ᐅ Which additional features are necessary or beneficial? Comparison with an existing property.
Created on: 14 Feb 2014 20:07
G
GrymHello,
we are increasingly encountering features in the topic of house construction that some even consider essential, which we had not known about until now. So, we were not aware of what was missing in our current apartment.
How does a newly built single-family house differ from an existing property, in our case a renovated old building (historic villa)? What was important to me back then were large rooms, hardwood floors, an appealing staircase, a good neighborhood, etc.
When it comes to house construction, we now come across topics such as:
- KNX / home automation
- Mechanical ventilation with/without heat recovery
Other things I would like to list for completeness:
- Underfloor heating
- Electrically operated roller shutters
- Heat pump (instead of gas connection)
So, what are the things to consider or keep in mind compared to existing properties? And are these unnecessary, nice extras, or absolutely necessary? For example, mechanical ventilation was initially a no-go for me. Why would I need that—I’m not too stupid to open a window when the air feels stuffy. But more and more I read that mechanical ventilation is indispensable.
Also, looking at it differently: What should you pay attention to when comparing offers? Exterior walls and roof should hopefully be included in every “turnkey” offer. I want to exclude flooring and painting here. But things like KNX, mechanical ventilation, underfloor heating, electric roller shutters, and heat pumps are extras that are often not included in every “complete” offer.
we are increasingly encountering features in the topic of house construction that some even consider essential, which we had not known about until now. So, we were not aware of what was missing in our current apartment.
How does a newly built single-family house differ from an existing property, in our case a renovated old building (historic villa)? What was important to me back then were large rooms, hardwood floors, an appealing staircase, a good neighborhood, etc.
When it comes to house construction, we now come across topics such as:
- KNX / home automation
- Mechanical ventilation with/without heat recovery
Other things I would like to list for completeness:
- Underfloor heating
- Electrically operated roller shutters
- Heat pump (instead of gas connection)
So, what are the things to consider or keep in mind compared to existing properties? And are these unnecessary, nice extras, or absolutely necessary? For example, mechanical ventilation was initially a no-go for me. Why would I need that—I’m not too stupid to open a window when the air feels stuffy. But more and more I read that mechanical ventilation is indispensable.
Also, looking at it differently: What should you pay attention to when comparing offers? Exterior walls and roof should hopefully be included in every “turnkey” offer. I want to exclude flooring and painting here. But things like KNX, mechanical ventilation, underfloor heating, electric roller shutters, and heat pumps are extras that are often not included in every “complete” offer.
Controlled residential ventilation – essential
Underfloor heating – has become standard (especially without a basement or because it allows flexible furnishing)
Electric shutters – optional, not necessary right away
KNX – I still don’t know what that is
Heat pump is a heating system and depends on the house (gas works as well)
For us, a chimney for a fireplace was important – and a steam oven in the kitchen
Underfloor heating – has become standard (especially without a basement or because it allows flexible furnishing)
Electric shutters – optional, not necessary right away
KNX – I still don’t know what that is
Heat pump is a heating system and depends on the house (gas works as well)
For us, a chimney for a fireplace was important – and a steam oven in the kitchen
Yes, this has become a never-ending story... one person thinks this is important, another one that...
Take controlled residential ventilation, for example... it’s not about being too lazy to open a window... with the construction methods used in today’s houses, you really need to ventilate several times a day... but if you work full-time, you can easily be away from home for 12 hours, sleep for 8 hours, and then only have about 4 hours left at home to do anything... so when exactly are you supposed to ventilate?
The same goes for KNX systems—some consider it unnecessary, but I find it makes daily life much easier...
Then there are aesthetic choices like plaster or brick facades, window grids or muntins, house shapes...
And on top of that, technical aspects like wall construction, heating systems, domestic hot water preparation, and so on...
And everyone has their own opinion...
In the end, you just have to decide for yourself... much of it is also a matter of personal philosophy...
