The first question is whether we simply have to accept the increased costs for the foundation slab without consultation. At first, it was said that 40 cm had to be excavated. After the soil survey, it was then 70 cm and during excavation even 92 cm... without prior information. The entire foundation slab is now almost 9,000 euros more expensive than originally offered. What bothers us is that we were presented with fait accompli.
Then there is also Telekom. The street will be reopened for this connection and of course we have to pay for that as well. The basic connection also costs about 700 euros. The contractor who opens the street for Telekom also issues an invoice, but we don’t understand why all of this has to be done two or three times and why it can’t be better coordinated.
The surveyor or the architect, we’re not exactly sure... also made a measurement error. Our house was planned 37 cm too low... so it has to be "set" higher... which means we have to add more soil in the garden to maintain the planned level access to the terrace. Again, costs that were not planned beforehand. Do we also just have to accept this?
We asked our municipal utilities which applications we need to get a new building connected to the supply network. The utilities then sent us applications for electricity and water. Costs just under 7,000 euros. Two weeks ago, we learned from various neighbors (entire new development) that the drainage has to be done by the subsidiary of the municipal utilities. One neighboring house had to pay an extra 11,000 euros on top of the house connections... the invoice did not come from the subsidiary but from the municipal utilities. It feels like we are being taken for a ride. For us, this means almost 8,500 euros extra on top.
Do we just have to accept all this or what should we do? At the moment we are quite desperate and the cost spiral keeps turning and we can’t judge whether all this is justified and what else might come. We thought we had planned well. We also met with various consultants and friends with building experience... but right now we really feel lost and more financing is looming.
Best regards
If the public utility companies ever manage to do all the work in one open existing trench, let me know.
Hello,
I can’t say much about many things.
That due to the soil survey the underpinning (to 70 cm) of the foundation slab had to be reinforced, I consider normal. The only thing that could have been done in advance: to have the soil survey carried out BEFORE project planning/contract drafting. Then the 70 cm would have been stated – the costs would have remained. Why they then went 22 cm deeper again, I can’t explain. I would inquire for clarification here.
For us, all utilities/water supply were laid in one trench. Our construction company coordinated this or we kept an eye on ensuring that there wasn’t too big a gap between the Telekom and Kabel Deutschland appointments.
You write that the street has to be opened. Am I right in assuming that you are not building in a new development (probably infill development)? In new developments, I know it’s usual that the connections are already at the edge of the property.
Regarding the error in surveying/architect’s planning, I would kindly talk to the construction company. Maybe they can support you since it’s their fault. I am thinking of transporting foreign excavation material (you won’t be the only client of the company nearby). Possibly a few tons of gravel for supporting the terrace. Or similar.
This thread shows very well how quickly unplanned additional costs can arise (things don’t always go as smoothly as hoped).
: Will do.