Hello,
I have read a lot here already and was able to incorporate some of the information into our planning that I probably would never have thought of otherwise, so thank you for that!
Now, the situation is that we can buy our desired plot of land in the Diepholz district (Lower Saxony), and the decision about who will build our house (turnkey) is getting closer.
So far, we have collected several offers and are currently favoring two:
A larger company from Lindern (Oldenburg), about 80 km (50 miles) away from us.
Very attractive price, including painting work (although only textured wallpaper and inexpensive laminate flooring up to 30€/m² (about $30 per sq.ft.) are included). No KfW 55 standard, and they work a lot with subcontractors, which doesn’t necessarily have to be a disadvantage. Price around €246,000.
And a small company from the neighboring village, about 5 km (3 miles) away from us.
They have already built 4 houses in the area where we plan to build. They would also build to the KfW 55 energy efficiency standard. The downside is that they are more expensive than the amount the subsidy would cover, and painting work would not be included. Price around €267,000.
We are quite torn about which choice is better. We like the idea of supporting a local company, but how much is it worth to us to pay more… since painting work would certainly cost another good €10,000.
€267,000 + 10,000 - 18,000 (subsidy) = €259,000 compared to €246,000.
Or do you think the better energy efficiency of the house is definitely worth it?
I have read a lot here already and was able to incorporate some of the information into our planning that I probably would never have thought of otherwise, so thank you for that!
Now, the situation is that we can buy our desired plot of land in the Diepholz district (Lower Saxony), and the decision about who will build our house (turnkey) is getting closer.
So far, we have collected several offers and are currently favoring two:
A larger company from Lindern (Oldenburg), about 80 km (50 miles) away from us.
Very attractive price, including painting work (although only textured wallpaper and inexpensive laminate flooring up to 30€/m² (about $30 per sq.ft.) are included). No KfW 55 standard, and they work a lot with subcontractors, which doesn’t necessarily have to be a disadvantage. Price around €246,000.
And a small company from the neighboring village, about 5 km (3 miles) away from us.
They have already built 4 houses in the area where we plan to build. They would also build to the KfW 55 energy efficiency standard. The downside is that they are more expensive than the amount the subsidy would cover, and painting work would not be included. Price around €267,000.
We are quite torn about which choice is better. We like the idea of supporting a local company, but how much is it worth to us to pay more… since painting work would certainly cost another good €10,000.
€267,000 + 10,000 - 18,000 (subsidy) = €259,000 compared to €246,000.
Or do you think the better energy efficiency of the house is definitely worth it?
SamSamSam schrieb:
Would you choose the larger, cheaper, but more distant company? [...] No, I would choose the one closer to the location, but not because of KfW support.
Yes, I have no objection to uploading drafts you helped create or also quotes (please in image formats, not PDF), and on the contrary, the forum rules against external links apply (but names, including house types, are allowed).
SamSamSam schrieb:
We haven’t spoken to an architect yet. Then do so. Architects are not just for people who can’t come up with their own floor plans or want a designer home. Architects are planning construction supervisors and directors. Sketching houses is only a small part of their work. General contractors (GCs) who plan on their own tend to only draft the nice-looking elements, and the entire supply and disposal infrastructure is then boxed in with a “this is how we always do it” approach. Also, a GC’s site manager who is called a “construction manager” and has an architect background only shares the name; their role is biased and completely different (solve problems caused by insufficient drawings and ensure defects only become visible after the warranty period). Independent architects prevent poor workmanship and improvisation through proper planning. They also know which contractors deliver solid craftsmanship for a fair price (not only individual tradesmen, but also GCs—although you should definitely not let GCs handle the planning themselves).
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
We worked with a local contractor and managed to start excavating the foundation slab in October, with the house ready to move into by May 1st, though without a basement.
The offer was "You’ll be able to afford it."
In the end, we were 10,000 EUR cheaper than the initial estimate (which came after the ceiling was poured).
I know the contractor very well; otherwise, we would never have made such a deal.
We viewed the land in April, signed with the notary in June, submitted the building plans in September, and the excavator arrived on October 1st.
Our friends thought we were crazy.
Regards,
Patricck
The offer was "You’ll be able to afford it."
In the end, we were 10,000 EUR cheaper than the initial estimate (which came after the ceiling was poured).
I know the contractor very well; otherwise, we would never have made such a deal.
We viewed the land in April, signed with the notary in June, submitted the building plans in September, and the excavator arrived on October 1st.
Our friends thought we were crazy.
Regards,
Patricck
On one hand, since we are focusing on budget construction (unless you are only building 120sqm (1300 sq ft)), I would go with the most expensive option here. That way, at least not everything will be the cheapest, unlike the other option. This can help justify the decision.
On the other hand, I would build with the local option, because for me that would basically be the best form of insurance—the reputation and trustworthiness that could be lost.
On the other hand, I would build with the local option, because for me that would basically be the best form of insurance—the reputation and trustworthiness that could be lost.
SamSamSam schrieb:What don’t you like about that? Because of this fact, we built many more patio doors in our house without paying an extra cent.
What surprised me a bit was his statement that it doesn’t matter if an extra window is added or not, since the work done on the wall that the window replaces would disappear. 😕
ypg schrieb:
(unless you are building only 120 m² (1,292 sq ft))Hello, it sounds like houses always have to be huge again.
What’s so bad about 120 m² (1,292 sq ft)?
We are also planning to build a regional house of roughly the same size (price about 270,000 at around 120 m² (1,292 sq ft)), and basically everything important is included (foundation slab, upscale fittings, KFW55 efficiency standard, etc.).
Still, we are expecting total costs of about 390,000 €.
Whether everything goes smoothly or problems arise, you only find out afterward.
We have a good feeling about it.
But regarding the topic:
I would probably prefer the local builder as well, as ypg already mentioned, reputation is important, and they also rely on word of mouth — how did you come across them?
And our builder doesn’t really care much about the windows either, only for a large terrace sliding door does he want an extra charge.
Surely, the local builder can also respond more flexibly, and the local network should not be underestimated.
Try asking around locally; everyone here should know them.
Regards, Olli
S
SamSamSam23 Jan 2021 19:21Thanks for all the advice!
We will meet again with the local construction company over the next few days and will probably make some final decisions.
We feel quite confident with them. Regarding the windows, I just had some concerns because I couldn't imagine that it wouldn't make a difference, but it really seems that way, which we obviously appreciate.
We are building 145m² (1560 sq ft). Naturally, additional costs such as electric roller shutters, multiple power outlets, larger roof overhang, etc., will be added to the price, but these would also be added on top with another general contractor.
We will meet again with the local construction company over the next few days and will probably make some final decisions.
We feel quite confident with them. Regarding the windows, I just had some concerns because I couldn't imagine that it wouldn't make a difference, but it really seems that way, which we obviously appreciate.
We are building 145m² (1560 sq ft). Naturally, additional costs such as electric roller shutters, multiple power outlets, larger roof overhang, etc., will be added to the price, but these would also be added on top with another general contractor.
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