Extensive self-performed work - how realistic?

  • Erstellt am 2014-08-26 19:26:21

Grym

2014-08-26 19:26:21
  • #1
Hello,

we would like to contribute extensive own work and wanted to ask if this is realistic. We understand that it might not be perfect in the end, but the basic functionality should not be impaired. :)

It is to be a solid brick construction (monolithic), where initially the entire shell including the floor slab, exterior completely, windows, front door, etc. will be built. Staircase should also be included.

Trade Electrical: Either have it done completely or how realistic would it be to pull cables myself if I am instructed by an electrical master in the family? Connection etc. will be done in any case. Sat & network, possibly also TV cables, I could pull myself? Also in consultation with an electrical master from the family, but really by myself. How is that with a solid brick house regarding chasing and so on? (probably T9)

Trade Heating: Gas condensing boiler with solar thermal system is to be installed as well as all lines to the heating circuit distributors of the underfloor heating. From the heating circuit distributors (one per floor I assume?) I would lay the underfloor heating myself.

Trade Sanitary: Complete rough installation. Inflows, outflows, etc. I would order the desired sanitary fixtures online (e.g. Villeroy & Boch Subway) and install them myself after tiles etc.? Realistic? I have heard a clear yes from a skilled person in the family. Bathtub and bricking it in I imagine to be the trickiest here.

Roof insulation & drywall

Screed will be done.

Tiling work (bathroom, kitchen, hallway, guest WC)

Interior doors, interior window sills to be ordered online and installed.

Flooring & painting walls (no wallpaper).

A standard single-family house with 120-130 sqm without dormer and 1.5 floors is to be built. Double burden rent/interest is relatively low, there is no time pressure. I am athletic and can also complete lengthy projects in the end, but I do not work in the trade. I have no problem working 4-6 hours in the evenings and full time on weekends after my 40-hour office job with time clock.

How do you assess the time requirement, savings potential etc.? Is it realistic or can one of the tasks only be carried out with expertise that cannot be acquired in a short time? Do you see any risk of causing major damage (a slightly crooked tile or not 100% perfect paint job are for example possible minor issues that do not represent serious damage).

Besides the electrical master, we also have a craftsman in the close family who could help out and also said that what I want to do is realistic. Realistic in the sense that it does not require special expertise and if you have enough time, it will work out.
 

Elina

2014-08-26 21:21:45
  • #2
Since we are currently gutting and completely renovating a house built in 1976, and doing much of it ourselves, I can say: it depends on how much endurance you have! Doing it yourself takes longer and is exhausting. You have to be willing to take that on, ideally if you enjoy it and don’t see it as a necessary evil. Having handy friends can’t hurt, but unfortunately, we don’t have any.

I don't necessarily see the problem that not everything turns out 100% perfect. You put more effort into your own house even if it takes longer, and even professional workmanship is rarely 100% perfect. On the contrary, that can also backfire. For us, it was the external insulation of the basement; a company did it and it was a mess from start to finish. The damage still hasn’t been fixed. But you can also be lucky and find really good craftsmen. Unfortunately, you usually don’t know that in advance. At least not if you’re not from the area and don’t know anyone who can recommend someone.

You have to be careful not to run out of steam along the way. And your partner has to cooperate. My husband works, I do the house. Luckily, he doesn’t rush me and lets me do it, even if some things take forever. It just takes time until I as a woman have carried 3 tons of screed to the container (always 66 steps up and down). But I enjoy accomplishing something you can look at every day afterward and say “I did this all by myself.”
But I wouldn’t do that with kids.
So it’s not something you can answer in general.
It’s good if you can delegate work in an emergency when you realize it’s not going to work out. For example, I planned from the start to stain and varnish the interior stairs myself, but I won’t install them; a craftsman will do that.
You grow with your tasks ;)
 

bauherr33

2014-08-27 10:13:50
  • #3
Hi,

I am almost done now and have done quite a bit myself. You just have to be careful not to take on too much, it can backfire quickly. You also don’t do yourself any favors if follow-up trades have to wait and everything gets delayed because of your own work.
I have done the following myself:

Special concrete construction (very elaborate formwork, pouring concrete for special things)
Electrical (pulling cables, core drilling, installing uncommon lamps in a complex way, dealing with terminal blocks, PLC, network, SAT, ...)
Underfloor heating and insulation
Tiles (partially, not in all rooms)
Floor coverings
Walls (sanding, filling, sanding, filling, sanding, priming, paste, non-woven wallpaper, filling joints, painting, painting)
Outdoor areas (leveling, laying gravel, ...)
Forming and pouring stairs
Partial drywall
Fine plaster in bathrooms and basement/garage
Exterior wall of 42m length

etc...

For 15 months, everyday life looked like this...
Get up at 5:00 am, commute, work, commute, 5:00 pm straight to the construction site until at least midnight. On weekends from 7:00 am until late into the night. Sometimes you really put your body under a lot of strain. Once after an 18-hour shift I couldn’t get up from a squat, fell off a ladder from exhaustion, and first took care of the piece of cake I still had in my hand.
I’m still relatively young and single, so it was OK for me. However, you should consider that you often still have to choose things, go somewhere, talk to the craftsmen, etc. I ordered material from work during my lunch break, so it was never boring.
Unfortunately, friends really fall by the wayside, unless they come by to help. I’m glad it’s over now and I can participate in normal life again. It was basically a “keep your eyes shut and push through” operation.
 

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