HELSTI MASSIVBAU & IMMOBILIEN GMBH experiences?

We intend to build a two-family house next year. Unfortunately, we have no experience. The first contacts with [Fa. Helsti] were very pleasant. Who has built with [Firma Helsti] and can give us valuable tips? Or are there perhaps other recommended developers for the Dortmund area?

Hello Tom

After you posted an interim result here in February, you should be able to deliver a result by now

We are now also getting an offer from them, initial impression: very positive - but that doesn’t mean much yet...

Regards
Micha

Hello!

True - I could have figured that out myself. People always complain; positives are taken for granted.

The house is standing. I am satisfied. Costs are within limits. The standard is quite high, and for little money you can raise it even further. For example, I now have WK2 windows and a SUPER interior staircase.

That doesn't mean everything always went perfectly – craftsmen remain craftsmen.

But I did not experience some of the games other providers play (1 socket in the bedroom, each additional one at a horrendous extra cost, etc.). In the end, it is always clear why someone else was cheaper.

Good luck with your house!

Best regards,
Tomtom.

Hello,

.... and for little money you can raise it even further. For example, I now have WK2 windows ....

Just out of curiosity, how many windows/doors adorn your house and how high was the surcharge for WK II? If you are talking about genuine WK II here, you certainly received a certificate?

Kind regards

Hello, construction expert!

I didn't go into detail here because resistance classes mean nothing to the average person – and I'm not an expert on this either.

For RCs, the window is certified. Whether that is noted on the frame or elsewhere, I don't know. I've never seen it in paper form (how would you ensure the paper refers to MY windows?).

In reality, it went like this: I wanted (additional) mushroom heads. For little money, there were also Securit handles (I still haven't understood the meaning). In the end, I was offered RC 2 for about 35 euros net per sash. Whether the windows are really certified, I doubt – for me, it was about a bit more security, not about certificates. In technical language, something like this is usually phrased "based on RC2."

As far as I know, the glass should actually be glued to the frame according to RC 2 – I will soon find out because a pane is being replaced.

In any case, I am satisfied because an RC does not prevent burglary – it only makes it a bit harder for "opportunistic burglars."

Best regards,
Tomtom.

Hello Tomtom,

For WK windows, the window is certified. Whether this is noted on the frame or elsewhere, I do not know. I have never seen it in paper form (how would one ensure that the paper refers to MY windows?).

With genuine WK II windows* you receive a certificate which clearly proves that the windows installed in your single-family house correspond to class WK II.

In reality, it went like this: I wanted (additional) mushroom locks. For little money, there were also Securit olives (I still haven't understood the meaning). In the end, I was offered WK 2 for about 35 euros net per sash. Whether the windows are actually certified now, I doubt - for me, it was about a bit more security and not about certificates. In technical language, this is usually phrased as "based on WK2".

After that, your windows on the ground floor are fitted with a security fitting with Secustik olive**, consisting of 6 mushroom pins. Burglary resistance according to lever-out protection test AhS*** RAL-RG 607/13 (this is roughly how it should be stated in your contract) – costs in the range of €1,000.00 to 1,500.00 depending on the window share.

To my knowledge, the glass for WK 2 should actually be glued to the frame – I will see soon, as one pane will be replaced.

In the process, the windows on the ground floor receive bonded, attack-resistant glass P4A, continuous security locking parts as well as special handle olive "Tresor"; standardized security according to energy ordinance 127-30. Costs in the range of €3,500.00 to 4,500.00 depending on the window share.

Only both of the above positions together result in genuine WK II windows!

In any case, I am satisfied since a WK does not protect against burglary – it only makes it somewhat more difficult for "opportunistic burglars".

I honestly do not know where the current hype for WK II windows comes from; just yesterday I had an inquiry about WK III; in combination with soundproof windows class III, this quickly leads to a surcharge in the area of €25,000 and more, depending on the window share.

Today, all windows – at least from reputable suppliers – are equipped with triple glazing and such a window is not easily smashed by a burglar. It therefore makes sense to buy only the cheaper version (here additionally mushroom pins); everything else, in my opinion, can quickly be considered as using a sledgehammer to crack a nut; unless the builder is a jeweler or similar.

*Windows of resistance class 2 (WK2 – European standardized security) offer increased protection against opportunistic offenders up to practiced burglars.

**Secustik olive: The handle has a locking mechanism as basic security. If someone tries from the outside to slide the fitting or open it via the spindle, the handle locks and thus cannot be moved.

***Windows of security level AHS (lever-out protection) offer increased protection against opportunistic offenders with simple lever tools. With laminated safety glass and lockable window handles, the window equipped with AHS achieves resistance class 1. The fitting is tested for its resistance by the RAL Quality Institute.

Best regards