts of 2-3 prefab houses, and with this information and pictures, you can go to an architect who will then design a similar plan adapted for a solid construction, right?
My mother’s classmate is an architect (his office only plans commercial buildings, not residential houses) and says that the cost of an architect-designed house is roughly in the same range as a prefab house. Is that correct?
For a mid-range finish, so a bit above average, would you expect around 1700 euros per square meter (about $180 per square foot)? A year or two ago, it was only around 1500 euros (about $160 per square foot), right?
D
DragonyxXL11 Nov 2016 09:11Elnino schrieb:
We like the floor plans of 2-3 prefab houses. With these details and images, you can just go to an architect, and they can then design a customized version as a solid construction, right? You could do it that way. But if you are already hiring an architect, why not discuss your wishes and needs with them and have them create a design? You don’t necessarily need an architect to convert a prefab house floor plan into a CAD model.
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