Hello everyone,
I have just spent a long time browsing this forum because I am planning to build a house this year and was looking for tips to find answers to my questions. Some things have become clear to me already, but others are still not, so I decided to write a post. Our plan is a single-family house (detached house) for five people (parents + 3 children) with about 150-170 m2 (1,615-1,830 sq ft). I have renovated several houses before, but never built one.
Basically, we would like to avoid gas and coal (for cost reasons as well as environmental protection), but we are not sure if that is also practical. We live in the north, where it often gets colder (though not this winter).
I would appreciate any answers and tips.
Best regards
I have just spent a long time browsing this forum because I am planning to build a house this year and was looking for tips to find answers to my questions. Some things have become clear to me already, but others are still not, so I decided to write a post. Our plan is a single-family house (detached house) for five people (parents + 3 children) with about 150-170 m2 (1,615-1,830 sq ft). I have renovated several houses before, but never built one.
- We definitely want to build a low-energy house, and the reason is clear – we want to save on heating and energy costs. At the beginning of our planning, a passive house seemed like the ideal solution, but after more research we concluded that might be overdoing it – maybe a “regular” low-energy house with good insulation is enough? Do you have any experience with this? What I also wonder is – don’t these passive houses with their large south-facing glass walls turn into greenhouses in summer?
- We would also like to install photovoltaic systems on the roof, but we found two different options: for the hot water heater or for electricity generation. The latter would of course be ideal, but I would appreciate practical feedback here – is it worth it, and can photovoltaic systems produce enough electricity (also for winter)?
- Following that – are heat pumps recommended, and do they work everywhere or do they require certain geothermal conditions?
- Can ventilation systems with heat recovery also be installed in regular low-energy houses, and is it worthwhile?
- I have read in some places that it is cheaper (both when building and later for living costs) to do without basements and multiple floors, and instead plan a sprawling single-story design if the plot allows it. Would you agree with that?
Basically, we would like to avoid gas and coal (for cost reasons as well as environmental protection), but we are not sure if that is also practical. We live in the north, where it often gets colder (though not this winter).
I would appreciate any answers and tips.
Best regards
Don’t get too deep into the details right away. It might be better to first talk to a few construction companies once you have a rough idea of what you want.
What kind of disadvantages regarding photovoltaic systems are you referring to? Except for someone absolutely disliking the appearance.
Otherwise, it’s hardly possible to install a reasonably well-planned photovoltaic system that isn’t financially worthwhile...
Best regards
Specki
What kind of disadvantages regarding photovoltaic systems are you referring to? Except for someone absolutely disliking the appearance.
Otherwise, it’s hardly possible to install a reasonably well-planned photovoltaic system that isn’t financially worthwhile...
Best regards
Specki
Sillmarillion schrieb:
By now, we are quite certain that we want to build a low-energy house (not a passive house) with an energy consumption of no more than 50 kWh/m² (5.2 kWh/ft²). The passive house seems a bit too risky and expensive for us. Good choice. In my opinion, a passive house is something for idealists who have deeply studied the concept. It’s great if done well, but problematic if mistakes are made.
The more you dig into the topic, the more questions arise. Building is very individual, and many personal preferences come into play.
Basically, you could start with some simple fundamental questions that you can clarify for yourselves:
- Is ecology important to you, and are you willing to spend extra for it, or is it purely economic, focusing only on measures that pay off?
- What level of comfort do you require?
- Are there things that are very important to you (solid construction instead of wood frame, brick veneer instead of plaster, etc.)?
Once you have set your key points here, you can take a closer look within this defined scope.
In general, there are many options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
There is nothing risky about a Passive House, and it is not generally more expensive than a KfW40 or KfW55 house. At least, this was the case in 2016/2017 when we were in the offer phase. The key point is that you need a provider who specializes in Passive House and KfW40 standards. A builder who has to stretch themselves because they think they can do it will end up costing more.
We contacted two timber frame providers for KfW40 and one solid timber Passive House provider. The price per square meter was quite similar, and the interior finishes were in a comparable range.
A house is an overall concept, and it has to fit well. Usually, you do yourself the biggest favor by keeping your wishes as close as possible to the general contractor’s standard. The contractor we worked with probably could have built you an Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) house as well – but not significantly cheaper than my Passive House.
Regarding overheating in summer, you probably have this problem in any new house if the heat gets inside. Without external shading, there is no solution. Our house was surprisingly cool over the last two summers (based on the outside temperature). You can find many discussions on this topic here.
Think carefully about what is important to you.
Do you want to build with a general contractor or an architect?
Do you already have a plot of land?
What are your absolute requirements, for example wall construction or the Passive House standard?
Why do you want this specific wall construction or a Passive House?
How will you ensure your budget of XXX euros?
We contacted two timber frame providers for KfW40 and one solid timber Passive House provider. The price per square meter was quite similar, and the interior finishes were in a comparable range.
A house is an overall concept, and it has to fit well. Usually, you do yourself the biggest favor by keeping your wishes as close as possible to the general contractor’s standard. The contractor we worked with probably could have built you an Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) house as well – but not significantly cheaper than my Passive House.
Regarding overheating in summer, you probably have this problem in any new house if the heat gets inside. Without external shading, there is no solution. Our house was surprisingly cool over the last two summers (based on the outside temperature). You can find many discussions on this topic here.
Think carefully about what is important to you.
Do you want to build with a general contractor or an architect?
Do you already have a plot of land?
What are your absolute requirements, for example wall construction or the Passive House standard?
Why do you want this specific wall construction or a Passive House?
How will you ensure your budget of XXX euros?
Those are very sensible pieces of advice from you, haydee. I echo the same view. No matter what you are building, always find the building inspector or authority that follows the exact same standards, and stay closely aligned with them.
Choose large roof overhangs; they provide shade. Be cautious with too much south-facing glazing.
Choose large roof overhangs; they provide shade. Be cautious with too much south-facing glazing.
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