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

I would place the cistern where it doesn't get in the way. Possibly near the construction road; if this blocks later access, I would install it last. And if it's 20m away from the drainage, just lay a meter of pipe.

Small update. Yesterday there was an on-site appointment with the earthworks contractor. Unfortunately, the rainwater cistern was canceled due to delivery times. It would only arrive after he finished the work. Thus, he would have to come again with the excavator, which would significantly increase costs. In addition, the construction road would have to be expanded for the desired location, so we would be talking about a total of approx. €10,000 for the cistern. Canceled.

The construction road will cost about €5,000 (including dismantling) because the house is being built so far back. Furthermore, we agreed that the ground will be filled up to road level with screened topsoil. Of course, a slope will be created leading away from the house. Costs for this amount to €5,400. Furthermore, the soil excavated for the foundation slab will be disposed of. There have already been initial estimates (these also depend on soil quality), but we are still negotiating :cool:

Yesterday I also received an offer for the house connection for drinking water and wastewater, as well as construction water. I have budgeted €20,000 for this (including electricity) (the house will be built 16m away from the street). The offer for water/wastewater is €9,800. So there is still more than €10,000 left for electricity.

It's also about the slope. We considered placing the cistern on the left in front of the house. But the path to the collectors would be too far, and a slope would have to be created. I'll keep looking. Maybe we'll think about it when the house is standing but the outdoor facilities are not yet finished. However, the quoted price exceeds our planned budget.

Lack of understanding that the failure of the civil engineer is now being shifted onto you. He knows the current situation, so he could have clarified the delivery times beforehand. Then he just has to bear the additional costs if he neglected that.

I would Can you ask your neighbor how high the groundwater level is? Depending on that, I would drill a garden well 1.5" suction pump (approx. €500), or deep well pump 5" pipe approx. €2k

Yes, would have. But since he still has quite a bit to do on our property, I’d rather bite the bullet. We actually have a good relationship that I don’t want to ruin over something like this. He has already done a few extra services for free and also promised a few. So it’s not that bad...

Yes, that is the big problem, that you are currently dependent and he can dictate everything with it.