Finding the right house-building partner

Hello everyone,

we were lucky to acquire one of the rare plots of land in the commuter belt in the Rhein-Main region at a fair price. It is an end-of-terrace house and can basically be built like a slightly wider semi-detached house.

Now we face the challenge of finding the right partner for our project. Our initial idea was to consult an architect who would at least accompany us through the first phases to identify possible pitfalls early on. Unfortunately, without success, as our project is too small for everyone so far.

Now we are starting to check out prefab house providers. At the model house park in Bad Vilbel, we have already had several conversations, and we feel that all offer roughly the same, only the price (move-in ready, including ancillary construction costs/earthworks/outdoor facilities) varies sometimes very widely. The range is from 50k to 200k. Presumably, the differences will result significantly from the scope of services description and selection of fixtures. We have a very clear (and simple) idea of how the floor plan should look and is allowed according to the development plan. It is very conventional and feasible by all providers.

Nevertheless, there seems to be an endless number of possible providers and alternatives such as GU, solid houses etc. The time we could invest would probably be very much and we would probably still not find the "one" perfect provider. How did you make this decision "measurable" for yourselves and how did you proceed with the preselection?

We are of course also happy about recommendations for interesting partners.

Thanks already for your answers!

It is an end-terrace house and can basically be built like a slightly wider semi-detached house.

Congratulations on your plot and a warm welcome here in the forum.

Do you know which companies your terraced house neighbors are building with? Maybe one of the companies is acceptable for you and there are even, among other things, financial synergy effects.

Congratulations on your plot and a warm welcome here in the forum.

Do you know which companies your townhouse neighbors built with? Perhaps one of the companies is suitable for you and there might even be, among other things, financial synergy effects.

Thank you very much! Our plot is located in an established area and was built on 40 years ago. Unfortunately, we do not know which companies the neighbors built with. Given the history, however, synergies are probably less to be expected. Currently, there is a demolition house on our plot; renovation, considering the condition/investment, was unfortunately not reasonable.

First, make clear to yourselves what you want. What standard, what budget. Is there a preference for wood or stone? Question any prejudices; both methods can be used to build efficient and affordable houses. Do you tend to prefer a small or a large construction company? Are there special requirements, e.g. increased noise protection, specific demands from the plot or development plan, etc. The more specific the requirements, the more it speaks in favor of hiring an architect rather than a company that mainly builds standard houses. If you choose a general contractor, look for one who is already as close as possible to your requirements in the standard to avoid expensive upgrades. For us, the decision was ultimately a combination of price/performance and feeling. I simply found it better to talk directly to the boss during the offer phase rather than to a representative.

Thank you very much!
Our property is located in an existing development area and was built 40 years ago. Unfortunately, we do not know which companies the neighbors used to build. Given the history, however, synergies are probably less to be expected. Currently, there is a teardown house on our property; renovation was unfortunately not sensible considering the condition/investment.

Hmm, the original post read differently… see Pinkiponk…
Why is a house from the 80s being torn down?

So it’s about a gap in the existing development where you are allowed to place a single-family row house.

And on to WilderSueden…

: beyond a certain size, there is no contact between boss and client. Or do you also negotiate with Ola? :D

there is a seemingly endless number of possible providers and alternatives such as GU, solid houses, etc. The time we could invest would probably be very much and we probably still would not find "the one" perfect provider. How did you make this decision "measurable" for yourselves and how did you proceed with the pre-selection?

I have been dealing with this topic for many years, but on a parametric level I could not explain how to arrive at the result, so I would have difficulties with the term "measurable". But you actually only need "one right" – he does not have to be the "only right" one. Therefore, you don't need to worry whether behind the seven mountains with the seven dwarfs there might be an even better one.

Our initial idea was at first to visit an architect who would accompany us at least through the first phases to uncover potential pitfalls early on. Unfortunately without success, since our project is too small for everyone so far. [...] We have a very clear (and simple) idea of what the floor plan should and may look like according to the development plan. This is very conventional and feasible by all providers.

That sounds to me as if a building guide would be at least as suitable for you as an architect. Building guide Hoffmann is located in Rhineland-Palatinate but as far as I know has contact with the building world around Frankfurt. Google is your friend ...

from a certain size on there is no contact between boss and client.

This is by far the most understandable plea against the big names with their, politely put, "lack of focus on the aspect of eye level" :) – a positive perspective of the same insight (i.e. "pro regionally rooted provider") I read here a few days ago:

It is a local family business. I have always said: The boss still has a certain local patriotism. When she goes to the sports field on a Sunday afternoon, she does not want to be pelted with rotten eggs ;-) In this respect, the company stands for solid craftsmanship.