ᐅ Single-Family Home Optimization and Planning (180 sqm + Attic, No Basement)
Created on: 22 May 2020 21:23
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phil12345
Hello everyone,
I was directed to this interesting sub-forum through other threads, and of course, I would like to share our idea pool in the form of Draft 2.0.
First, a few facts about us:
Both 32 years old, no children, working full time. Two children are planned, but only after the house is built and before 40. So, relatively mid-term.
We plan to build in the front yard (650 m² (7,000 sq ft)) of the builder’s parents. The plot is signed, and the partnership agreement is in place. We envision a single-family house of about 180 m² (1,940 sq ft) with a double garage. We do not want a basement.
The house should preferably meet the KfW55 energy efficiency standard despite having a gas heating system. As a guy, I obviously find KNX great, but maybe Somfy Smart Home would also work. However, I would really regret it in the future if I squander that investment.
The cube shown in the drawing, originally made of exposed concrete, has now been clad with Trespa panels. The window shutters should be external Venetian blinds (Raffstores) in the basement and regular shutters on the upper floor. A large covered terrace (not visible here) is also very important to us since we really want to sit in the garden sheltered from the weather.
Additionally, we face the challenge that the driveway is from the southwest side, so we need to combine garden and driveway.
A wood-burning fireplace is very important to the builder. The airlock/transition zone between garage and house, connecting both, is also essential. We like the idea of a shared but “separate” bathroom; a bathtub is not necessary. An additional third, basic bathroom in the garage for garden parties is also planned (we live in a rural area of Lower Saxony, where corn and beer are enjoyed every other day…) but should be kept very simple.
I will actively participate in the thread and look forward to an engaging discussion.
Best regards,
Phil12345



I was directed to this interesting sub-forum through other threads, and of course, I would like to share our idea pool in the form of Draft 2.0.
First, a few facts about us:
Both 32 years old, no children, working full time. Two children are planned, but only after the house is built and before 40. So, relatively mid-term.
We plan to build in the front yard (650 m² (7,000 sq ft)) of the builder’s parents. The plot is signed, and the partnership agreement is in place. We envision a single-family house of about 180 m² (1,940 sq ft) with a double garage. We do not want a basement.
The house should preferably meet the KfW55 energy efficiency standard despite having a gas heating system. As a guy, I obviously find KNX great, but maybe Somfy Smart Home would also work. However, I would really regret it in the future if I squander that investment.
The cube shown in the drawing, originally made of exposed concrete, has now been clad with Trespa panels. The window shutters should be external Venetian blinds (Raffstores) in the basement and regular shutters on the upper floor. A large covered terrace (not visible here) is also very important to us since we really want to sit in the garden sheltered from the weather.
Additionally, we face the challenge that the driveway is from the southwest side, so we need to combine garden and driveway.
A wood-burning fireplace is very important to the builder. The airlock/transition zone between garage and house, connecting both, is also essential. We like the idea of a shared but “separate” bathroom; a bathtub is not necessary. An additional third, basic bathroom in the garage for garden parties is also planned (we live in a rural area of Lower Saxony, where corn and beer are enjoyed every other day…) but should be kept very simple.
I will actively participate in the thread and look forward to an engaging discussion.
Best regards,
Phil12345
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phil1234524 May 2020 22:19Hi Crossy,
Thanks a lot. The numbers work as they are. We can go up to 420 including everything, but that already includes all costs. This leaves a maximum reserve of 10k from our equity for a new car or something similar. The repayment is calculated at 1500 per month and the additional costs are 400-500 Euro.
Using 1750€ per square meter, I come to a maximum of 180 square meters. That would be okay. However, this excludes roller shutters, kitchen, furnishings, and garden. That annoys me. I would also be fine with 160 square meters; we would have to consult a professional for a proper calculation.
I have already calculated the garage at 33 square meters for one vehicle, bicycles, and a lawnmower. That should be sufficient.
At the same time, I am getting advice from the leading builder Viebrockhaus. They are going to provide me with an estimate for an Edition 600 (165 square meters). According to their brochure, the gross price is 350k (yes, I know, without garage and extras) — that is the target. With some DIY work, I should be able to stay under 350k so that I can upgrade the roller shutters or other features.
I am aware that we can only afford selected items. The initial draft was useless but opened my eyes. We also wonder why there are so many large luxury homes here when we are calculating for only 140 square meters, even though we already own the plot. But honestly, the finances of others don’t concern me.
Thanks a lot. The numbers work as they are. We can go up to 420 including everything, but that already includes all costs. This leaves a maximum reserve of 10k from our equity for a new car or something similar. The repayment is calculated at 1500 per month and the additional costs are 400-500 Euro.
Using 1750€ per square meter, I come to a maximum of 180 square meters. That would be okay. However, this excludes roller shutters, kitchen, furnishings, and garden. That annoys me. I would also be fine with 160 square meters; we would have to consult a professional for a proper calculation.
