ᐅ Prefabricated House or Solid Construction – Looking for a Cost-Effective Solution
Created on: 26 Jan 2016 11:57
F
Frenzi
Hello everyone,
We are considering building a detached single-family house next year. We have already reserved a plot of land.
Since we currently own a prefab house (which I built as a shell construction in 1999), our initial focus was on another prefab house.
Because we want to limit the budget for the new house, we have about 180,000 euros available for a turnkey single-family house of approximately 120 sqm (1290 sq ft) on a slab foundation. The plot, additional costs, connection fees for water/electricity, earthworks, etc. are not included. For these, I estimate around 35,000–40,000 euros.
180,000 euros corresponds to 1,500 euros per sqm (139 sq ft) for a turnkey 120 sqm (1290 sq ft) house. In the forum, I’ve seen a rough estimate of 1,300–1,400 euros per sqm (139 sq ft) for turnkey execution.
By turnkey, I mean ready to move in — including wall and floor coverings etc., with standard finishes (no luxury options).
However, all offers from the current prefab manufacturers (at the showroom in Wuppertal) start at a minimum of 230,000 euros. We were even somewhat condescendingly laughed at when we mentioned our budget (e.g., at the company Fingerhaus).
Have prices risen that much, or are these companies just trying to overcharge us?
We haven’t received an offer yet from a builder of solid construction houses. But from what I see online, they seem to be somewhat cheaper.
What are your experiences? Is it unrealistic to build a ready-to-move-in house of about 120 sqm (1290 sq ft) on a slab foundation, meeting a good KfW standard (70 or better 55), for 180,000 euros?
Regards,
Frenzi
We are considering building a detached single-family house next year. We have already reserved a plot of land.
Since we currently own a prefab house (which I built as a shell construction in 1999), our initial focus was on another prefab house.
Because we want to limit the budget for the new house, we have about 180,000 euros available for a turnkey single-family house of approximately 120 sqm (1290 sq ft) on a slab foundation. The plot, additional costs, connection fees for water/electricity, earthworks, etc. are not included. For these, I estimate around 35,000–40,000 euros.
180,000 euros corresponds to 1,500 euros per sqm (139 sq ft) for a turnkey 120 sqm (1290 sq ft) house. In the forum, I’ve seen a rough estimate of 1,300–1,400 euros per sqm (139 sq ft) for turnkey execution.
By turnkey, I mean ready to move in — including wall and floor coverings etc., with standard finishes (no luxury options).
However, all offers from the current prefab manufacturers (at the showroom in Wuppertal) start at a minimum of 230,000 euros. We were even somewhat condescendingly laughed at when we mentioned our budget (e.g., at the company Fingerhaus).
Have prices risen that much, or are these companies just trying to overcharge us?
We haven’t received an offer yet from a builder of solid construction houses. But from what I see online, they seem to be somewhat cheaper.
What are your experiences? Is it unrealistic to build a ready-to-move-in house of about 120 sqm (1290 sq ft) on a slab foundation, meeting a good KfW standard (70 or better 55), for 180,000 euros?
Regards,
Frenzi
D
daniels8727 Jan 2016 15:05So, in our area, it is definitely possible. Our construction company, for example, builds a 125 sqm (1,345 sq ft) house with 2 full floors (solid construction) for around €190,000. You can manage with standard fittings, but then it’s nothing special. Laminate flooring and painting are included. Also roller shutters, entrance porch, and so on.
Oh dear... just because things weren’t properly checked back then, an entire industry is being demonized here.
In general, prefabricated houses tend to be a bit more expensive than traditional solid construction homes; whether this is justified or not, I’m not sure.
Prefabricated houses have their advantages and disadvantages, just like solid-built homes—whether it’s about construction time, risk, complexity, and so on.
Even the issue of profit margins could probably be easily disproven if someone took the time to compare companies like Bien-Zenker or Weberhaus with Heinz von Heiden or Helma in the official company register (Bundesanzeiger).
In general, prefabricated houses tend to be a bit more expensive than traditional solid construction homes; whether this is justified or not, I’m not sure.
Prefabricated houses have their advantages and disadvantages, just like solid-built homes—whether it’s about construction time, risk, complexity, and so on.
Even the issue of profit margins could probably be easily disproven if someone took the time to compare companies like Bien-Zenker or Weberhaus with Heinz von Heiden or Helma in the official company register (Bundesanzeiger).
U
Username_wahl30 Jan 2016 19:10In the end, we couldn't really warm up to either option and chose a timber frame house with separate contracting of trades through an architect. Possibly also an alternative.
My girlfriend and I are currently planning a prefab house and cannot confirm any of the three arguments.
1. No ties to any specific plot of land or similar.
2. Strong transparency with most providers. Every item is listed, and every additional cost is explained and presented during the preliminary selection process.
3. Even among prefab house providers, there are quality differences, which also lead to varying prices.
We have had consistently positive experiences with the providers. How the final result will look remains to be seen.
The costs of the house correspond with the approximate figures frequently mentioned here in the forum. I cannot see a 30% markup.
My 2 cents
1. No ties to any specific plot of land or similar.
2. Strong transparency with most providers. Every item is listed, and every additional cost is explained and presented during the preliminary selection process.
3. Even among prefab house providers, there are quality differences, which also lead to varying prices.
We have had consistently positive experiences with the providers. How the final result will look remains to be seen.
The costs of the house correspond with the approximate figures frequently mentioned here in the forum. I cannot see a 30% markup.
My 2 cents