ᐅ Single-family house plot C630 Heinz von Heiden at the location in Saxony
Created on: 22 Apr 2022 14:54
O
Oberhäslich
I have browsed through several posts here in the forum and contributed occasionally. Today, I would like to take the opportunity to post a kind of diary about our project, ultimately to look back on the whole thing in the future and see what could have gone better – for my own learning experience.
We will be building in Saxony, near Dippoldiswalde (22 minutes and 19 km (12 miles) from Dresden). We currently live in a rental apartment in Dresden. Our workplaces will remain in Dresden; working from home is planned about 1-2 days a week. It is also worth mentioning that our child lives with us, and my two older children from a previous relationship occasionally stay overnight.
We found the plot at the end of 2021; the listing had been online for a few months at over €165,000. No one really wanted it because the 3,100 m² (33,365 sq ft) plot includes a protected biotope (an old meadow orchard) in the back, which cannot be built on. Additionally, there is a separate owner to the left, right, and in the center. We have what is basically a servient plot with easements (water, electricity, etc.). Since I tend to be optimistic and see this as an opportunity, we just had to have it. In the end, after negotiations, we bought it for €130,000, which personally I consider a bargain. The owner of the neighboring property (one house on the left, one plot with a bungalow on the right) is already 86 years old and in assisted living. We have already discussed a possible exchange or purchase with their successors at some point in the future.
Our general mindset is simple. Everything can be standard, functional, and serve its purpose. We do not like to spend extra money on things that only look good (like paint). I also buy and collect many items for the house and plot via local classified ads, especially for garden design right now—there are many giveaways 🙂
I really enjoy managing and planning the project and handle about 99% of the arrangements. My girlfriend fully trusts me in this. It is definitely an advantage and very relaxing not to have to discuss every single tile choice. Also, I make decisions quickly. We are building with Heinz von Heiden because I believe the price-performance ratio is good here. What the end result will be remains to be seen, but considering that they have built 50,000 houses, there is trust.
No official zoning plan. Building according to the surrounding development since it is a village. Mixed-use area, open development according to Section 34, Paragraph 1.
Plot size: 3,152 m²
Slope: 5%
Number of floors: 2 full stories
Roof type: gable roof, 25 degrees
Style: country house
Orientation: terrace facing northwest
Additional requirements: From the sewage operator: cistern (an old but good 3-chamber septic tank already exists and will be used)
Client Requirements
Basement, floors: no basement, 2 full stories
Number of people, ages: 3 (M: 36, F: 36, Child: 3)
Space requirement on ground and upper floors: 80 m² (860 sq ft) each
Office: family use or home office?: yes, an office/hobby room upstairs
Guests per year: occasionally, hence a guest room and shower bathroom on the ground floor (also in case one cannot go upstairs with age)
Open or closed architecture: ground floor rather open, upper floor closed
Conservative or modern style: mixed
Open kitchen, kitchen island: open kitchen, no kitchen island
Number of dining seats: 12 (the table is already owned, so no kitchen island)
Fireplace: planned, but the builder wants €6,000 for a masonry fireplace in the center of the house, which I find expensive. I want to install a stainless steel fireplace on the exterior wall myself.
Music/stereo wall: less important
Balcony, roof terrace: no, poor cost-benefit ratio given the large plot
Garage, carport: steel garage 6 x 8 m (20 x 26 ft) with gable roof, 3.30 m (10.8 ft) high and with electric door for the man of the house :p
Useful garden, greenhouse: not important for now
Other wishes/peculiarities/daily routine, including reasons why something should or should not be done: my major wish is definitely a fireplace, but it must be room-air-independent because the house has KfW55 energy standard. I am hoping to get some advice here in the forum on retrofitting a stainless steel chimney.
House Design
Who planned the design:
- Planner from a construction company: Heinz von Heiden prefab house C630 (The Immutable)
- Architect: Heinz von Heiden
- Do-it-yourself: painting and flooring, tiling, excavation, landscaping, and utility earthworks
What do you particularly like? Why?
