Construction costs are currently skyrocketing

I look through all kinds of things in this forum from the perspective of a foreigner, and I am always very amazed at the knowledge one must have if one wants to build in DE

From abroad, one is certainly first surprised at how many people want to build individually. Usually a developer builds houses there, which are then sold. That private individuals intervene so massively in the construction and design and each has their own plan created often seems absurd from a distance. Ready-made houses have been proven countless times - only the German builders are not satisfied with that. We complain about the complexity of being a builder instead of questioning our demands. That is quite funny.

What speaks against photovoltaic systems? Even balcony power plants with a max. of 600 watts can make a contribution to the climate turnaround if enough people install one.

Let's put it this way, friends of ours had to reduce their house plans by a quarter after the price adjustments became known. That was about 150,000 more. There won't be a garage for now either. And the fittings will also be heavily pared down. At one point, selling the plot was even an option because the lady of the house said she wouldn't be happy in such a house.

It's the same for us. We are now building at a really very basic level so that at least we have the house standing. Hopefully, we will be able to live in it and feel comfortable ... but it is not what you wish for in a new build and what would have been possible 12 months ago. Pareto. :)

but it's just not what you want for a new build

Here he is again, this "one". Comparing is a great way to become unhappy if "one" always looks upwards. You are treating yourselves to something special: your own house, which is being built just for you. There is no reasonable reason – even with the background – not to simply be happy about it now. Life is too short to grieve.

It's the same with us. We're now building at the absolute lowest level so that at least the house will stand. Hopefully, we will be able to live in it and feel comfortable ... but it's simply not what you want with a new build and what would have been possible 12 months ago. Pareto. :)

Our offer that we received about 12 months ago was still valid. The only exception was the roof structure. That became about €7,000 more expensive. With an investment sum of €500k, €7,000 is manageable. About a month ago, we signed the construction contract. I'm curious whether there will be any changes in that regard or not. According to the managing director, they have already purchased enough materials before the price increases, so the prices for new builds, which will start at the latest this year, remain stable.

The problem is the power frequency. Due to photovoltaic systems, the amount of electricity generated is a bit of crystal ball gazing. A lot of sun means surplus, little sun means deficit, regardless of current demand. If all roofs are really covered with photovoltaic systems, can enough energy still be produced, stored, and fed in according to demand, and the grid kept stable? Storage systems will probably become mandatory, and at some point electricity may not be allowed to be fed in either. Wind power is also just a difficult to calculate "gap filler." Maybe the small system on all roofs is initially an important intermediate step. Storage technology must become efficient, household technology like washing machines and dryers must automatically start when there is enough self-generated electricity, etc.