Cost of self-managed homeownership

Oh yes!

For me, it was just a renovation of a two-family house, but even there I did a lot myself with the support of family and friends.
I was continuously on the construction site every weekend for 10 months and every day during vacation. Not after work, because it was too far away for that; it wouldn’t have been worth it.

It’s just a lot of fun! Even though it’s stressful.

Hey, it's really nice that so much has happened here! I am very grateful for all the feedback. I also think that the budget can hardly be enough as I have roughly calculated it. I am still not sure whether I should save and plan for another 5 years or take out a loan. The idea with the documentary is great. I think there are many poor folks in my situation who are somewhat at the mercy of a market and system. Maybe I'll find an interested broadcasting station. As for me, I can only say that I comparatively have a lot of time to work on the construction site. I only work 2 days a week, but for quite long hours on those days. I would have 5 days available for the construction site. Carpenter, structural engineer, and lots of manpower in the family. I found a very inspiring documentary on YouTube. Search for the channel [IBA Thüringen] and there the miniseries [Einfach bauen - Der Sch(l)afstall]. It's only a stable, but maybe I can adopt one or two ideas from it. I would like to know whether you are allowed to live in something like that, what the insulation values are, and much more. They even built the windows themselves.

Hi

We are building a house, but with 2 residential units and a large garage, somewhat like how you are planning it.
Swedish slab, timber frame, and shed roof except for parts of the earthworks, 14 days with a carpenter and the installation of the windows as DIY. I have already written something about the costs -- take a look at Pultdachhaus die Zweite
I will add pictures of the current status tomorrow.

I also consider your cost estimate to be a bit low. With 100k€ equity, it is certainly no problem to finance another 20k€.
For the bank, it was no obstacle that we do some work ourselves with the last house and also with this one.

Olli

Thank you very much for your reply

As you describe your situation: lots of time, lots of experience, but a moderate amount of money... this screams for a property in need of renovation. Since the shell is practically already standing, all work that requires 3 or 4 people working simultaneously and everything involving excavators, mixers, cranes, etc. is eliminated. You gut it and dive into the finishing work. Insulation, electrical, plumbing, all according to your wishes. You can get pretty far with your budget, see for example your calculation - windows. Energy saving regulations etc. can be largely ignored, as long as no one rats you out, no one knows whether the result is the sum of smaller maintenance work spread over years (which is exempt from approval) or a complete renovation (which requires approval including energy-related requirements, possibly structural engineering, and so on).

As you describe your situation: lots of time, lots of experience, but medium amount of money... that screams a property in need of renovation. Since the shell is almost finished, all work requiring 3 or 4 people working at the same time and anything needing excavators, mixers, cranes, etc. is eliminated. You gut it and dive into the finishing. Insulation, electrical, plumbing, all according to your wishes. With your budget, you can get quite far, see for example your calculation example – windows. Energy saving regulations etc. can be largely ignored, as long as no one rats you out nobody knows whether the result is the sum of smaller maintenance work spread over years (which doesn’t require approval) or a complete renovation (which requires approval including energy regulations, possibly structural engineering, and so on).

That’s a good idea, however, I worked for a while in old building renovation and have to say, I didn’t enjoy it that much; furthermore, the demolition and renovation often quickly become as expensive or more expensive than new construction. I would also like to realize my plans. I have a very clear idea of how I want to build for my needs. And then there are all the unknown factors with old buildings. Maybe less problematic than a 60s building, but I have done stairs in old buildings after which I had skin problems for weeks; who knows what kinds of varnishes they used. In any case, I am looking in every direction. If something comes up that fits the price well, I wouldn’t say no.

But you circumvent
building permit with the necessary documentation
energy saving ordinance
And the electricity provider also does not see that you, as an amateur, have subsequently installed sockets and light switches.

With used items, you can circumvent many things that are difficult to do yourself when new.