ᐅ New Single-Family Home Construction: Is It Advisable to Hire a Private Architect in Advance?
Created on: 23 Jul 2012 12:00
P
phobos
Hi!
Here is the situation:
We want to build a single-family house. It will be a prefabricated house using a timber frame construction.
We already have a building plot in the town center in consideration and are close to purchasing it. However, I want to first make sure that we can actually build our dream house on this plot.
There is still an old house in poor condition on the plot, as well as a barn and a masonry double garage with a laundry room.
We plan to demolish the barn and build the house there.
However, the double garage with the extra room is in the way.
Now we have two options:
1. Demolish the garage and build our house (which is not yet finalized) new, with floor plans like those in the catalog.
- I would prefer not to do this because the garage is probably worth around 20,000€ (about 20,000 USD).
2. Somehow integrate the garage into the construction of the single-family house.
- This is my preferred option.
Regarding option 2:
Is this even feasible with a prefabricated house? If yes, how could it affect the overall cost of the house?
Does anyone here have experience or can provide an assessment?
Furthermore, I am wondering whether it would make sense to have an architect who is not involved in the construction come to the site to check the conditions and possibilities in person.
I do not yet know which manufacturer we will build with but would still like to understand in advance the opportunities, challenges, etc. that the plot might present.
Best regards,
phobos
Here is the situation:
We want to build a single-family house. It will be a prefabricated house using a timber frame construction.
We already have a building plot in the town center in consideration and are close to purchasing it. However, I want to first make sure that we can actually build our dream house on this plot.
There is still an old house in poor condition on the plot, as well as a barn and a masonry double garage with a laundry room.
We plan to demolish the barn and build the house there.
However, the double garage with the extra room is in the way.
Now we have two options:
1. Demolish the garage and build our house (which is not yet finalized) new, with floor plans like those in the catalog.
- I would prefer not to do this because the garage is probably worth around 20,000€ (about 20,000 USD).
2. Somehow integrate the garage into the construction of the single-family house.
- This is my preferred option.
Regarding option 2:
Is this even feasible with a prefabricated house? If yes, how could it affect the overall cost of the house?
Does anyone here have experience or can provide an assessment?
Furthermore, I am wondering whether it would make sense to have an architect who is not involved in the construction come to the site to check the conditions and possibilities in person.
I do not yet know which manufacturer we will build with but would still like to understand in advance the opportunities, challenges, etc. that the plot might present.
Best regards,
phobos
Der Da schrieb:
Just a question off-topic… is the purchase price really worth dealing with all these obstacles? Or is this more of a family matter?
You’ll probably have to pay more than 20,000€ for the demolition… Unobstructed south-facing view, and a purchase price of 50€/m² (approximately $6 per ft²). In the same town, new development areas go for 80€/m² (approximately $9 per ft²).
I estimated 5,000€ for demolishing the barn. I have no clue about the building itself.
No idea what it would cost to demolish the old house along with it. But purely from a price perspective, you’re probably right then.
€uro schrieb:
Basically, a preliminary building inquiry (building permit application/planning permission request) with the local building authority is sufficient for this, and usually, you don’t need an architect or general contractor for it.
However, if there are specific details (adding to, remodeling, or extending existing structures, costs) that need professional assessment, an architect would be the best choice. Okay. So an architect. That’s what I wanted to know.
Bauexperte schrieb:
Well, if the building official requests additional documents, it’s possible that your initial application will be rejected and then you will need an architect. The official already mentioned that. I’ve been to the office with photos and everything. He said I should first submit the building plans.
So basically, this means for me:
Hire an architect to visit the site and then advise me on what is possible and what is not.
Thanks for the support, everyone.