Additional charge for sound (roof) tiles and stairs

Hello! We want to start construction after the end of winter. We have chosen a general contractor who offers a certain standard for the equipment of his houses – if you want more, you logically pay extra. We would prefer clay tiles for the roof instead of the standard concrete blocks. It is a Frisian house, LxW approx. 11x9.5 m. The additional cost (!) for clay tiles is about 2,200 euros. They explained to me: installation takes longer, they are more delicate, and cannot be "moved back and forth" as easily as concrete blocks. The tiles are not much more expensive than concrete blocks; however, the verge and ridge tiles supposedly cost significantly more. Is the stated amount realistic as an additional cost from your point of view? Advantages of clay from my perspective: longer durability, less moss and lichens. Although our decision is practically made, I am interested in opinions. The same goes for the staircase: The standard is an open beech staircase. We want a closed staircase, somewhat nicer balusters, sturdier posts, and the stringers must be curved for us. The handrail should not just be a long piece of wood but "grippy," and we also want parts of the staircase painted white. Additional cost (!) about 4,000 euros. A well-known carpenter said that you could get the entire staircase for that from him. Is the staircase builder trying to rip us off? Best regards!

Hello,

The surcharge (!) for clay tiles is approximately 2,200 euros.
... The tiles are not much more expensive than concrete blocks; however, allegedly verge tiles and ridges cost significantly more.

It is not primarily the shaped tiles that cause the surcharge, but mainly the waste. Clay roof tiles are more delicate and break more easily; hence the comparatively high surcharge.

But you can get it cheaper by buying double glazed concrete roof tiles; all in about € 5/600.00 surcharge and the effect is the same.

The standard is an open beech staircase ... surcharge (!) about 4,000 euros.
A well-known carpenter said he could provide the entire staircase for that price.
Is the staircase builder trying to rip us off?

Then take your well-known carpenter at his word, exclude the standard staircase from the scope of services and hold him to his word!

I assume you have deliberately chosen a nationally operating provider. His prices consist of many standards; thus, with comparatively limited options, he is positioned cheaply in the market. The staircase is probably a standard model and the stair builder's margin has been trimmed to a minimum. If now the staircase is to be fitted with risers – not inexpensive and requires a lot of craftsmanship – he recoups "lost profit." Understandable, right?

You can’t have your fur washed without getting wet. Or, to put it another way: pay the price of a compact car and expect the equipment of a mid-size car price-neutrally :rolleyes:

Rhenish greetings

Eat or die. Either you pay what your company demands or you take it out. But at the same time, think about the additional costs that removing the stairs will cost you. Keyword construction stairs.

It is not primarily the shaped bricks that cause the additional cost, but mainly the waste. Clay roof tiles are more fragile and break more easily; hence the comparatively high surcharge.

However, you can get it cheaper by buying double-glazed concrete roof tiles; all in about €5/600.00 extra cost and the effect is the same.

So the total for clay tiles is not unrealistic - that was my point.
Double-glazed concrete roof tiles - I will inquire about that. I am advised against concrete (by relatives and acquaintances, not the dealer!): lichens, moss, fading, sand in the gutter... None of this happens with double-glazed tiles?

Then take your known carpenter at his word, exclude the standard staircase from the scope of services, and hold him to his word!

I assume you have consciously chosen a nationwide provider. Their prices consist of many standards; that’s why they are positioned cheaply on the market despite comparatively limited selection. The staircase is probably a standard model, and the staircase builder has been pushed down to a minimum margin. If now the staircase is to be fitted with risers - which are not cheap and require a lot of craftsmanship - he is recouping "lost profit". Understandable, right?

My general contractor (GC) is not nationwide. But your argument regarding a lot of craftsmanship also makes sense.
However, if I now remove the standard staircase (and have the amount credited to me), it is a loss for me because after contract conclusion, in any case, fees are due for all subsequent changes (or deducted from my credit).

Unfortunately, I do not know what the standard staircase costs.
The question is: Do I actually have any negotiating basis with my GC’s contractual partner? Can I tell him: Another staircase builder can do it cheaper if I don’t have the calculation basis for the standard staircase? It’s different from negotiating at a car dealership...

You cannot have your fur washed without getting wet. Or put differently: pay the price of a small car and expect the equipment of a mid-range car at no extra cost :rolleyes:

Rheinland regards

I am well aware that "special equipment" also means an extra charge - in cars as in houses. ;-)

As I already wrote: My concern was also whether I am getting "ripped off" here, whether the additional costs are disproportionate from your point of view.

James

With us, the risers on a standard beech staircase would have meant a surcharge of €685.

Regarding the concrete roof tiles: We were told that today's concrete roof tiles are coated differently than before, so they are no longer as susceptible to moss and algae growth. We were offered clay roof tiles for an additional €500 (however, for 2 staggered gable roofs without corner connections and dormer planning). Direct quote from the architect: "There are no advantages, just the name; clay roof sounds better than concrete roof tiles." As a layperson, I believe that. Why would he lie to us if he could sell us something more expensive :)

Hello,

For us, the risers on a standard beech staircase would have meant a surcharge of €685.

I can hardly believe it, unless the staircase is generally priced better :-)

Regarding the concrete roof tiles: We were told that today's concrete roof tiles are "coated" differently than before, so they are no longer as susceptible to moss and algae growth ... Exact words of the architect: "No advantages, just the name, 'clay roof' sounds better than concrete roof tiles."

Both statements hit the nail on the head :-)

Rhenish regards