We especially like the open area comprising entrance, living room, and kitchen with a glazed front facing the garden. The floor plan convinced us immediately. And of course, the space with 160 m² (1,722 sq ft). We currently have 91 m² (979 sq ft).
What do you dislike? Why?
It is rightly called "The Immutable," as walls cannot be changed. But it was €30,000 to €40,000 cheaper because of that.
Price estimate according to architect/planner: fixed-price contract signed in February with 15 months price guarantee:
~€260,000 including special features (standard: ~€235,000)
Included: air-to-air heat pump with storage, large controlled ventilation system, electric shutters on ground and upper floors, underfloor heating on both floors, all materials except tiles, floors, and walls
Preferred heating technology: air-to-air heat pump – not changeable
If you have to give up any details or extras:
- You can forego: upper full floor, large controlled ventilation system, electric shutters, photovoltaic (preparation only)
- You cannot forego: fireplace, 6 rooms
Why is the design as it is?
Standard design from the planner?
Yes
Which wishes were implemented by the architect?
Changes to windows and access to the master bathroom through the bedroom
What makes it particularly good or bad in your opinion?
Open design, large and sufficient rooms
Financing
Through our local savings bank. The plot is still variable at 1.8% interest, and the house loan for 15 years also at 1.8%. Equity is about 17%. Monthly payments should be around €1,380.
Construction costs per m² without additional building costs: €260,000/160 m²: ~€1,625/m²
Construction costs per m² including additional building costs: €322,000/160 m²: ~€2,012/m²
Plot cost without additional costs: €130,000/3,152 m²: €41.24/m²
Plot cost including additional costs: €147,000/3,152 m²: ~€47/m²
As mentioned, I am writing this primarily for myself as a "diary" to document everything in writing. Maybe it will also be included in the construction folder that I keep very meticulously – accountant mode 🙄 😀 I am always grateful for suggestions, opinions, tips, but also critical feedback as food for thought. Questions will certainly arise over time. You find a lot on the internet and other posts.
I am open to questions about the house, costs, builder, etc. anytime.
We will be building in Saxony, near Dippoldiswalde (22 minutes and 19 km (12 miles) from Dresden). We currently live in a rental apartment in Dresden. Our workplaces will remain in Dresden; working from home is planned about 1-2 days a week. It is also worth mentioning that our child lives with us, and my two older children from a previous relationship occasionally stay overnight.
We found the plot at the end of 2021; the listing had been online for a few months at over €165,000. No one really wanted it because the 3,100 m² (33,365 sq ft) plot includes a protected biotope (an old meadow orchard) in the back, which cannot be built on. Additionally, there is a separate owner to the left, right, and in the center. We have what is basically a servient plot with easements (water, electricity, etc.). Since I tend to be optimistic and see this as an opportunity, we just had to have it. In the end, after negotiations, we bought it for €130,000, which personally I consider a bargain. The owner of the neighboring property (one house on the left, one plot with a bungalow on the right) is already 86 years old and in assisted living. We have already discussed a possible exchange or purchase with their successors at some point in the future.
Our general mindset is simple. Everything can be standard, functional, and serve its purpose. We do not like to spend extra money on things that only look good (like paint). I also buy and collect many items for the house and plot via local classified ads, especially for garden design right now—there are many giveaways 🙂
I really enjoy managing and planning the project and handle about 99% of the arrangements. My girlfriend fully trusts me in this. It is definitely an advantage and very relaxing not to have to discuss every single tile choice. Also, I make decisions quickly. We are building with Heinz von Heiden because I believe the price-performance ratio is good here. What the end result will be remains to be seen, but considering that they have built 50,000 houses, there is trust.
No official zoning plan. Building according to the surrounding development since it is a village. Mixed-use area, open development according to Section 34, Paragraph 1.
