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 🙂
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 🙂
P
pagoni202018 Mar 2021 17:46exto1791 schrieb:
Here are just a few "snippets" of our thoughts.. 🙂I think you should simply write your concerns/questions here in a clear and specific way. I might have an idea of what you mean, but hitting the mark precisely like that is unlikely. What you mention here will, in my opinion, be seen very differently by different people. White grout is rarely used anyway; otherwise, I would go with whatever looks good to you. Niches in the shower are currently trendy, but I personally don’t like them—I prefer more "traditional" ledges or built-in shelves, and so on... but this probably won’t help you much since these are very individual preferences and either approach is fine. So it's better to post each question here.Plan the layout carefully, especially USING ACTUAL FURNITURE.
A good tip from me: Always keep a box of Valium ready on your nightstand!
I find the examples you mentioned quite individual and also partly things that should be considered already during the initial floor plan design.
How far along are you with the planning?
Otherwise: I didn’t want niches, we have two outdoor faucets, silver-gray grout that naturally darkens over time, a cloakroom under the stairs where the door opens outward... three possible spots for a 3-meter (10-foot) standard wardrobe... what are "Simsen"? A 90 or 120 cm (35 or 47 inch) aisle in the kitchen: which aisle? Left by the fridge? Right by the oven door? Near the lot? There’s no general rule for that.
In the end, everything looks different on completion than on the plan or in the shell phase anyway... and “there is rarely a right or wrong,” said the big lady as she slammed the drawer shut with her behind.
How far along are you with the planning?
Otherwise: I didn’t want niches, we have two outdoor faucets, silver-gray grout that naturally darkens over time, a cloakroom under the stairs where the door opens outward... three possible spots for a 3-meter (10-foot) standard wardrobe... what are "Simsen"? A 90 or 120 cm (35 or 47 inch) aisle in the kitchen: which aisle? Left by the fridge? Right by the oven door? Near the lot? There’s no general rule for that.
In the end, everything looks different on completion than on the plan or in the shell phase anyway... and “there is rarely a right or wrong,” said the big lady as she slammed the drawer shut with her behind.
Since we are people who like being outdoors, doing things ourselves, and sometimes getting dirty, we installed a back door that leads into the utility room. Besides the usual technical equipment, it houses the shoes, the washing machine, and an enamel sink with cold and hot water. The water connection is there anyway for the washing machine, so having a sink is useful for washing, for example, potatoes or scrubbing very dirty paws, and so on. Since we didn’t want to afford a basement, we converted the attic instead. We had it fully covered with tongue-and-groove boards, insulated with glass wool, and accessed by a proper staircase—not those folding ladders. Upstairs, there is of course electricity, lighting, an openable Velux window, and shelves. A very worthwhile investment. During the winter lockdown, the attic even became our private Pilates studio, equipped with a mat, bench, small dumbbells, and a stability ball.
K
knalltüte18 Mar 2021 22:35Very important: if the principle of finality mentioned by [USER=32750]@11ant is not consistently followed, always ask about the "price tag" attached to every change or order!
It’s easy to make a casual comment like: “Oh yes, please do this or that.” Then a bill for 5,000€ (about 5,000$) arrives. In my experience, there are no invoices for 50 or 100€ (about 50 or 100$). Costs start at 500€ (about 500$) to 1,000€ (about 1,000$) for small tasks, increase to 2,000–5,000€ (about 2,000–5,000$) for “larger” minor tasks (e.g., a 5m³ (1320 gallons) rainwater tank including pump and installation costs around 5,000€ (about 5,000$)), and can escalate into a financial disaster...
It’s best to send a short email to the building contractor afterward summarizing the agreement and asking for confirmation. Verbal agreements are easily forgotten or not remembered and are often not communicated correctly within a company.
It’s easy to make a casual comment like: “Oh yes, please do this or that.” Then a bill for 5,000€ (about 5,000$) arrives. In my experience, there are no invoices for 50 or 100€ (about 50 or 100$). Costs start at 500€ (about 500$) to 1,000€ (about 1,000$) for small tasks, increase to 2,000–5,000€ (about 2,000–5,000$) for “larger” minor tasks (e.g., a 5m³ (1320 gallons) rainwater tank including pump and installation costs around 5,000€ (about 5,000$)), and can escalate into a financial disaster...
It’s best to send a short email to the building contractor afterward summarizing the agreement and asking for confirmation. Verbal agreements are easily forgotten or not remembered and are often not communicated correctly within a company.
K
knalltüte18 Mar 2021 22:43One more tip: If you think something is wrong or not going as planned, don’t immediately overreact. First, calmly talk to the people on site to find out what’s going on and ask for an explanation. As laypersons overseeing the build, we tend to imagine worst-case scenarios. Take time to carefully review (or have someone review) the statements before responding, and only react with appropriate measures if necessary.
Be frequently present on site, but avoid giving the impression that you want to check every detail in real time. Instead, show genuine interest in the project. Also, make sure to praise when you see something done well and properly (even if correct execution seems obvious).
Be frequently present on site, but avoid giving the impression that you want to check every detail in real time. Instead, show genuine interest in the project. Also, make sure to praise when you see something done well and properly (even if correct execution seems obvious).
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