We once looked into prefab houses (Region Franconia) as well. The usual suspects were represented at various model home exhibitions.
With Luxhaus, we actually planned very extensively, initially searching almost together for a plot of land for nearly a year before getting into detailed planning. The contact was great, almost friendly, always answering questions, even on weekends and while on vacation. Luxhaus were the only ones at the model home exhibition who didn’t pressure us or try to talk us into signing - nor did they promote their financing partners like Sauerbier. Including the “this is how much house you can afford” flipcharts...
Luxhaus probably builds a bit on the higher-priced side, but they enjoy a very good reputation here in the region (at least from what I have heard so far from four colleagues). But you probably pay a bit for the name as well. Still, they were by far the best and fairest provider who really laid all costs on the table from the start.
So why didn’t it work out? First, because I eventually didn’t like the wall construction anymore - they didn’t have an installation space, which was a no-go for me. Then, because of the very small plot, we consulted an architect in the meantime (with whom we are now building a solid house) to tailor our floor plan. That’s where we ended up; we inquired again with Luxhaus whether they could also build the building, which they confirmed but would have been significantly more expensive. Unfortunately, that ruled them out, which was really a pity.
Other than that, there are also Schwörerhaus, Fingerhaus, and Fingerhut Haus here. Acquaintances who built with the latter were quite satisfied, and the house is still standing today. You can have bad luck anywhere, as ypg already wrote, even with (self-proclaimed) premium manufacturers.
A colleague also inquired at Engelhardt & Geißbauer and was very enthusiastic. It is a smaller carpentry firm that also enjoys a very good reputation but is somewhat more expensive.
What would I do?
1. Go to the architect (they also build with wood and also with general contractors)
2. As already suggested, go to local providers (both solid and wood)
3. Lose the misconception that prefab houses are cheaper than solid houses. With architect and solid house, I am almost sure that with the same features/special requests, the architect builds cheaper - despite his fees.
4. Accept that when reselling, the prefab house will achieve a lower price. This is not necessarily justified, but the prejudices in people’s minds are rather strong.
5. Avoid the big prefab house manufacturers. With those prices, you are definitely paying for the model home exhibition, the fancy sample center, and the glossy brochures. And aside from a few exceptions, in my opinion, they are all quite similar. Everyone has their super-duper climate wall; the home technology is often very similar.
What I might consider: architect, wood house as a “shell” and awarding the remaining trades yourself or doing them yourself. For example, electrical work. This should actually be significantly cheaper in a wood house, as hardly any chasing is required and the stuff should be installed quickly. The surcharges for sockets etc. at the prefab house manufacturer alone can quickly make you feel bad... from our experience. Just for comparison: socket with electrician (self-contracted) conventionally (for comparability) 19 EUR net (Gira e2 pure white, connect, lay, deliver) - electrician at prefab house manufacturer & general contractor 30 EUR net (Gira 55)....
6. Stay away from “Stadt und Land” - at least in the Nuremberg area...