Plot size: 3,152 m²
Slope: 5%
Number of floors: 2 full stories
Roof type: gable roof, 25 degrees
Style: country house
Orientation: terrace facing northwest
Additional requirements: From the sewage operator: cistern (an old but good 3-chamber septic tank already exists and will be used)
Client Requirements
Basement, floors: no basement, 2 full stories
Number of people, ages: 3 (M: 36, F: 36, Child: 3)
Space requirement on ground and upper floors: 80 m² (860 sq ft) each
Office: family use or home office?: yes, an office/hobby room upstairs
Guests per year: occasionally, hence a guest room and shower bathroom on the ground floor (also in case one cannot go upstairs with age)
Open or closed architecture: ground floor rather open, upper floor closed
Conservative or modern style: mixed
Open kitchen, kitchen island: open kitchen, no kitchen island
Number of dining seats: 12 (the table is already owned, so no kitchen island)
Fireplace: planned, but the builder wants €6,000 for a masonry fireplace in the center of the house, which I find expensive. I want to install a stainless steel fireplace on the exterior wall myself.
Music/stereo wall: less important
Balcony, roof terrace: no, poor cost-benefit ratio given the large plot
Garage, carport: steel garage 6 x 8 m (20 x 26 ft) with gable roof, 3.30 m (10.8 ft) high and with electric door for the man of the house :p
Useful garden, greenhouse: not important for now
Other wishes/peculiarities/daily routine, including reasons why something should or should not be done: my major wish is definitely a fireplace, but it must be room-air-independent because the house has KfW55 energy standard. I am hoping to get some advice here in the forum on retrofitting a stainless steel chimney.
House Design
Who planned the design:
- Planner from a construction company: Heinz von Heiden prefab house C630 (The Immutable)
- Architect: Heinz von Heiden
- Do-it-yourself: painting and flooring, tiling, excavation, landscaping, and utility earthworks
What do you particularly like? Why?
We especially like the open area comprising entrance, living room, and kitchen with a glazed front facing the garden. The floor plan convinced us immediately. And of course, the space with 160 m² (1,722 sq ft). We currently have 91 m² (979 sq ft).
What do you dislike? Why?
It is rightly called "The Immutable," as walls cannot be changed. But it was €30,000 to €40,000 cheaper because of that.
Price estimate according to architect/planner: fixed-price contract signed in February with 15 months price guarantee:
~€260,000 including special features (standard: ~€235,000)
Included: air-to-air heat pump with storage, large controlled ventilation system, electric shutters on ground and upper floors, underfloor heating on both floors, all materials except tiles, floors, and walls
Preferred heating technology: air-to-air heat pump – not changeable
If you have to give up any details or extras:
- You can forego: upper full floor, large controlled ventilation system, electric shutters, photovoltaic (preparation only)
- You cannot forego: fireplace, 6 rooms
Why is the design as it is?
Standard design from the planner?
Yes
Which wishes were implemented by the architect?
Changes to windows and access to the master bathroom through the bedroom
What makes it particularly good or bad in your opinion?
Open design, large and sufficient rooms
Financing
Through our local savings bank. The plot is still variable at 1.8% interest, and the house loan for 15 years also at 1.8%. Equity is about 17%. Monthly payments should be around €1,380.
Construction costs per m² without additional building costs: €260,000/160 m²: ~€1,625/m²
Construction costs per m² including additional building costs: €322,000/160 m²: ~€2,012/m²
Plot cost without additional costs: €130,000/3,152 m²: €41.24/m²
Plot cost including additional costs: €147,000/3,152 m²: ~€47/m²
As mentioned, I am writing this primarily for myself as a "diary" to document everything in writing. Maybe it will also be included in the construction folder that I keep very meticulously – accountant mode 🙄 😀 I am always grateful for suggestions, opinions, tips, but also critical feedback as food for thought. Questions will certainly arise over time. You find a lot on the internet and other posts.
I am open to questions about the house, costs, builder, etc. anytime.
O
Oberhäslich22 Apr 2022 22:17There are only three options: a door in the bedroom, one from the hallway, or two doors.
From the hallway is too far for both of us; we have gotten used to the modern style of having the bathroom connected to the bedroom, and that is our personal luxury. Two doors are not an option. It takes up too much space in the bathroom, especially since the washer and dryer will be located there, and you have to lock two doors. The bathroom is more sound-transmitting, and guests might use it more often if there is direct access. It should also be more expensive in terms of cost.
