Hello,
we are building a semi-detached house with around 150 sqm (1,615 sq ft) of living space and a 200 sqm (2,153 sq ft) garden. The contract will be signed next week, and construction will start in late autumn. We have chosen the “technical completion” stage and will do some of the work ourselves: flooring, tiling, sanitary fixtures, attic finishing, interior doors, landscaping, and painting.
We have done our homework for the financing and negotiated extensively with the builder, so we now have a good price.
As you know, building a house always takes quite a toll on the budget, so we are now focusing on the details and where we can save costs. What are your experiences? For example, regarding:
And so on…
I’m looking forward to your experiences!
we are building a semi-detached house with around 150 sqm (1,615 sq ft) of living space and a 200 sqm (2,153 sq ft) garden. The contract will be signed next week, and construction will start in late autumn. We have chosen the “technical completion” stage and will do some of the work ourselves: flooring, tiling, sanitary fixtures, attic finishing, interior doors, landscaping, and painting.
We have done our homework for the financing and negotiated extensively with the builder, so we now have a good price.
As you know, building a house always takes quite a toll on the budget, so we are now focusing on the details and where we can save costs. What are your experiences? For example, regarding:
- Where to get sanitary fixtures cheaply? Also, are branded products really worth it?
- Likewise, kitchen appliances – is there a good way to find display models?
- How have you managed to do landscaping cost-effectively?
- Where and how to buy doors at a low price?
And so on…
I’m looking forward to your experiences!
RobsonMKK schrieb:
To be honest, you have access to the full range of online shops. Comparing prices is easy. Don’t worry, I can compare prices ;-) As I mentioned, it’s about the experiences of people who have already built or are still in the construction process and what creative/smart solutions they have found.
RobsonMKK schrieb:
And I doubt the general contractor can offer you a good price for the hardwood flooring. Or for what reason would they let you share in their conditions? That certainly may not apply to everyone, but it was part of our negotiation. Our general contractor pulled that out as an argument when he couldn’t or wouldn’t lower the price any further and we were still deciding between them and a competitor. Prices from the wholesaler are actually about 30% cheaper than if we buy as private individuals. But as I said, this can’t really be generalized.
You have already mentioned the essential things.
Flooring, wall finishes, ceramics, fixtures, and technical equipment...
Today, all of these can be purchased more affordably than the recommended retail price and installed as well... you just need to not be afraid to get your hands dirty and be prepared to live with often limited or no warranty.
Flooring, wall finishes, ceramics, fixtures, and technical equipment...
Today, all of these can be purchased more affordably than the recommended retail price and installed as well... you just need to not be afraid to get your hands dirty and be prepared to live with often limited or no warranty.
Grym schrieb:
There’s nothing wrong with using DIY store materials. They’re cheap and won’t last long, but they save money upfront. Alternatively, you can invest more initially and benefit from it for a longer time. Both approaches work. Where you can really save well, for example, is with door handles—you can simply unscrew them if you want better ones later. It’s more difficult with tiles because you don’t screw them off. The new ones either have to be installed over the old ones (in my opinion, not ideal) or you have to remove everything first, which is messy and labor-intensive. Upgrading always depends on how easily the cheap materials can be removed without regret.
Flauti schrieb:
Isn’t that still the plan? Do I detect some sarcasm there, and where is it coming from?No, it just sounded like the plan changed: I wouldn’t have expected a semi-detached house on Grandma’s demolition lot now.
Flauti schrieb:
It’s not about saving a few dollars here and there by choosing lower quality. [...] What I mean is where you managed to save money through smart shopping, good negotiation, or clever planning.
For example, you can buy a Miele oven for 3000€ (about $3,200) from an authorized dealer or, if you’re lucky, get a floor model for half the price.I used to buy clearance models for consumer electronics. Often, these were discontinued because the manufacturer realized they were too durable for their price range. I’m sure this phenomenon also exists with built-in kitchen appliances.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
K
Knallkörper17 Apr 2017 08:52Our general contractor wanted, for example, an additional 12,500 euros for the upgraded washbasin with mirrored cabinets back then. After I bought all the parts from the cheapest online retailers, I now have everything for under 5,000 euros, with a few extra features.
I applied the same approach to kitchen appliances. Display models are usually hardly any cheaper or even more expensive than the best online prices.
I applied the same approach to kitchen appliances. Display models are usually hardly any cheaper or even more expensive than the best online prices.
