ᐅ Planning the Location of the House and Garage Within the Building Envelope *Preliminary Planning*
Created on: 9 Aug 2016 10:52
H
Häuslebau3r
Hello everyone,
I have been following the forum for quite some time now and am gradually approaching the “house building” project step by step, trying to learn as much as possible in advance.
Thanks to the many experts here, this has truly been an enjoyable experience in the way the community contributes. (end of flattery mode) 🙂
As I already mentioned in my first major thread, we are currently working on preliminary planning and considering the house design and its orientation on the plot, even before our first meetings with potential builders.
Taking several factors into account regarding the plot, such as price and an undeveloped east-facing location (sloping gently down to the east), we found a micro-location that we really like. We weren’t able to get our ideal size, but with 770m² (8300 sq ft), I think it’s more than sufficient. The main advantage for us is that the land can be fully paid for from our own funds, so until construction starts in early 2018, we will continue saving equity and paying off any remaining debts.
Source: Excerpts from the development plan / self-created images
A building permit inquiry (building permit / planning permission) has already been submitted regarding the desired architectural style, and I have received approval to expand the building envelope up to 8 meters (26 feet) along the eastern boundary.
At the moment, we are leaning toward a rather classic city villa style (2 full floors with a hipped roof at 25° and a double garage).
Source: Weberhaus
Based on the budget we have personally set, we are initially planning without a basement. If it turns out to be feasible later on, we can still include it.
We have already visited model homes that appealed to us in terms of external design and even traveled from Bavaria to the Rhineland, and from there to Wuppertal for inspiration.
Right now, before the first planning meetings, we want to focus on finding the best possible orientation for the house and garage on the property, for example:
Source: Excerpts from the development plan
For me, one thing is already decided: the staircase, which I want to have exactly like this due to the fantastic light conditions. It captivated me at first sight.
Source: Weberhaus
Furthermore, we want to keep as much space as possible on the west and south sides to create what I consider an ideal sunny aspect and garden atmosphere.
This is also the tricky part, as the arrangement between house and garage is causing us some headaches.
Many questions arise, such as whether the garage should be placed in front of the house to free up more space on the south side, or rather beside the house (which would include a covered entrance area). A passage from the garage directly into the house is also under consideration. Or should the main entrance be on the west side instead, which might mean it would be uncovered?
Source for covered entrance: Weberhaus
I will post further key data throughout the thread as needed, in case I have forgotten anything important.
However, these points above need to be clarified first before we can continue planning the positioning of the dining, living, and kitchen areas, etc. (Of course, with a preference for south/west orientation).
I would appreciate any information and lively discussions.
Best regards, Andreas, and thank you in advance!
I have been following the forum for quite some time now and am gradually approaching the “house building” project step by step, trying to learn as much as possible in advance.
Thanks to the many experts here, this has truly been an enjoyable experience in the way the community contributes. (end of flattery mode) 🙂
As I already mentioned in my first major thread, we are currently working on preliminary planning and considering the house design and its orientation on the plot, even before our first meetings with potential builders.
Taking several factors into account regarding the plot, such as price and an undeveloped east-facing location (sloping gently down to the east), we found a micro-location that we really like. We weren’t able to get our ideal size, but with 770m² (8300 sq ft), I think it’s more than sufficient. The main advantage for us is that the land can be fully paid for from our own funds, so until construction starts in early 2018, we will continue saving equity and paying off any remaining debts.
Source: Excerpts from the development plan / self-created images
A building permit inquiry (building permit / planning permission) has already been submitted regarding the desired architectural style, and I have received approval to expand the building envelope up to 8 meters (26 feet) along the eastern boundary.
At the moment, we are leaning toward a rather classic city villa style (2 full floors with a hipped roof at 25° and a double garage).
Source: Weberhaus
Based on the budget we have personally set, we are initially planning without a basement. If it turns out to be feasible later on, we can still include it.
We have already visited model homes that appealed to us in terms of external design and even traveled from Bavaria to the Rhineland, and from there to Wuppertal for inspiration.
Right now, before the first planning meetings, we want to focus on finding the best possible orientation for the house and garage on the property, for example:
Source: Excerpts from the development plan
For me, one thing is already decided: the staircase, which I want to have exactly like this due to the fantastic light conditions. It captivated me at first sight.
Source: Weberhaus
Furthermore, we want to keep as much space as possible on the west and south sides to create what I consider an ideal sunny aspect and garden atmosphere.
This is also the tricky part, as the arrangement between house and garage is causing us some headaches.
Many questions arise, such as whether the garage should be placed in front of the house to free up more space on the south side, or rather beside the house (which would include a covered entrance area). A passage from the garage directly into the house is also under consideration. Or should the main entrance be on the west side instead, which might mean it would be uncovered?
Source for covered entrance: Weberhaus
I will post further key data throughout the thread as needed, in case I have forgotten anything important.
However, these points above need to be clarified first before we can continue planning the positioning of the dining, living, and kitchen areas, etc. (Of course, with a preference for south/west orientation).