I think it’s fine if this is absolutely not acceptable for others. For us, however, it is non-negotiable. We have experience with all the options.
From the hallway is too far for both of us; we have gotten used to the modern style of having the bathroom connected to the bedroom, and that is our personal luxury. Two doors are not an option. It takes up too much space in the bathroom, especially since the washer and dryer will be located there, and you have to lock two doors. The bathroom is more sound-transmitting, and guests might use it more often if there is direct access. It should also be more expensive in terms of cost.
I think it’s fine if this is absolutely not acceptable for others. For us, however, it is non-negotiable. We have experience with all the options.
B
bavariandream22 Apr 2022 22:55Oberhäslich schrieb:
Our little one is currently still with us in the bathroom, while the other guests use the guest toilet. The plan is that when she’s older, she will use the downstairs shower bathroom. I don’t find it problematic at all that our child has to go one floor down 😀. It was important to me that guests can access the bathroom directly from the guest room. And until what age is the little one allowed to use your bathroom, potentially waking you up or disturbing you during intimate moments (I’ve never heard of a child that age who never needs to use the toilet at night)? And from when does she have to go downstairs? For me, that would be a nightmare, because after nightly bathroom trips downstairs and back, I’d be wide awake. But of course, I understand that it’s not a problem for YOU guys. 😀
Aside from that, I’m really looking forward to the project (the house is really affordable) and warmly welcome you to the forum! 🙂
O
Oberhäslich22 Apr 2022 23:05Don’t get me wrong, the child is allowed to go anytime she needs to. It will probably continue for the next few years that she brushes her teeth and uses the bathroom with us. And she always comes into the bedroom on weekends to talk and wake us up—she’s still allowed to do that at 12, 14, or even 18 years old… 😀 🙄 At some point, maybe around 8–10 years old, it changes and it’s no longer cool to use mom and dad’s bathroom.
Fortunately, she inherited dad’s bladder and doesn’t have to get up during the night. I don’t really know it any other way except from my current girlfriend (or from drinking 3 beers too many in the evening) 🤨
The price is indeed reasonable, so I’m curious about the result. You can find negative feedback everywhere. But I was convinced by the Heinz von Heiden team from Dresden/Pirna. I can warmly recommend them.
Fortunately, she inherited dad’s bladder and doesn’t have to get up during the night. I don’t really know it any other way except from my current girlfriend (or from drinking 3 beers too many in the evening) 🤨
The price is indeed reasonable, so I’m curious about the result. You can find negative feedback everywhere. But I was convinced by the Heinz von Heiden team from Dresden/Pirna. I can warmly recommend them.
Oberhäslich schrieb:
that she brushes her teeth and goes pee with us Basically, it would be the family bathroom for now, and then the question is whether you can switch back later or if you (and the child!) really like it that way permanently. Then brushing teeth gets skipped instead of waking up the parents. Sure, the toothbrush could be downstairs too, but now going back down in pajamas again... The priorities with "we’re only in there for 10 minutes a day anyway" versus "this is our oasis, no one should come in (especially no guests, God forbid)" just seem a bit contradictory. (Just like "one more door to go through is too much" versus "the child will surely enjoy the bathroom on the other floor") In my opinion, a parents’ bathroom only works if it’s an additional bathroom and not just a repurposed family bathroom :/ But okay, I guess that has already been discussed enough.
Do you already have plans for what you want to do with the plot of land? Actually, that’s the more exciting question 😉
It's quite funny that some consider a 6m (20 feet) hallway to the bathroom impassable, yet they send their child running through the entire house at night. 😀
Some people really have strange ideas... well, with the current plan, you could still add a door from the hallway if needed.
The site plan isn’t entirely clear to me yet. Where is the main access point? Where are the street and driveway located? Is the terrace on the northwest side? Why not the south? Is the plan not oriented to north? It would be great if you could mark the paths, carport, septic system, terrace, etc. on the plan.
Some people really have strange ideas... well, with the current plan, you could still add a door from the hallway if needed.
