Experiences with construction cost savings through self-performance?

Hello everyone,

we are still in the selection process for suitable model houses. Actually, we are already quite advanced with one provider.

Now we have different levels of completion. I would like to know your assessment of the levels of completion, what is feasible (yes, I don’t have two left hands, but of course I would have to acquire knowledge).
What interests me even more is how you perceive the prices for the respective items in the levels of completion and whether it is likely to be significantly cheaper on the market or if it is better to have this done from a single source because the possible savings are not worth the effort.

The shell house costs €290k including the foundation slab (excavation extra) 156 sqm 2 full floors
Attached is the price list and items for "technically finished" total: €357k



Next is the next level of completion "almost finished" then

How did you come from Dennert Massivhaus with 135 sqm and Schwörerhaus, Albert and "a few smaller regional companies" to now 156 sqm two-story? And did you take up my suggestion

You probably need a consultant. From around Würzburg, colleague Zink (between Dingolfing and Passau) will presumably be too far away, colleague Beuler would be in Nuremberg. I myself work a lot "remote," but I only start appointments again from October (for 2025).

and proceed along that path?

we are still selecting suitable typified houses. Actually, we are already quite advanced with one provider.

What does "actually quite advanced" mean?

I would like to know your assessment of the expansion stages, what is feasible (yes, I have two right hands, but of course I would have to acquire knowledge). What interests me even more is how you perceive the prices for the respective items in the expansion stages and whether it is likely to become significantly cheaper on the market or whether it is better to have this done all within one hand because the possible savings are not worth the effort. Shell house costs €290k including base slab (excavation extra) 156 sqm 2 full floors Attached is the price list and items for "technical completion" total: €357k

Shell houses / technically completed houses / closed shells are not only for do-it-yourselfers, but also the best basis for those builders who otherwise would have to re-design very multiply. It is very important to include the base slab (or the cellar) in the contract scope of the house (shell) builder, simply because of the interface responsibility. In this point, any possible savings are certainly not worth the risks.

P.S.: What kind of type of builders are you anyway? - from the stages you should best choose the one that suits you:

Ausbauhaus) when the priority is to have logged the first safety level "house instead of construction site ruin" with the weatherproof shell and to be able to carry out or outsource the entire range of finishing trades on this basis suitable for DIY kings and people who are well networked with various Rabotniks or really top skilled buyers of craft services

Technikfertig) when the second hurdle "ready-to-cover screed & Co" is also safely taken and the running around for rough installer appointments is to be avoided and one wants to be able to focus purely on the technical finish suitable for safety-conscious people and DIYers of moderate skill

Fast fertig) suitable for checkbook builders and those whose weekly working hours leave hardly any room for own services and builders who mainly have ideas deviating from the builders' service description in terms of decor (including significantly simpler demands), the finish here should only be decorative;

even further would then be the level "Einzugsfertig" and thus leaving the realm of Ausbauhaus providers.

Only you yourselves can assess exactly. My impression is that you would most likely be suitable for "Technikfertig". Installing the interior of the exterior walls or the interior walls on the second page can also be done by people who otherwise only wallpaper and hang curtains, but are already too little "craftsman" to brick or install lightweight walls. Ordering electricians, selecting and having tiles and sanitary fixtures laid/mounted is also no challenge for first-time builders.

perceived and continued on this path?

we have inquired with some consultants and building experts. So far, only one appointment has taken place, although we did not find the conversation sympathetic. The others are currently not interested or simply have their hands full. There was also simply no feedback at all.
We continue at this point. Nevertheless, we have also further dealt with the subject of "model houses."
This is a model house that we viewed directly as it is depicted or exists (it was just under construction with another building family).

We liked it. Therefore, this offer came after we exchanged with the manufacturer’s consultant.

Shell houses / technically finished houses / closed shell structures are certainly not only for do-it-yourselfers but also the best basis for those builders who otherwise would have to customize very extensively. It is very important to include the foundation slab (or the basement) in the scope of work of the house (shell) builder, simply because of the responsibility for interfaces. In this respect, a possible saving is certainly not worth the risk.

that is exactly what it is about for me. Here, apart from the standard floor plan, I can still incorporate some individuality. Of course, in the end, it is also a question of money.
If the standard equipment from the factory is cheaper for me instead of outsourcing with similar objects, then it makes no sense. If I come out cheaper, I can invest it in a higher specification or even in the outdoor area and so on.

Only you yourselves can assess exactly. My impression is that you would most likely be suitable for "technically finished". Even people who usually only wallpaper and hang curtains can manage to panel the interior of the exterior walls or the interior walls on the second side, but they are not craftsmen enough to lay bricks or build lightweight walls. Ordering electricians, selecting and having tiles and sanitary objects installed/mounted is also not overwhelming for first-time building owners.

Good assessment. That’s how we would see ourselves too. And that’s exactly what I meant with that point. Ultimately, I would assign everything for the technically finished items as well (except for pulling cables and drywall with thermal insulation).

I just can’t assess whether the quoted prices are overpriced by the provider and if the same quality could be had on the market for 50% less, or if it’s fair and then better to pay the extra for everything from a single source.

I believe that for the equipment offered above, you will not get a cheaper deal by outsourcing, it will probably feel more expensive. However, I would rather take a moment to reflect seriously whether the offered equipment is sufficient for me and then possibly find out what it costs on samples.