Duplex construction: Joint or separate developer?

Well, basically it is a matter of personal preference, with all its advantages and disadvantages. We also struggled with the question of how the construction should actually proceed. We considered the following alternatives:

1. Construction with architects

We basically liked this idea, but then had two "slowpokes" who were neither inspiring nor impressive in concrete calculations. We – it should be mentioned – are rather cautious by nature and want primary calculation security and to reduce additional costs (which are always inevitable) to an overall still acceptable level. Moreover, we have little time for intensive personal involvement in the construction and construction progress.

The advantage would certainly have been that you can look back on a house extensively planned according to your own wishes and needs and – as a result – generally well awarded and supervised.

In the end, you have all the strings in your hand from the start. But that’s also true for puppets; you then have to be able to move them and must not fear surprising movements.

2. Construction of a prefabricated house

There were many good reasons in favor of this, but also some against. Ultimately, it was not for us because in our (very rural) area prefabricated houses are rather not well received and a possible resale would face discounts (sometimes unreasonable). In addition, we didn’t particularly like the designs and the equipment options were really expensive.

3. Construction by a general contractor

Here, the question of the company was the main task. Problem: solvency, flexibility regarding adjustment of standardized floor plans, construction execution, and general acceptance of prior negotiations and post-contractual adjustments.

So only an established company with excellent creditworthiness and impeccable reputation was considered.

We then decided on option 3 and basically calculated the entire contract documents including detailed planning with “our” general contractor and negotiated adjustments pre-contractually. Basically, over 80% of the equipment features including prices were fixed in detail and thus integrated into the construction specifications.

The question is only whether I also obtain the architectural service from the general contractor (Hello company Massivhaus-Baufirma XY, I have a plot here and want to build a house on it. What ideas do YOU have?) or if I outsource the architectural service in advance and commission the GC with the architecture (Hello company Massivhaus-Baufirma XY, I have an architectural plan here. What does your calculation look like if you build this on my plot?).

Very few general contractors/construction managers will fully credit you 100% for the costs of the architecture. For the calculation of the project, they need to input your architect’s drawings into their respective system so that the system outputs a price "x." Subsequently, based on these plans and the discussions with you, the building permit application and later the execution planning are created. So if you are not planning a particularly demanding architecture, want to build on a rather complicated plot—where a freelance architect is often the better contact—it is sufficient to go to a trusted GC/construction manager and have them do the drawings. But—as always in life: your decision! Rhine greetings

Right, my decision. But precisely your (or your) experience to even decide anything.

Thank you