Building with a general contractor - claim for additional costs shortly before the start of construction

Normally, a planning contract is made (this was the case for us). The amount is then deducted from the house costs in the construction contract. This has several advantages. The construction commitment period only starts when the building permit is granted. You can pay the planning contract from your own funds, so the loan can be taken out later (of course, this can also be disadvantageous due to the interest rate development, but it prevents the commitment interest).

Well, the thread starter wants (that's how it reads) to pay nothing. Meaning planning, offer, initial demolition work, as well as submitting the building application (who did that, the general contractor or the owner). Somehow everything is supposed to be passed on to the contractor.

Well, the threadstarter wants (at least that's how it reads) to pay nothing. That means planning, offer, initial demolition work, as well as submitting the building application (who did that, the general contractor or the threadstarter). Somehow, everything is supposed to be passed on to the contractor.

I also find that questionable. A) No contract was concluded and no fixed price or price binding was set. You probably received an offer. Did you sign it and does the offer state that it is valid until a certain date? B) The contractor has already provided services for which he understandably wants to be paid.

Well, the thread starter wants to pay nothing (that's how it reads).

I especially wonder why demolition work is being started when not even a contract has been signed. And why a planned construction start date is being set when there is no building permit yet. None of this makes sense. Or is information missing that has not been mentioned in the opening post?

In my opinion: Whoever orders must also pay.

Normally you make a planning contract

We had also spoken with such a general contractor, but he was not shortlisted. Our general contractor at some point made it very clear to us - albeit in a roundabout, subtle way - that we should sign soon. He was open about the fact that he had only done work on his part so far with a high risk of loss.

Here, it somehow seems that they successfully worked alongside each other. That seems strange to me, and without a valid signature, I would never let any work start that goes beyond the planning service for the offer preparation.

I wonder especially why demolition work is being started when not even a contract has been signed yet.

but offer, acceptance and execution of the entire planning service

I read from this that the OP has received an offer and has also accepted it. Thus, a contract has been concluded. And therefore, the services of the general contractor must also be paid for - no matter how one might get out of the situation (on both sides). And if a contract has been concluded, there is currently no fixed price.