ᐅ Tips Before Starting Construction – What to Watch Out For?

Created on: 18 Mar 2021 11:11
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exto1791
Hello everyone,

First of all: I’m not sure if there is already a thread like this, but nevertheless, I would find it very interesting to gather opinions, ideas, tips, tricks, etc., shortly before or during the construction phase, in order to avoid possible “sources of errors” that some homeowners made out of lack of knowledge.

These should mostly be “small details” that can be relatively easily changed or adjusted and don’t disrupt the entire plan.

We are not talking about:
--> I wouldn’t build a basement anymore
--> I would definitely get a garage in the future

But rather things like:
--> Make sure to install a conduit for the photovoltaic system
--> Wire your front door electrically to allow for technical upgrades later on
--> Install enough power outlets at certain spots to...
--> Have a water connection installed for an additional shower to create more options later

They can really be small things that bothered you afterward, that you would have done differently, but no longer have the chance to change, or that caused additional costs later on.
Topics related to kitchen, bathroom, or similar are also welcome.

We want to think of as many things as possible (which is of course nearly impossible and always depends on individual circumstances) — but surely some tips could still be helpful.

Looking forward to your input 🙂
Schimi179121 Mar 2021 18:32
ypg schrieb:

...
How often do you stand in front of a house and wonder why they built it so poorly.
...
Sometimes even in front of your own house ...
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Hausbauer2021
29 Mar 2021 09:32
Nordlys schrieb:

Since we are people who like being outdoors, doing things ourselves, and occasionally getting dirty, we chose a back door that leads into the utility room. Aside from the usual technical equipment, it houses shoes, the washing machine, and an enamel sink with hot and cold water. Since there is water anyway because of the washing machine, having a sink is useful for things like washing potatoes or scrubbing very dirty paws, among other uses. Additionally, since we didn’t want to afford a basement, we converted the attic. We fully lined it with tongue-and-groove boards, insulated it with glass wool, and made it accessible with a proper staircase—not just a pull-down ladder. Up there we have electricity, lighting, an openable Velux window, and shelves. A very worthwhile investment. During the winter lockdown, the attic also became our private Pilates studio with a mat, bench, small weights, and a stability ball.

Even though this post is a bit older, we want to use our utility room similarly but without a sink. How large did you plan yours? We are currently planning for 7–8 sq meters (75–86 sq ft). It should accommodate all the technical equipment (air-to-water heat pump, external 250-liter (66-gallon) water storage tank, ventilation system, electronics, etc.). Additionally, if necessary, we want to dry laundry there and store shoes. We also want to keep some daily items like a vacuum cleaner. Is 8 sq meters (86 sq ft) enough for that?
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Nordlys
29 Mar 2021 10:44
According to the plan, it has 9.1 square meters (98 square feet). I think 8 square meters (86 square feet) is very tight. Try to squeeze out a bit more.
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Hausbauer2021
29 Mar 2021 10:46
Nordlys schrieb:

According to the plan, it has 9.1 sqm (98 sq ft). I think 8 sqm (86 sq ft) is very tight. Try to get a bit more out of it.
Ok, thanks, then 7.5 sqm (81 sq ft) is not too far off. Thanks!
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motorradsilke
29 Mar 2021 13:06
Hausbauer2021 schrieb:

Even though this post is a bit older, we want to use our utility room in a similar way but without a sink. How large did you plan yours? We are currently planning with 7-8 sqm (75-86 sq ft). It should accommodate all the technical equipment (air-to-water heat pump, external water storage 250 liters (66 gallons), ventilation system, electronics, etc.). Additionally, if necessary, we want to dry laundry there and also store shoes. Also, a few daily items like a vacuum cleaner. Is 8 sqm (86 sq ft) enough for that?
I would reconsider the sink. With a washing machine, you always need a basin to rinse or soak things from time to time. Washing dirty shoes, for example. Maybe you could try to get a combined heat pump and water storage unit? That might save you some space.
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Nordlys
29 Mar 2021 13:26
When planning the utility room, it is important to ensure it has proper ventilation and windows, a good connection to the kitchen, and preferably an exterior door, so it can serve as a mudroom. Ours is designed as follows: the back wall houses a large closet full of winter coats and similar items; next to it is the water tank for the solar system. The front wall opposite contains the washing machine, dryer, and sink, as water is already available there. Above the machines is a window. The wall facing the kitchen has a door leading there, beside which is a pantry cabinet for canned goods, cleaning supplies, dish towels, brushes, and paint, as well as bottles of liquor and juice. Cat food and feeding bowls are also stored there. Next to that is space for the cat’s litter box, a fold-away drying rack, and a step ladder.

One wall opposite the previously mentioned one is left free for technical equipment: the heating boiler, electrical cabinet, telecom modem, with valves and meters for reading underneath. Our shoes currently in use stand on the floor in front of this. Next to all that is the door to the garden.

Leerer Innenraum mit Fensterfront; Besen, Kehrblech und Mopp lehnen an der Wand.


Grundriss des Erdgeschosses eines Hauses mit Küche, Wohnzimmer, Bad, Flur, Treppenhaus und Garage.