The site plan isn’t entirely clear to me yet. Where is the main access point? Where are the street and driveway located? Is the terrace on the northwest side? Why not the south? Is the plan not oriented to north? It would be great if you could mark the paths, carport, septic system, terrace, etc. on the plan.
O
Oberhäslich22 Apr 2022 23:51There used to be a three-sided courtyard on the property. It has been almost completely demolished. What remains is a basement-level ramp of a barn at the back, made of sandstone, which I currently still call the potato cellar. It’s great as a sledding hill in winter! :p It’s quite damp but has a good, stable climate inside. In the long term, this 15sqm (161 sq ft) space will become our fitness room; for now, we use it as storage for tools and such. When we bought the property, there was a lot of construction debris and trash inside, and no door. There is still quite a bit of work to be done on the building structure, but since the construction start is still a few months away, we have time (repointing, repairing the stairs, new screed, small off-grid photovoltaic system, chimney).
In the area of the biotope, I integrated a slide into the slope, built a play structure with swings, created a nice sandbox, and set up a small fire pit. Next, we will install about 50m (55 yards) of chain-link fence with a 3m (10 feet) gate because we want to get a dog again. Another upcoming project is a playhouse for the kids in the next few weeks. Otherwise, this area will remain fairly natural; the grass will be allowed to grow longer and be harvested as hay (for rabbits).
When we get the bungalow with the plot from the neighbor, it will be turned into a man cave and workshop, with a pool and sauna house in front. My partner wants to grow lots of flowers as well as fruits and vegetables. I’ve already planted about 10 trees 😀 It should become very green and provide a home for many animals.
At the front of the property, we haven’t planned much yet. For now, we’re focused on finishing the house; nothing else is possible before that. Currently, our trampoline for the kids is there.
On the cistern/pit, there will be a waste and bicycle storage area, partially covered and fenced in. The fence and gate along the street will be installed last because the neighbor also uses the driveway, and we still need to agree on how to handle that in the future (the rest of the property is enclosed). The paths and driveway will be laid with 9/11cm (3.5/4.3 inch) granite stones, and the terrace will run along the full length of the house on the north/west side, made of wood. But these are all just ideas and not set in stone. Things often turn out differently than expected....
I also definitely want to clad the upper floor externally with natural larch wood, installed horizontally; I like the Erzgebirge farmhouse style – but the wood prices still have to come down significantly. If there is money left over after that, I’ll add a photovoltaic system on the roof, and the preparations for this will already be in place. We’ll see how prices and availability develop.
In the area of the biotope, I integrated a slide into the slope, built a play structure with swings, created a nice sandbox, and set up a small fire pit. Next, we will install about 50m (55 yards) of chain-link fence with a 3m (10 feet) gate because we want to get a dog again. Another upcoming project is a playhouse for the kids in the next few weeks. Otherwise, this area will remain fairly natural; the grass will be allowed to grow longer and be harvested as hay (for rabbits).
When we get the bungalow with the plot from the neighbor, it will be turned into a man cave and workshop, with a pool and sauna house in front. My partner wants to grow lots of flowers as well as fruits and vegetables. I’ve already planted about 10 trees 😀 It should become very green and provide a home for many animals.
At the front of the property, we haven’t planned much yet. For now, we’re focused on finishing the house; nothing else is possible before that. Currently, our trampoline for the kids is there.
On the cistern/pit, there will be a waste and bicycle storage area, partially covered and fenced in. The fence and gate along the street will be installed last because the neighbor also uses the driveway, and we still need to agree on how to handle that in the future (the rest of the property is enclosed). The paths and driveway will be laid with 9/11cm (3.5/4.3 inch) granite stones, and the terrace will run along the full length of the house on the north/west side, made of wood. But these are all just ideas and not set in stone. Things often turn out differently than expected....
I also definitely want to clad the upper floor externally with natural larch wood, installed horizontally; I like the Erzgebirge farmhouse style – but the wood prices still have to come down significantly. If there is money left over after that, I’ll add a photovoltaic system on the roof, and the preparations for this will already be in place. We’ll see how prices and availability develop.
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