ᐅ Storage space and heating issue...

Created on: 8 Jan 2017 18:34
M
Mygstylzz
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.
Mycraft10 Jan 2017 16:12
I also believe that an air-to-water heat pump would definitely be the better choice... and having underfloor heating installed in the house is basically a given.
M
Mygstylzz
11 Jan 2017 21:05
Mycraft schrieb:
I also think an air-to-water heat pump would definitely be the better choice... having underfloor heating in the house is basically a given.

What would be the advantage compared to the Lulu? When asked, we were told that with the new underfloor heating systems, you hardly feel the heat anymore.

We are unsure whether to go back to KfW 55 standard. Hmm...

The basement probably won't happen. The additional 50,000 are simply not feasible.
jaeger11 Jan 2017 21:26
Yes, nowadays with very low flow temperatures, for example 30°C (86°F), underfloor heating is, if at all, only "lukewarm." Underfloor heating works with radiant heat, so even lower temperatures are perceived as sufficient. For example, 21°C (70°F) with underfloor heating feels just as warm as 24°C (75°F) with air heating. Just try searching on Google—there are many examples and information available.
Mycraft12 Jan 2017 09:25
The advantage is really the efficiency... if I were to suggest heating your house with ductless mini-split systems... you would probably tell me I’m out of my mind and that it would be too expensive... but an air-to-air heat pump is essentially the same thing...