ᐅ Putting the cart before the horse?

Created on: 26 Aug 2015 23:24
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BauPaar
Hello everyone,

Theoretically, we know exactly what we want in and on our new build – but in practice, a lot will only become clear during the planning phase (and some even after living in it for a lifetime).

But how does one plan correctly? Should you already design your dream home before you even find a plot of land (which is difficult enough) and then later adapt it to the site? Or should you focus all your energy first on finding the right plot, and then plan accordingly?

I tend to go with the second option, because what’s the point of a fully planned dream house if I then have to redesign it from 2 full floors + attic + basement plus garage extension to 1 full floor + loft without a basement and with a carport (without storage room) just because of zoning regulations / building permit / planning permission, neighbors, and budget?

On the other hand: How do I organize our dreams without endlessly gathering inspiration, taking screenshots, and saving photos that all need to be reviewed and incorporated later on?

Social advice welcome – this is probably more of a feeling than a technical thread here...

Looking forward to your thoughts,

b.
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Bauexperte
27 Aug 2015 17:39
Fundamentally, Andreas’s approach is correct, with one caveat – not every land seller allows you the time to calmly request a building suitability assessment (BVA) and only then make a decision. Often, location and zoning plans must be sufficient as a basis for decision-making.

I recommend that prospective homeowners first clarify their budget and then, as the next step, find a plot of land. They should be aware of the desired appearance of their future home: classic single-family house, one or two stories, more like an urban villa or perhaps a bungalow; not all types are permitted on every plot.

Once the plot is found, move on to planning. And don’t be discouraged: there are no bad plots, only poor planning 😉

Regards, Bauexperte
BauPaar10 Sep 2015 03:57
Thanks for all your opinions – but as a construction expert, I have to disagree on one point: there are definitely 'bad' plots of land, or in this case, none at all 🙁

That’s exactly why it’s so frustrating: no plot, no house plan, and no idea how to change that (within a realistic financial scope)...
Häuslebau3r10 Sep 2015 07:11
BauPaar schrieb:
Thanks for all your opinions – but I have to disagree with the building expert on one point: There definitely are "bad" plots of land, or sometimes (like here) none at all 🙁

That’s exactly why this situation is so frustrating: no plot, no house plan, and no idea how to fix that within a realistic financial framework...

And what about so-called general contractors or builders who might offer land together with the house? Are the prices equally high there, or are there possibly no plots available at all?
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Bauexperte
10 Sep 2015 09:57
BauPaar schrieb:

but Bauexperte, I have to disagree on one point: There certainly are 'bad' plots of land, or (as in this case) none at all 🙁

You’re writing this—understandably given your current situation—out of emotional frustration.

There are regions—and it seems your preferred area might be one of them—where it is very difficult to find available plots; and if you do, they come at exorbitant prices. If I were you, I would focus on searching for "older" existing buildings and accept that building a new house—due to demolition costs—becomes more expensive than hoped.

But who knows? Maybe with this attitude, you’ll come across a real gem? Sometimes you have to let go in order to reach your goal 😉

Regards, Bauexperte
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ypg
10 Sep 2015 11:18
BauPaar schrieb:
Thank you all for your opinions – but Bauexperte, I have to disagree on one point: there are definitely 'bad' plots of land, or sometimes (like here) none at all 🙁

That’s not entirely correct.
As far as I remember, we once had a private message conversation where the Hamburg metropolitan area in my region was mentioned.
And in our area (within a 20km (12 miles) radius, or 5-15km (3-9 miles) from Hamburg), new housing developments are popping up like mushrooms. Certainly, some have drawbacks like building time restrictions or a less favorable location (although this is very subjective, since being close to the highway can be seen as good by some and bad by others), but at least there are adequate and affordable plots where many happy families have now built their new homes.
However, you have to make the decision to embrace change 🙂