Additional costs due to incorrectly planned ventilation system + floor-to-ceiling windows?

We also considered building with an architect. However, we didn’t want to pay money every time just to find out what it would cost us.

If you want to know BEFOREHAND what the house cost when you moved in, an architect is the wrong choice anyway. You usually only know that once you are inside. For that, I’m quite sure I didn’t pay a euro too much. For about a 100k price increase, I also get a corresponding value in return..

We had also considered building with an architect. However, we didn't want to have to pay money every time just to find out what it would cost us.

That is the price of transparency. But you also have to be able to handle that, and sticking to the budget is entirely in your own hands.

So you end up dependent on the general contractor and are reliant on their schedule, you have to include every single screw in the scope of work, agree on flat rates for additional sockets in advance, etc., so you don't end up after the fact struggling with absurd surcharges and pathetic credits.
By the way, you can also build with both an architect and a general contractor; it doesn't always have to be separate trade contracts.

Yes well, now it's too late

I don't think we'll ever build again and if we do, then probably with an architect after all. Because they are supposedly not much more expensive.

We are now building for the second time with the same house builder and so far everything has always been very fair. For example, we agreed on something verbally and afterwards it was also adhered to and it did not cost extra. Basically, everything you get is stated in the construction description. We had already requested offers for changed services in advance (e.g. surcharges for RC2N windows, front door canopy, colored windows, clay roof tiles, etc.) and these offers were then included in the construction contract. This made it easier for us to calculate the costs in advance.

Best regards
Sabine

Yes, we clarified such costs in advance as well, meaning colored windows, "real" security for the windows and doors, i.e. RC 2... I just don't like that security is being skimped on nowadays.

Hi, a quick question about the front door.

I don’t know how they usually are and whether they are well equipped, also regarding the KFW 55 standard. But for me as a layman, it is super equipped with all kinds of gadgets for just 2500€.

Would you buy it?