ᐅ How much additional cost is expected based on the structural engineer’s calculations?

Created on: 11 Jun 2023 11:17
L
Lauralila88
Hello,

I have to admit that we approached the house construction quite naively...

We have already signed the detailed construction plans, and now the construction company wants us to waive our right to special termination in writing – is that even legal?

Now to the main question: we signed a fixed price contract (turnkey), but the site manager said that the price might change again after the structural engineer's calculations???? I mean, we won’t make any more changes to the plans, and we have already budgeted with the bank based on the known price – is this normal? It feels like buying a pig in a poke!

Best regards
D
DaGoodness
19 Jun 2023 21:52
Lauralila88 schrieb:

A bitumen coating is not the same as a black tank.

Quote from Wikipedia:
“A black tank refers to the waterproofing system made from thick bitumen coating, bitumen sheets, or plastic membranes installed in the ground, which completely encloses all parts of a structure that come into contact with soil, making them resistant to (pressure) water. When properly executed, the black tank can be used for basement areas located below the groundwater level.”
D
DaGoodness
19 Jun 2023 21:57
It is interesting how, after 25 pages of warnings and many valuable tips, one still seems almost laughingly ready to run headfirst into the circular saw.

Based on the very limited information so far, I would bet on additional costs of at least 100,000 euros.
L
Lauralila88
19 Jun 2023 22:02
DaGoodness schrieb:

It’s interesting how, after 25 pages of warnings and many valuable tips, people still seem ready to rush headfirst into the table saw, almost laughingly.
Based on the very limited information so far, I would bet on additional costs of at least €100,000 (about $108,000).

And what do you think I should do? Somehow cancel the contract and just pay about the same amount somewhere else? We need a waterproof shell anyway in zone 3, and we also need 140 m² (1,507 sq ft) of living space.
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Lauralila88
19 Jun 2023 22:06
DaGoodness schrieb:

It’s interesting how, after 25 pages of warnings and many valuable tips, some still seem almost eager to run straight into the circular saw.
Based on the very limited information so far, I would bet on additional costs of at least 100,000€ (about 110,000 USD).

I will request another quote from Hinz von Haiden tomorrow to see what I would be charged there. I’m curious—thanks to you, I’m now a bit better informed.
K
kbt09
19 Jun 2023 22:08
Lauralila88 schrieb:

We are building with Haus der Handwerker. Yes, the structural engineer’s service is included in the house price for almost 10,000 euros, but the site manager said after the structural calculations there will be additional costs – why he already knows this, no idea. We simply cannot suddenly spend 20,000 euros more. We found out the day before yesterday that we also need a sump pit for the basement according to the soil report – we didn’t expect that because the architect said drainage would be enough...

… etc.
So, what advice can we give you? You say you can’t spend more money. Then what options are left?

I would:
- conduct a complete assessment of all expected remaining costs with the help of an independent expert
- evaluate whether you can still afford it
- seek legal advice to understand the possibilities and consequences of contract termination with certainty
And after considering all these steps, most likely cancel the contract and then simply not build.
K
kbt09
19 Jun 2023 22:10
Lauralila88 schrieb:

I will request an additional quote from Hinz von Haiden tomorrow to see what I would have to pay there. I’m curious – thanks to you, I now have a better understanding.

What is this supposed to mean? You already have a signed contract and still don’t have a professional on your side. How do you expect to evaluate another offer?