ᐅ How to approach building planning?

Hello everyone,

The first step is done. We now own a plot of land!
Now it’s time to move on to further planning. But how should we proceed?
Or rather, how did you handle it?

We have rough ideas about the layout and living space. We also want it to be a bungalow.
However, we don’t have detailed plans yet. It should be simple, not a luxury house.

This weekend, we plan to visit a model home park. Just to look at different houses, see what options are available or even possible... to gather ideas...

We would like to build a turnkey home with a builder. We’ve already been recommended a few.
Ideally, we want to compare three offers.

Should we just approach the builders and have a conversation? Will they then provide us with an offer?
Do we need to have more specific ideas beforehand, or can this be discussed during the meeting?

How did you approach the planning?

I’m looking forward to your experiences. We are still quite inexperienced...

Thanks in advance for your answers!!

Basically, the best approach is to choose 3 favorites and schedule appointments with them. During these meetings, the next steps will be discussed. However, everyone handles this differently. Some will already plan together with you, while others only take real action once you’ve signed something (which I would never do). Essentially, I would try to clarify as much as possible before signing anything.

First, set your financial boundaries... Otherwise, you might just daydream and get dazzled by the stylish show homes. In the end, the disappointment can be significant.

What budget do you have available, or what costs are you anticipating?

We’ve also made a note to always get signatures to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

It was always a question of when the best time to approach the bank would be. Our limit is €180,000 (about $195,000), with an absolute maximum of €200,000 (about $217,000).
Since I will be on parental leave for at least another year.

Around €700 (about $760) for principal and interest should be manageable. Possibly with KfW support.

We hope to make it work this way...

Only for the house or for everything? Including additional costs and the land? Because for the house alone, it might just be enough. But definitely not for the land and additional costs.

The land does not need to be financed.
It would only be about the house and the surrounding area.
Although the landscaping does not need to be completed immediately.