Take controlled residential ventilation, for example... it’s not about being too lazy to open a window... with the construction methods used in today’s houses, you really need to ventilate several times a day... but if you work full-time, you can easily be away from home for 12 hours, sleep for 8 hours, and then only have about 4 hours left at home to do anything... so when exactly are you supposed to ventilate?
The same goes for KNX systems—some consider it unnecessary, but I find it makes daily life much easier...
Then there are aesthetic choices like plaster or brick facades, window grids or muntins, house shapes...
And on top of that, technical aspects like wall construction, heating systems, domestic hot water preparation, and so on...
And everyone has their own opinion...
In the end, you just have to decide for yourself... much of it is also a matter of personal philosophy...
Hi, thanks for your response. Could you please list these extras in a bit more detail, at least a few keywords for Google? As I said, a few weeks ago I didn’t even know KNX existed, and I thought that controlled mechanical ventilation might only be used for houses over 1,000 m² (10,764 ft²)...
Window muntins? – What advantages do they have?
What do you mean by technical aspects, wall construction, heating system, and hot water supply?
Just to clarify my understanding:
Technical: I want electricity, LAN (double socket) in all rooms, and satellite connection (twin) in all living areas, as well as lighting – did I miss any technical features?
Wall construction: Solid construction and possibly insulation!?
Heating system: Gas connection, boiler, underfloor heating (with individual room control in each room)
Hot water supply: Yes, it should be warm – what exactly should I consider here?
Window muntins? – What advantages do they have?
What do you mean by technical aspects, wall construction, heating system, and hot water supply?
Just to clarify my understanding:
Technical: I want electricity, LAN (double socket) in all rooms, and satellite connection (twin) in all living areas, as well as lighting – did I miss any technical features?
Wall construction: Solid construction and possibly insulation!?
Heating system: Gas connection, boiler, underfloor heating (with individual room control in each room)
Hot water supply: Yes, it should be warm – what exactly should I consider here?
Controlled residential ventilation – a nice feature that, in my opinion, is often sold nowadays because the profit margin is quite high (mold concerns are often used as a selling point).
Underfloor heating – I would consider this standard, but some people prefer wall heating or conventional radiators instead.
Electric shutters – in my opinion, these are standard, similar to what you find in cars.
Home automation – works brilliantly in combination with electric shutters…
Heat pump – a matter of personal philosophy… in the end, the future price developments of oil, gas, and electricity will determine the cheapest heating system for the next 30 years. No one can predict that for me, regardless of what they say.
Exterior wall construction – which bricks and whether with or without external insulation (ETICS / External Thermal Insulation Composite System) is also a matter of personal taste.
Stairs – concrete, steel, wood… countless variations.
Electrical – light switches and so on… which design series do you like best?
Bathtub – hexagonal, rectangular, triangular… again countless shapes and variations.
Shower – should definitely be barrier-free… tiled or shower tray?
Sanitary fixtures – sinks, toilets, …
Incorporating daylight spotlights somewhere?
Countless decisions and possibilities for customization in house construction… imagination knows no limits, but the budget usually sets its own boundaries.
Underfloor heating – I would consider this standard, but some people prefer wall heating or conventional radiators instead.
Electric shutters – in my opinion, these are standard, similar to what you find in cars.
Home automation – works brilliantly in combination with electric shutters…
Heat pump – a matter of personal philosophy… in the end, the future price developments of oil, gas, and electricity will determine the cheapest heating system for the next 30 years. No one can predict that for me, regardless of what they say.
Exterior wall construction – which bricks and whether with or without external insulation (ETICS / External Thermal Insulation Composite System) is also a matter of personal taste.
Stairs – concrete, steel, wood… countless variations.
Electrical – light switches and so on… which design series do you like best?
Bathtub – hexagonal, rectangular, triangular… again countless shapes and variations.
Shower – should definitely be barrier-free… tiled or shower tray?
Sanitary fixtures – sinks, toilets, …
Incorporating daylight spotlights somewhere?
Countless decisions and possibilities for customization in house construction… imagination knows no limits, but the budget usually sets its own boundaries.
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