ᐅ Comparing Quotes – The Challenge of Choosing

Hello everyone,

Currently, we have two fairly final offers from two general contractors (GCs). One GC is a regional company that is reportedly very well rated online (4.7 out of 5 stars according to Google). All our discussions with them were very convincing, and we felt very comfortable. On the other hand, we have a well-known and respected GC, especially in the northern region, called Viebrockhaus. Our advisor there is very dedicated, and you can tell you are dealing with a professional salesperson, which does not mean we did not also feel comfortable with the regional GC. The house in question was designed almost identically by both, so we can compare very well. Nevertheless, both have their differences here and there in terms of house construction, building services, etc. Price-wise, Viebrockhaus is predictably about €6,000 cheaper. We are still very torn. For us, the price is not necessarily decisive, but mainly the quality of the final home, which is why I am seeking advice and opinions on the mentioned differences between the offers here in the forum.

In detail, the following points can currently be compared. The costs for the sampling/customization selection are not yet clear.

Comparable Services	Viebrockhaus	Regional GC
Insulation/Wall Construction	Double-shell wall construction 15 cm aerated concrete masonry, 12 cm thermal insulation, 1.5 cm air gap, 11.5 cm clinker brick veneer approx. 40.0 cm total wall thickness	Double-shell wall construction 17.5 cm backing masonry (aerated concrete PPW 2 or PPW 4, e.g., from Ytong or H&H), 18.0 cm core insulation (with thermal conductivity rating WLG 032), approx. 1.5 cm finger gap, 11.5 cm facing brick, approx. 1.5 cm textured plaster (grain size 2-3 mm, white color), approx. 50.0 cm total wall thickness
Attic (Wall Construction)	Drywall partitions	Solid aerated concrete (wall thicknesses of 11.5 cm and 17.5 cm, PPW 2–4)
Building Services	Air-to-water heat pump and controlled ventilation system Indoor unit: Nibe VVM S320, outdoor unit: Nibe Fighter 2040-6	Air-to-water heat pump including controlled ventilation system with heat recovery Indoor unit: Stiebel Eltron, model LWZ 5 S Plus.
Photovoltaic System	2.6 kWp with 6.5 kWh battery storage	3.25 kWp with 4 kWh battery storage
Roof Structure	Studio truss roof with purlins	Purlin roof including concealed steel supports
Living Area	152.40 m² (1,641 sq ft)	151.47 m² (1,630 sq ft)
Warranty	10 years	5 years

I am missing additional information for comparison.

My tendency is toward a local general contractor.

When could both start and finish the construction?

Hey PyneBite,

feel free to let me know if you need any additional information. I’m happy to gather more data here. The regional general contractor could start around October/November this year, depending on how quickly the building permit/planning permission is approved. The construction period would then be about 6-7 months. Viebrockhaus can only start in May 2021 and requires approximately 4-6 months.

Have you compared the construction specifications of both? Which costs are included in the price and which are not? How do the electrical installations, tiles, flooring, etc. differ?

Tendency towards regional styles, especially due to the massive construction in the upper floor. But the 18cm (7 inches) core insulation also sounds good.

The photovoltaic system is too small, remove the battery unless these are KfW40+ houses. Create an Excel sheet and compare the complete scope of work.