Bank does not accept own contribution

With all due respect, that is very naive and romantic thinking and especially calculating. 9 months construction time? I contributed 0 own work and my construction project took 10 months until completion. What happens if someone or even YOU get sick?

Maybe I expressed myself incorrectly. I meant 9 months until move-in. There will still be enough interior finishing and exterior landscaping to be done. But the travel time and the logistics of being in two places are eliminated. Of course, I can get sick and other things can happen, but what is without risk. It can also happen to a builder who is not building himself, becoming unable to work, etc. We will pay close attention to this with insurance. Good point!

I am honest... that is already so much "romance" (as put it positively) for me that I think it is too exhausting to argue. Do you really believe all that yourself, that it works that way?? And I mean the question totally seriously.

I am honest... that's already so much "romance" (as put it positively) for me that I think it's too exhausting to argue. Do you really believe all that yourself, that it works like that?? And I mean the question totally serious.

I absolutely believe in it. It wouldn't be the first big project. As for the skills and completing the project, I am absolutely convinced. The issue for me is the bank financing and the recognition of the own work. Or does it always come down to this formula: building the house yourself as a non-professional = completely own equity? It shouldn't be that way, I think.

That's simply madness! You have no idea how much time, stress, and vacation it costs when you build as a client with [BU, GU, architect, etc.] who also provide a warranty if a defect occurs. And even with turnkey construction! Not just one relationship has failed because of it... How is it supposed to work for you? If you build a house completely on your own as a non-professional, you need at least 2-3 years!!

Some are very negative regarding our skills. Yes, we work at a desk in our profession, but conversely, I have also seen craftsmen sitting at a computer. Why should one limit their skills to their profession?

Your skills may be masterful and your time budget large. That doesn’t count for the bank. They have empirical values and don’t give you any bonus for that.

It would be great if at least the motivation and skills were not questioned. The bank certainly does that and one has to somehow convince them.

It would be worth trying to create a detailed project plan, listing costs and hours of own labor, integrating these into the external services, and proving why enough time can be spent on this and who could help in case of a Plan B. Additionally, references of your own craftsmanship – which projects have you already done? Experience counts. The bank needs security and trust. Such a plan is a trust-building measure.

How can I see how much risk is too much for the bank or present it better?

The bank wants to get its money back in case of forced sale of the house. For this, the house must have an appropriate value. This assessment is different when done by construction companies than for a self-builder. A guarantee from a solvent third party would help.

...I would try the bank that has "always" known me.

What you say about financing - and here equity is a blind spot on the map - is true, but I have seen horses puke before. First test the waters, then see what happens next. He can always decide to drop it later.
A guarantee certainly helps, just not the guarantor.

I wish the homebuilder a good decision, no matter how it may look.

Best regards
Gabriele