ᐅ What is the most cost-effective way to build?

Created on: 15 Jan 2014 14:41
K
Kisska86
Hello everyone,
now I really need your help. And please try to avoid abbreviations in your answers. I’m still a bit inexperienced in this area. 😱

Problem: We have found a plot of land through a sales agent/broker who only sells it tied to a specific developer. The developer doesn’t seem to be bad. We haven’t heard anything negative about them so far in this region. They apparently have never been involved in court cases related to construction defects or similar issues. Well, the problem is that we get the feeling they do everything with a very basic, standard approach. They don’t seem to consider the individual needs of the builder. So far, we have only spoken with the broker, who offers a fixed price for a turnkey house. It’s a great KfW 70 house with a heat pump, triple glazing, rendered facade, and more... As soon as I mentioned that we want a fireplace and brick facade instead of rendering, it was dismissed immediately... because it costs more, doesn’t make sense, and is just nonsense
 blah, blah, blah...

Question: Is this some kind of common tactic? What is their problem? What would be the best way to negotiate with them to get the most effective and economical outcome from the entire building project?
B
Bauexperte
15 Jan 2014 15:17
Hello,
HilfeHilfe schrieb:

I doubt that the general contractor will allow so many trades to be removed and subcontracted to outside companies... The problem is, when the contractor has exclusive rights to build on the plot, you have no chance. Take it or leave it. I can imagine they can pick the "right" customers.
That is the downside; it depends on the location of the property. If there are many interested buyers, the general contractor certainly won’t give up their advantage without good reason 😉

Regards, Bauexperte
Kisska8615 Jan 2014 15:22
Then it’s clear that I want to choose the more affordable option...
K1300S15 Jan 2014 15:32
The general contractor (or perhaps the developer?) will tell you how much you can save by doing certain work yourself – however, it is rarely the case that these savings cover the cost of hiring your own tradesperson plus materials. The general contractor needs to make a profit somewhere – and the fact that the real estate agent does not receive a commission for this suggests, in my opinion, that they are paid by the general contractor. So, there is another financial connection involved (see taxes), and an increased incentive for the general contractor to profit from this deal.

Good luck

K1300S
H
HilfeHilfe
15 Jan 2014 15:41
Hello

Generally, the general contractor rarely provides the individual prices. At least, that was the case for us. We didn’t want to handle anything on our own anyway, and he wouldn’t have allowed it. The issue was the location of the plot, which was very attractive to buyers.

Usually, if you have special requests, you will be quoted an additional cost. If it’s a solid house, you probably won’t get a (even) cheaper standard built in that would make it less expensive.
Der Da15 Jan 2014 15:47
If the general contractor quotes that a trade will cost €8000, and you find a tradesperson who offers to do it for €7000, it is quite possible that the general contractor will only reduce their price by €6000 and may also exclude themselves from any warranty obligations for the trades below. Such matters should be asked about or taken into consideration during your planning.
Kisska8615 Jan 2014 16:09
Oh man, this is really complicated... So, I guess I’ll have to ask the real estate agent a lot of questions at the next appointment? How do the general contractors usually estimate the total cost of the house? Do they need the floor plans to provide a price, or how does that usually work? I mean the process in general. We will only decide 100% once we know the exact price and everything fits. But does the general contractor, the agent, or whoever else typically invest in the planning upfront, or how does this usually work?