I have already calculated the garage at 33 square meters for one vehicle, bicycles, and a lawnmower. That should be sufficient.
At the same time, I am getting advice from the leading builder Viebrockhaus. They are going to provide me with an estimate for an Edition 600 (165 square meters). According to their brochure, the gross price is 350k (yes, I know, without garage and extras) — that is the target. With some DIY work, I should be able to stay under 350k so that I can upgrade the roller shutters or other features.
I am aware that we can only afford selected items. The initial draft was useless but opened my eyes. We also wonder why there are so many large luxury homes here when we are calculating for only 140 square meters, even though we already own the plot. But honestly, the finances of others don’t concern me.
With a budget of 420k and a smaller garage, about 160 sqm (1,722 sq ft) should be feasible.
420k total
- 25k for the garage (but then smaller, as you mentioned)
- 30k additional construction costs including groundwork
- 20k for the garden with electrical installations
- 20k for the kitchen and smaller furnishings
325k left for the house
That adds up to around 160 sqm (1,722 sq ft).
However, don’t budget everything so tightly that you have no buffer left. If your initial discussions bring you to 420k, cut something. It’s better to aim for 400k if you can spend up to 420k. If the budget is fully planned down to the last detail before the first ground-breaking, the construction phase will likely cause sleepless nights. Things almost never go as smoothly as originally planned. There are simply costs you cannot foresee in advance, so you need a reserve.
And don’t fall into the misconception that you can save a lot on electrical installations if you’re not from the construction industry.
420k total
- 25k for the garage (but then smaller, as you mentioned)
- 30k additional construction costs including groundwork
- 20k for the garden with electrical installations
- 20k for the kitchen and smaller furnishings
325k left for the house
That adds up to around 160 sqm (1,722 sq ft).
However, don’t budget everything so tightly that you have no buffer left. If your initial discussions bring you to 420k, cut something. It’s better to aim for 400k if you can spend up to 420k. If the budget is fully planned down to the last detail before the first ground-breaking, the construction phase will likely cause sleepless nights. Things almost never go as smoothly as originally planned. There are simply costs you cannot foresee in advance, so you need a reserve.
And don’t fall into the misconception that you can save a lot on electrical installations if you’re not from the construction industry.
And Viebrockhaus is certainly a good provider. However, they already include several extras as standard, which makes the overall price higher. I don’t think that will fit your budget.
If the Edition 600 costs 350k, your calculation won’t add up.
350k house
+ 20k additional building costs (I’m being generous and reducing additional costs for Viebrockhaus, as they already include a lot in their price)
+ 25k garage
+ 20k exterior landscaping in EL
+ 20k kitchen and some furnishings
That brings you to 435k. And you won’t save 15k through EL (unless you’re a skilled tradesperson doing some work yourself and only paying for materials) to meet your budget.
Let alone saving money on EL to cover desired extras.
If the Edition 600 costs 350k, your calculation won’t add up.
350k house
+ 20k additional building costs (I’m being generous and reducing additional costs for Viebrockhaus, as they already include a lot in their price)
+ 25k garage
+ 20k exterior landscaping in EL
+ 20k kitchen and some furnishings
That brings you to 435k. And you won’t save 15k through EL (unless you’re a skilled tradesperson doing some work yourself and only paying for materials) to meet your budget.
Let alone saving money on EL to cover desired extras.
I would put the garage on the list for "future construction projects" and instead make just a carport with a shed. That saves about 30,000 more.
Here is another proposal with one office. However, daylight spotlights are needed on the upper floor.



(Carport only indicated.)
All bay windows removed and rooms accommodated inside the house. Width increased, while depth reduced. Children’s rooms are on the south side – although one shares a wall with the bedroom – possibly make the wall thicker. Access for kids to the master bathroom plus laundry chute.
Here is another proposal with one office. However, daylight spotlights are needed on the upper floor.
(Carport only indicated.)
All bay windows removed and rooms accommodated inside the house. Width increased, while depth reduced. Children’s rooms are on the south side – although one shares a wall with the bedroom – possibly make the wall thicker. Access for kids to the master bathroom plus laundry chute.
haydee schrieb:
There is one point where a care home is the only reasonable option. Before a couple moves to the ground floor, a lot has to happen. There are options like stairlifts. The care service can also come to the upper floor.
Why give up the large, familiar bedroom?
Why squeeze into a tiny bathroom with a caregiver? That’s exactly what I mean—or rather, what I don’t mean.
You don’t give up your bedroom just because one person needs care. And you want to have the person being cared for a) more centrally located on the ground floor, b) not receive care in your bedroom. In my opinion, a separate room on the ground floor would make sense, especially since it could initially be used flexibly (office, guest room, exercise).
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