ᐅ What would you do differently in your next house build?

What would you do differently in your next house build? (For us, there won’t be a next time, but I think beginners can benefit from our experience.) Please stay on topic and avoid lengthy discussions (feel free to start a new thread for that)!

I’ll start:
* Electrician: A network connection in every room isn’t necessary; nowadays everyone uses Wi-Fi, which is perfectly sufficient.
* Us: OK, then we’ll install one network connection per floor where the TV is going, you have to save somewhere.
* Result: At the network outlet, we get 50 Mbit/s, Wi-Fi with a repeater around 20, sometimes only about 5, Powerline adapters around 25. It’s enough for me, but the kids are disappointed. I followed all the usual advice.

What we would definitely do differently: consistently have the detailed scope of work refined and have every little detail recorded precisely in writing. Demand a binding schedule. Have the subcontractor for civil engineering/earthworks visit the site beforehand and provide the most accurate possible quote. Be sure to adjust the usual payment plan >> shifting as much money as possible toward the final payment. Don’t sign anything in advance. All from personal experience...

Passivhaus schrieb:


I’ll start with this:
* Electrician: Network connections in every room are unnecessary nowadays since everyone has Wi-Fi, which is more than enough.
* Us: OK, then we’ll put one network point per floor where the TV will be; you have to cut costs somewhere.
* Result: The wired network connection delivers 50 Mbit/s, Wi-Fi with repeaters around 20, sometimes only about 5, and powerline adapters around 25. It’s enough for me, but the kids are disappointed. I followed the usual advice.

I would be extremely frustrated. But I would have shown the electrician the door very quickly.

What we would change:

• More roof overhang to protect the facade
• Double garage insulated almost as well as the rest of the house

What would I do differently?
1) For the TV in the living room and dining area, I would have installed network sockets instead of relying entirely on Wi-Fi. It works, but the wired option is probably better. See previous comments.
2) Insulate the attic a bit to prevent it from getting so cold in winter, even if it’s just used for storage. All the leftover paint we kept for touch-ups froze. Fortunately, I can still add insulation now.
3) In the bedroom, I would prefer carpet instead of vinyl planks. Better for delicate feet...
Karsten

#I would immediately set up the room on the ground floor as a bedroom with a walk-in closet, and use the room on the upper floor only for guests/exercise/office. That’s how we currently have it, so it can be changed later if needed.
#Twenty electrical outlets are missing in some corners.
#Twilight switches for the exterior lighting
#Slightly move the garage in the front yard/front garden
#Give more consideration to the west wind when positioning the terrace

If we win the lottery, I would implement all of this (except for the garage), possibly adding a walk-in closet and master bathroom on the ground floor [emoji2]

Plan a larger living room, generally make everything a bit bigger. Choose a garage instead of a carport, add more light outlets for nicer lighting effects (especially on the walls), and raise each floor by at least one additional row of bricks (245–250cm (96–98 inches) height is really not much).

Overall, we are very satisfied. Actually, the only things I miss are the garage (instead of a carport) and a living room that could be about 10 square meters (108 square feet) larger.