ᐅ Mark the airspace – build directly enclosed (approximately 6–7 m²)?
Created on: 23 Aug 2025 22:41
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dereks123
Hello everyone,
In our new build, the living area is calculated quite tightly. My architect said it’s not a problem to include an open space (about 6–7 m² (65–75 sq ft)) in the building permit / planning permission application to meet the required living area, and then actually build it as a fully closed space. He said this is common practice and usually not checked. It’s a new development area.
I’m interested in:
In our new build, the living area is calculated quite tightly. My architect said it’s not a problem to include an open space (about 6–7 m² (65–75 sq ft)) in the building permit / planning permission application to meet the required living area, and then actually build it as a fully closed space. He said this is common practice and usually not checked. It’s a new development area.
I’m interested in:
- Is this really common?
- Has anyone had experience with this (final inspection, later sale, insurance, etc.)?
S
Schorsch_baut24 Aug 2025 11:40Let's put it this way: I wouldn’t trust an architect who doesn’t care about legal matters as a business partner.
So, to answer the questions again:
However, I’ve also seen in other forums that buyers get surprised by extensions or modifications that differ from what was approved and then consider the purchase price unfair or simply have concerns about buying something illegal.
There could also be envious neighbors who become upset about the situation. It only takes a nitpicky neighbor who wants to build exactly the same but can’t—lacking a clever architect—and who calculates everything and reports you. Apparently, this does happen.
Building a two-story house where only a single-story is permitted is quite unusual. Although an open space within the structure doesn’t change the exterior appearance, the house could still become a “stumbling block” visually because of this. Even if that sounds exaggerated.
Personally, I often don’t understand why some things have to be pushed to the extreme. There are beautiful single-story houses. There are also great small dormers or a lower height, whatever it may be. You can also reduce the roof pitch. There are so many ways an architect can work legally that as a homeowner you can boldly stick to the development plan and build accordingly.
dereks123 schrieb:No, it is not common.
I’m interested in:
- Is this really common practice?
dereks123 schrieb:I think you won’t have any issues with insurance since you declare the living area yourself, that is, the actual size. There are various calculation methods that are all legitimate. Usually, the simple floor area without external walls is used, and that’s it.
Has anyone here had experience with this (building inspection, later sale, insurance, etc.)?
However, I’ve also seen in other forums that buyers get surprised by extensions or modifications that differ from what was approved and then consider the purchase price unfair or simply have concerns about buying something illegal.
There could also be envious neighbors who become upset about the situation. It only takes a nitpicky neighbor who wants to build exactly the same but can’t—lacking a clever architect—and who calculates everything and reports you. Apparently, this does happen.
Building a two-story house where only a single-story is permitted is quite unusual. Although an open space within the structure doesn’t change the exterior appearance, the house could still become a “stumbling block” visually because of this. Even if that sounds exaggerated.
Personally, I often don’t understand why some things have to be pushed to the extreme. There are beautiful single-story houses. There are also great small dormers or a lower height, whatever it may be. You can also reduce the roof pitch. There are so many ways an architect can work legally that as a homeowner you can boldly stick to the development plan and build accordingly.
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wiltshire24 Aug 2025 12:47If someone suggests fraud to me, I become suspicious of them. Anyone who is willing to act just because they believe they won’t get caught will also use those actions against me. At that point, the business relationship would be over.
Find a new architect.
Find a new architect.
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hanghaus202324 Aug 2025 14:26The architect might well be right. However, it is not legal, even if some people do it that way.
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Gerddieter24 Aug 2025 15:23There are a few things and decisions in construction that might be borderline possible, even if they are not exactly approved or permitted. Anyone who wants to go that route needs to have a bit of nerve and be prepared to face the consequences... If you don’t have that, you won’t be able to sleep peacefully.
If you’re the type of person who asks a forum about it—that, in my opinion, disqualifies you and you should definitely play it 100% safe during construction...
GD
If you’re the type of person who asks a forum about it—that, in my opinion, disqualifies you and you should definitely play it 100% safe during construction...
GD
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dereks12324 Aug 2025 16:06Gerddieter schrieb:
There are a few things and decisions in construction that could be pushed to the limit, even if they are not exactly approved or permitted. Anyone who wants to do that needs a bit of nerve and must be willing to accept the consequences... If you don’t have that, you can’t sleep peacefully at night.
You’re the type to ask a forum for advice— in my opinion, that disqualifies you, and you should definitely play it 100% safe during construction....
GDHaha, you nailed it 😀
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