Construction of a 144 sqm bungalow in Fichtenwalde (near Potsdam)

Then I also want to introduce our construction here and keep you updated.

First, a brief introduction about us. He (42.5 years old; controller in the hospital sector), She (38.5 years old; full-time teacher), child (8.75 years old; full child by profession). Household income is currently around €6,400 net + target agreement, 13th-month salary, overtime, etc. We own a 1,462 sqm plot of land in Fichtenwalde. Remaining debt on the plot is: €37,000. Value of the plot according to the land value map is €146,200 (€100 / sqm). Market price is around €400,000 - 600,000 (the prices that were recently achieved). We submitted the building application including the conversion of the plot at the end of December. We expect to receive the approval in mid/late July.

The construction company is KB Brandis from Jüterbog. External construction supervision will be handled by Bauherrenhilfe with 13 appointments.

Now to the house. It will be a 144 sqm bungalow + 12 sqm covered terrace with the following additions:
- Ceiling height 3.00m
- Electric roller shutters (including smart home connection)
- Windows coated on both sides (wood-colored; RC3)
- Brine-water heat pump with flat collectors due to water protection area (Bosch Compress 7800i LW).
- Hydraulic balancing of the underfloor heating
- Controlled residential ventilation with heat recovery (Bosch)
- Motion detectors from a security company
- Photovoltaic system 13kwp, including battery preparation
- 10m3 cistern for rainwater use
- Doorbell including video function
- Wallbox preparation
- Outdoor lighting

Floor plan attached.

We have not yet finalized the financing (but have already held discussions). So far, we have paid up to €30,000 from our equity during the planning phase. That is almost all of our equity. However, we continue to save about €2,750 monthly. The rate should be about €1,650 + incidental costs of about €200-250 (note photovoltaic system). This means that when moving into the house we will still have a savings rate of at least €1,500.

The construction contract will be concluded in the next few weeks. The prices (just recently discussed with the construction company) correspond to those in the offer and the commitment at that time (September 2020).

The price of the house (according to the latest offer and the complete specification) will be €2,700 / sqm. But that also includes everything. So also painting, laying floors, etc. Total costs are structured as follows:
House: €378,000
Conversion of the plot including conversion: €25,000
Additional construction costs: €40,000
Outdoor facilities: €25,000
Total financing volume: €468,000

What helped us immensely, even if it is not for every case, were Polish house catalogs.

You can gladly explain that in more detail. I wouldn’t have thought of that: the Belgians (for me as close neighbors as the Poles are in your area) have a significantly different taste in houses in many areas, and even between Bavaria and Austria I see some differences despite the common language.

You are welcome to explain that in more detail. I wouldn’t have thought of that: the Belgians (to me, neighbors as close as the Poles are in your area) have a significantly different taste in houses in many areas, and even between Bavaria and Austria I see some differences despite the common language.

There are house projects compiled in catalogs. Here is an example (see picture). The catalog lists 326 projects of various houses. Costs 9.90 zl = approx. €2.25. From that, we first chose a project as a starting point and then improved/had it improved further.

Double-sided glued windows (wood-colored; RC3)

Just a thought, because it has long been a topic for us as well and we have now decided on it:

Have you considered wood-aluminum windows instead of the foiled plastic windows? The extra cost is certainly affordable for a bungalow of your size.

For us, wood-aluminum windows are a significant quality improvement in terms of durability and living comfort.

We ultimately decided to go for the upgrade.

Just as a thought, because it has long been a topic for us as well and we have now decided on it:

Have you considered wood-aluminum windows instead of the foil-covered plastic windows? The additional cost is certainly affordable for a bungalow of your size.

For us, wood-aluminum windows are a massive quality gain in terms of durability and living comfort.

In the end, we decided on the upgrade.

What is the advantage compared to plastic windows? Honestly, I don’t know if they offer those, since these are passive house windows and, among other things, this is how we achieve kfw55.

We build 40Plus. The U-value does not differ from that of a plastic window and is therefore irrelevant. The windows last longer, are more ecological (as they consist mostly of natural materials), look better, and provide a more comfortable living experience.