Hello everyone,
We are building a prefab house (urban villa passive house KfW 40 Plus including photovoltaic system, nearly 160 sqm (1,722 sq ft) with a fireplace and hip roof with a 25° (25 degrees) roof pitch).
We submitted the building notification without a basement for cost reasons (according to the manufacturer, a basement including the shell costs about 60,000 Euros, and based on our bad experiences with basements in rental apartments).
For the past two weeks, I can’t stop thinking that this might be a mistake. Where will we go if we want to host a party? Where do we put the hobby room, winter clothes, flea market boxes, fitness equipment, souvenirs from our vacations, my decorations, and many other things? What if we want to add a sauna later?
Unfortunately, the rooms upstairs are already fully utilized. We had the idea of a guest house in the garden that could also serve as a hobby room and storage space. But our architect told us that this would probably not be approved. We are only allowed to build 30 m³ (1,059 cubic feet). A conservatory would be too small and also quite expensive, according to our research.
I would appreciate any experience reports or advice. I’m afraid we will really regret this and that I won’t be happy.
Furthermore, we were strongly recommended the Proxon air-to-air heat pump system, sold by Proxon (Zimmermann ventilation). However, during the cold days, I am very concerned that the floor (we have tiles downstairs and laminate upstairs) will be too cold, especially for our baby. We were told that with modern underfloor heating, people don’t really feel the cold anymore. We are uncertain which type of heating is right for us.
One more thing: we have a garage with space for one car and a small storage room. Unfortunately, the plot does not allow for anything bigger. I’m also not sure if it would have been better to include a door from the garage into the house; we only just started to see this might be really necessary.
I always feel like I forgot something important in the house planning that I might later regret, and as a result, I lie awake at night. I just can’t switch off.
We are building a prefab house (urban villa passive house KfW 40 Plus including photovoltaic system, nearly 160 sqm (1,722 sq ft) with a fireplace and hip roof with a 25° (25 degrees) roof pitch).
We submitted the building notification without a basement for cost reasons (according to the manufacturer, a basement including the shell costs about 60,000 Euros, and based on our bad experiences with basements in rental apartments).
For the past two weeks, I can’t stop thinking that this might be a mistake. Where will we go if we want to host a party? Where do we put the hobby room, winter clothes, flea market boxes, fitness equipment, souvenirs from our vacations, my decorations, and many other things? What if we want to add a sauna later?
Unfortunately, the rooms upstairs are already fully utilized. We had the idea of a guest house in the garden that could also serve as a hobby room and storage space. But our architect told us that this would probably not be approved. We are only allowed to build 30 m³ (1,059 cubic feet). A conservatory would be too small and also quite expensive, according to our research.
I would appreciate any experience reports or advice. I’m afraid we will really regret this and that I won’t be happy.
Furthermore, we were strongly recommended the Proxon air-to-air heat pump system, sold by Proxon (Zimmermann ventilation). However, during the cold days, I am very concerned that the floor (we have tiles downstairs and laminate upstairs) will be too cold, especially for our baby. We were told that with modern underfloor heating, people don’t really feel the cold anymore. We are uncertain which type of heating is right for us.
One more thing: we have a garage with space for one car and a small storage room. Unfortunately, the plot does not allow for anything bigger. I’m also not sure if it would have been better to include a door from the garage into the house; we only just started to see this might be really necessary.
I always feel like I forgot something important in the house planning that I might later regret, and as a result, I lie awake at night. I just can’t switch off.
M
Mygstylzz9 Jan 2017 22:20Mycraft schrieb:
I would definitely reconsider the heating system... And what exactly is the problem with it, or which option would be more suitable?
This is not an issue until you have an insurance claim, for example, fire damage. Then you are informed about the definition of a garage (which differs significantly between Germany and Switzerland), followed by the statement that you acted (approximately) negligently, unfortunately violated the insurance terms and conditions, and regrettably wasted your premium payments over the past years.
M
Mygstylzz10 Jan 2017 10:34ypg schrieb:
Hello 🙂
I’m having trouble reading the dimensions clearly – is the house really only 9.30 meters (30.5 feet) square?
I don’t necessarily think a basement is essential since it adds costs... however, adding half a meter (about 1.5 feet) here and there could be quite beneficial.
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/macht-ein-keller-in-bawue-immer-sinn-wegen-hohem-Grundstück-qm-preis.16782/
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/keller-ja-oder-nein-bei-grossem-baufenster.18055/
Regarding hobbies: which hobby exactly? Planning a dedicated hobby room should be considered alongside children’s rooms during the house planning phase. Otherwise, the office can be used for sewing, the sofa for surfing the internet, the dining room for model trains, and the living room for fitness activities. Exercise equipment just collects dust; you might as well rely on a fitness club or running instead. 😉
Flea market boxes are stored on shelves in our garage, and holiday souvenirs find their place in our spice drawer or cupboard.
You really lack sufficient storage space. And definitely a cloakroom! However, the utility room could be a bit smaller. Make sure to leave one wall free there to install a row of cabinets. That can accommodate all the decorative stuff, tools, cleaning supplies, and pantry items.
I find your pantry unnecessary, and its door also disrupts efficient kitchen furnishing. I would instead place the door facing the hallway and use the space under the stairs for a cloakroom with your many jackets and shoes.
The utility room has wasted space in the middle... instead, you could put a built-in closet in front of the guest toilet.
Upstairs, the walk-in closet is too narrow, and the passageway layout isn’t well thought out. Removing the window there and creating a small, square walk-in wardrobe would be more practical. But I see potential if the house can be expanded by 50 cm (20 inches) in width.
The open space above the stairwell is also wasted area with little practical use, except for air circulation. But nobody will stand there to enjoy the nice view downwards. I would turn that into a storage room.
From a planning perspective, placing the upstairs toilet above the living room isn’t very wise. Why aren’t the children’s rooms next to each other? Why isn’t the bathroom located above the utility room and guest toilet? Please check the link that kbt09 posted for you 🙂
There’s still quite a bit of potential here... for the architect!
Are you allowed to build larger, or is your floor area ratio (FAR) restricted? Building larger might not add costs like a basement would. 😉
Wait and see what ideas Kerstin (@kbt09) comes up with for you. The criticism is likely to be similar 😳
Good luck, YvonneThanks for all the help. We are currently discussing how to proceed. Best regardsSimilar topics