Cost planning, comparison options and identifying savings potential

We proceeded as follows, which is only partly recommendable.

- First, be clear about what it should be, and which living space/rooms you NEED (not just want) :-)
- Then define the length and width of the house based on the plot. This was quite simple for us, since we are allowed to build a maximum of 14 sqm wide and wanted a bungalow with about 140 sqm and a covered terrace. Thus, dimensions of: 13.5m x 13.5m.
- Then you can send your ideas to several companies (about 10). Please choose a good mix of regional and the large supra-regional ones. Meanwhile, apply for surveyor and soil report (if not done beforehand). This also takes time but must be done.
- The construction companies then created the plans for us free of charge. If we liked them, we integrated them into our floor plan. At the same time, we selected the best construction company for us.

We proceeded as follows, it is only partially recommendable.

I find your recommendations good all around. Just so I (and maybe others) can learn: What about it do you find not recommendable?

I think your recommendations are good all around. Just so that I (and maybe others) can learn: What do you find not recommendable about them?

We missed the intermediate step of the architect. Don’t get me wrong, we are very satisfied with our floor plan. It was further optimized with the help of the forum. However, we didn’t have an architect (only a planner) who looked at it more closely. We would probably first go to an architect (although finding a good one is not easy and you can pay a lot of money for little service) and then proceed as described.

One might also consider the following points: As short a distance as possible for the supply lines within the property itself up to the point where they enter the house. If possible, plan a block in the house where everything related to water and wastewater is grouped together. Rain gutters: slightly peaked gutters in the middle and then two downpipes both having the same short route towards the sewage system. The usual way is diagonal, for that you don't need any skills. Best regards Gabriele

Hello and thank you very much for your answers.

The way to the architect was actually the first one I sought at the beginning of the maturing idea of a new building. Unfortunately, this was unsuccessful here in the area. People are supplied with contracts for many months. On the one hand, that is very nice for the architects, but as a client, it is of course a pity for me.

To refer back to one of the more detailed posts:

I don’t see a slight inclination, I see something more.

I did not want to argue about semantics at this point. That is also not the point of the post, is it?

Yes, who wants an inefficient house?

see above.

I’ll put it this way: You will never be able to compare and develop a sense for the prices if you don’t do your homework and absorb everything conceivable yourself, or you have enough money and it doesn’t matter. But then you wouldn’t be asking the questions.

Haven’t you thought about a position in between? To be honest, I find your post rather unconstructive.

With your own plot, you become the builder and have duties or positions on your back that a general contractor cannot and does not want to take off your hands.

That is not correct in this form. These positions are taken over by the general contractor – of course in exchange for an additional charge.

I did not want to argue about semantics at this point. That's not the point of the post, right?

However, I would look very closely at the issue of gradient, etc. in planning and make sure I understand what it means. Depending on where the house is placed, this is already very important for further heights, e.g. embankment, planning of terrain and paths, retaining wall, etc.