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.
What kind of heating system are you getting now, since an air-to-air heat pump and underfloor heating (see) don’t really fit together?
What is included in your 1500€ (about $1,600) incentive? Electric? This is usually just the bare minimum in the standard package, and networking is almost never included.
What is included in your 1500€ (about $1,600) incentive? Electric? This is usually just the bare minimum in the standard package, and networking is almost never included.
@Oberhäslich .. Thanks
However, the sun only reaches that area in summer at the latest; for the rest of the year, there is practically very little sun in the house. For me, this wouldn’t be an ideal floor plan. I understand your approach to choosing such an "unchangeable" house; it also has some good aspects like the room layout itself. I find the cloakroom a bit small—are you planning to install built-in units under the stairs?
Where do you plan to place the outdoor fireplace?
Just out of interest… your table for 12 people… how large is it?
Earlier you wrote "biotope rear area" … do you mean at the top of the plan, north? Or in the south?
The access path to the house isn’t very straight—what was the reason for this design?
Oberhäslich schrieb:
The terrace and living room with window area are intentionally northwest-facing because the sun comes from 3 p.m. on and remains until sunset,
However, the sun only reaches that area in summer at the latest; for the rest of the year, there is practically very little sun in the house. For me, this wouldn’t be an ideal floor plan. I understand your approach to choosing such an "unchangeable" house; it also has some good aspects like the room layout itself. I find the cloakroom a bit small—are you planning to install built-in units under the stairs?
Where do you plan to place the outdoor fireplace?
Just out of interest… your table for 12 people… how large is it?
Earlier you wrote "biotope rear area" … do you mean at the top of the plan, north? Or in the south?
The access path to the house isn’t very straight—what was the reason for this design?
It might be necessary to distinguish between what I book with the salesperson initially and what is decided during the finishing selection.
In the house configuration phase (with the salesperson), I had underfloor heating, window modifications, roller shutters, a folding attic ladder, an external water tap—basically the major items—and a few smaller ones. That way, during the actual finishing selection at the competence center, not much was added, or some items were replaced with others due to cost-cutting measures (because they were unnecessary).
In the house configuration phase (with the salesperson), I had underfloor heating, window modifications, roller shutters, a folding attic ladder, an external water tap—basically the major items—and a few smaller ones. That way, during the actual finishing selection at the competence center, not much was added, or some items were replaced with others due to cost-cutting measures (because they were unnecessary).
K
Klinkerstyle23 Apr 2022 11:13Oberhäslich schrieb:
@Klinkerstyle: I’m originally from Chemnitz as well. Which neighborhood are you building in? 😎 Well, the biotope has only existed since 2017; it used to be an old orchard meadow (apple trees) spanning about three plots. Since we border directly onto a field with a forest view, the local council apparently prevented a farmer from building five single-family homes there by this trick. It’s great for us because it means we have an unobstructed view.
@ypg: Honestly, we see the large bathroom as “our space,” a kind of private retreat. It’s not meant for anyone to just go there to take care of their business. If the daughter uses it, that’s fine—we’re pretty relaxed about that. As I mentioned, I don’t think it’s an issue for a teenager to walk down the stairs. She will surely be happy later to have her own small bathroom with her own stuff; the rest is just upbringing. Personally, I decided against a second shower in the large bathroom and now have to get up early to shower 😕:p But from a cost-benefit perspective, having two showers doesn’t make sense. Our current shower in the guest bathroom is only used once a year. Everyone else (friends, acquaintances, kids) is simply shown to use the guest toilet... Oh, and none of my three kids, including myself, needs to use the toilet at night. Only Mom does, and she appreciates the short way 😀
@Andre77: What has your experience been like? What kind of house did you build? There’s not much discussion about Heinz von Heiden on the forum...The orchard meadow sounds great, even though such a large plot will always mean a lot of work. We’re building in Rabenstein, but not in a new development area.
Oberhäslich schrieb:
There used to be a three-sided farmhouse on the property. It has been almost completely demolished. What remains is a cellar basement driveway ramp of a barn in the back area, made of sandstone, which I currently still call the potato cellar. Great as a sledding hill in winter! :p Quite damp but stable, good climate inside. In the long term, our gym (fitness room) of about 15sqm (160 sq ft) will be installed there, but 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, no door. There’s still quite a bit to fix in the building fabric, but there are still a few months until construction starts (repointing, stair repair, new screed, small photovoltaic off-grid system, fireplace). Huh? A ramp to nowhere (or is the barn still standing?) you want to keep, and turn the bunker underneath into a gym with a fireplace?
Oberhäslich schrieb:
In the area of the pond (biotope), I’ve integrated a slide into the hillside, set up a play structure with swings, created a nice sandbox, and built a small fire pit. Another fire pit? This would be the third one, right? Ever heard about CO2 and climate protection? 😉
Oberhäslich schrieb:
If we get the neighbor’s bungalow with the land, it will become a man cave and a workshop, with a pool and sauna house in front. My girlfriend wants to grow lots of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. I’ve already planted at least 10 trees by now 😀 It should become nice and green and provide a habitat for many animals. What? You’re building a budget house to save money, but then you just buy the neighbor’s bungalow for fun?
Oberhäslich schrieb:
…because the neighbor also uses the driveway, and we still need to agree on how to handle that in the future. Maybe that should be clarified first.
Oberhäslich schrieb:
I also definitely want to horizontally clad the upper floor exterior with natural larch wood—I like the Erzgebirge countryside style—but the prices for wood will have to drop significantly first. If there’s any money left, I’ll install a photovoltaic system on the roof; the preparation for that is already in place. We’ll see how prices and availability develop. Money left *laughs*? Sorry, but to me, that all sounds pretty—how to put it nicely—“optimistic.” Especially your budget of 17K for the exterior landscaping seems quite tight. I’m curious to see how it develops.
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