I would appreciate any information and lively discussions.
Best regards, Andreas, and thank you in advance!
Häuslebau3r29 Aug 2016 10:36Jochen104 schrieb:
That sounds good. However, I wouldn’t commit to one company at this early stage. Definitely talk to 2 or 3 other companies that might have been recommended to you.Hi Jochen,
yes, we have another company in consideration, but we know their prices are quite steep (as we say here, “peppered”), although their advice is supposed to be very good.
Additionally, there is another company available (which we also initially considered) but it has been repeatedly not recommended to us due to bad experiences.
Lastly, there’s still an architect for the planning... and in our area, the field of construction companies is already quite sparse.
Häuslebau3r schrieb:
Yes, we are considering another option, although we know that the prices there are quite high (in our region, we say they are "steep"), but the advice is reportedly very good. If a company’s offer seems more expensive at first glance than the competition, you shouldn’t be discouraged by that. We also built with a provider that appeared costly at first. However, the quality was absolutely excellent, and all the tradespeople came from within a radius of about 15m (50 feet). For example, I didn’t have to negotiate prices for electrical outlets with the electrician; it was basically a flat rate.
Among others, we had a quote from Heinz von Heiden. Just last week, I went through their scope of construction services again and was glad we chose a different provider despite the clear price difference.
Häuslebau3r schrieb:
Furthermore, there was another company available (which we initially also considered) but which has been repeatedly not recommended to us because of bad experiences. In that case, you shouldn’t keep them in your selection process.
Häuslebau3r schrieb:
Last but not least, there’s still the option of an architect for the planning... and the range of construction companies in the area is already quite limited. That is still a good alternative. But you should definitely clarify in advance when fees start to apply before your appointment.
Häuslebau3r30 Aug 2016 11:08Tomorrow Jochen,
we will definitely contact the one party again and possibly the architect as well. Now it’s time to wait, and I can hardly wait.
Anticipation is the best joy after all.
we will definitely contact the one party again and possibly the architect as well. Now it’s time to wait, and I can hardly wait.
Anticipation is the best joy after all.
Häuslebau3r6 Sep 2016 11:16Hello everyone,
The first appointment with Construction Company 1 took place yesterday evening, and it was a very pleasant and constructive two-hour discussion.
Step by step, all the information, numbers/facts, and ideas were exchanged, and by the end of the meeting, we were able to get a clear direction.
In the coming weeks, we will try to put what was discussed onto paper. It remains to be seen whether and to what extent a design with a basement (from a cost perspective) or possibly without one is feasible. According to the initial statement, we might be somewhere in between. We will see what the first draft or drafts bring.
Furthermore, we have contacted additional construction companies and architects. Our experiences regarding preliminary planning (possibly free of charge) have varied significantly.
For Construction Company 2, we were also able to schedule an appointment for a “free” preliminary plan. Some details were explained to us over the phone, which matched closely with the statements from Construction Company 1. Up to the submission plan and the offer preparation, services are also provided free of charge there.
We also contacted Construction Company 3, which, as we learned over the phone, offers preliminary planning regardless of further contracts (house construction). However, this is carried out by the company-employed architects up to phase 3 of the services. This preliminary planning then explicitly includes everything up to the completed submission plan, so initial costs in the four-digit range can be expected.
In addition, we reached out to a local architect regarding preliminary planning, but fees for the planning were announced there right away.
So, after five calls, we have two construction companies offering or allowing free preliminary planning up to the submission plan.
We had hoped to have a bit more room for comparison among different planners, as everyone has different ideas, but currently, that does not seem so easy.
Best regards, Andreas
The first appointment with Construction Company 1 took place yesterday evening, and it was a very pleasant and constructive two-hour discussion.
Step by step, all the information, numbers/facts, and ideas were exchanged, and by the end of the meeting, we were able to get a clear direction.
In the coming weeks, we will try to put what was discussed onto paper. It remains to be seen whether and to what extent a design with a basement (from a cost perspective) or possibly without one is feasible. According to the initial statement, we might be somewhere in between. We will see what the first draft or drafts bring.
Furthermore, we have contacted additional construction companies and architects. Our experiences regarding preliminary planning (possibly free of charge) have varied significantly.
For Construction Company 2, we were also able to schedule an appointment for a “free” preliminary plan. Some details were explained to us over the phone, which matched closely with the statements from Construction Company 1. Up to the submission plan and the offer preparation, services are also provided free of charge there.
We also contacted Construction Company 3, which, as we learned over the phone, offers preliminary planning regardless of further contracts (house construction). However, this is carried out by the company-employed architects up to phase 3 of the services. This preliminary planning then explicitly includes everything up to the completed submission plan, so initial costs in the four-digit range can be expected.
In addition, we reached out to a local architect regarding preliminary planning, but fees for the planning were announced there right away.
So, after five calls, we have two construction companies offering or allowing free preliminary planning up to the submission plan.
We had hoped to have a bit more room for comparison among different planners, as everyone has different ideas, but currently, that does not seem so easy.
Best regards, Andreas
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