Advantages and disadvantages of large and small prefabricated or timber builders?

First post, so hello first of all.

My partner and I want to build. We are at the very beginning and are currently informing ourselves about the many sub-aspects that arise in this undertaking.

One of these aspects is of course how and with whom to build. In timber frame construction, there are many providers. Large well-known ones like Schwörerhaus, Weberhaus and co., but also many smaller, often family-run and regionally operating ones. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these two categories respectively? What would you rather recommend? Or can you not generalize like that at all?

There are many providers in timber frame construction. Large well-known ones like Schwörerhaus, Weberhaus and co., but also many smaller, often family-run and regionally operating ones. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these two categories respectively? Which would you rather recommend? Or is it not possible to say that in general?

There are no fewer providers for stone houses than for timber frame panels. I recommend owner-managed and regional ones, but only rarely timber builders, because I seldom come across convincing providers there. The advantage/disadvantage is basically that you naturally find "at eye level" more successful dealings with owner-managed providers. In general, I think one can only say that it is beneficial to be open to different construction methods and primarily look at how the "chemistry" with the provider works. That means take one who 1. listens to you well and 2. does not waste your and their time bad-mouthing competitors; and try not to explain their craft to them. If they build with stone X because they are most experienced with it, then let them - no matter which regulars' table friend says that stone Y came out ahead in some test. Find a plot of land and an architect. Then clarify with them what is possible and do not load yourselves with dreams in showrooms and internet picture catalogs that your plot, your development plan or your budget won't allow. A good architect is also a guide for everything else.

Big companies pay for self-promotion and model homes, regional and small ones lose their reputation due to lack of quality. Always rather choose those from the region.

Find a plot of land and an architect. Then clarify with them what is possible and don't load yourselves up with dreams from exhibitions and online picture catalogs when your plot, your development plan, or your budget don't cooperate. A good architect is also a guide for everything else.

A plot of land shouldn't generally be a problem. I actually already have the floor plan in mind; I would go to two or three house builders to see roughly where I land price-wise. If that doesn't work out, compromises will have to be made—I'm quite realistic and pragmatic about that.

regional and small ones lose their reputation with poor quality. Always rather choose one from the region.

I thought the same. That will probably play a role especially in aftersales support, I assume.

The plot of land should generally not be a problem. I basically already have the floor plan in my head, would like to go to two or three home builders to see roughly where I end up price-wise. If that doesn’t work out, compromises will have to be made - I am quite realistic and pragmatic about that.

I thought so too. That will probably play a role especially in after-sales service, I assume.

I would always choose a "smaller" regional company instead of a large company like Schwörerhaus / Weberhaus etc.

The big ones are by no means bad, but I claim that by choosing the right regional provider (which also requires a lot of research) you definitely have advantages in many areas such as after-sales, general support (proximity to the customer), prices (you wouldn’t expect it, but it is often the case), these little things ("do this quickly for me, please"), they have to defend their reputation in the region and therefore possibly have good regional tradespeople they have been working with for many years and so on and so forth...

thus possibly also have good regional trades with whom they have already worked together for many years and and and...

That is a point that would represent a big plus for me.