House arrangement including or excluding garage on a sloped property

Hello everyone,

Originally, we planned a solid house with an architect. Due to the uncertain market situation and possible cost increases in individual contracts, we have now decided on a prefabricated house provider and are therefore switching to timber frame construction. The floor plan remains largely unchanged, but the new construction method requires an adjustment:

The architect planned two or three steps as well as a floor slab with upstand in the outbuilding. The prefabricated house provider rejects this with the reasoning that both buildings must be at the same level. Direct contact between the exterior wall and the foundation/reinforced concrete wall leads to moisture and long-term damage. The height difference is small and better compensated via the foundation.

However, a critical height offset can be seen in the section. Possible solutions would be:

[*]Set the house lower (possibly disadvantages in drainage, daylight and appearance),
[*]Separate the garage and design the transition with steps,
[*]or already align the heights at the front and set the garage higher (steep driveway)

What do you think: Is lowering problematic? Would a separate construction with connection be more sensible? Do you have alternative ideas?

Elevations, sections and floor plans are attached – I look forward to exchange in case of questions!

Many thanks in advance!

I'm not a person for floor plans. But how do you come up with the idea that a prefab house is cheap? That's a misconception. Just like the lemon butterfly doesn't fold lemons.

But how do you come up with the idea that a prefabricated house is cheap? That is a misconception. Just like the lemon butterfly does not fold lemons

I assume that the focus of the change here will not be solid house/timber frame construction, but architect/general contractor, so that one has the turnkey security compared to uncertain individual contracting

I'm not a person for floor plans.

He's probably not needed here either.

Set the house deeper (possibly disadvantages in drainage, daylight, and appearance),

What do you mean by that? Can you explain the disadvantages you mentioned?

I think the focus of the change here will not be massive house/wood frame construction, but architect/general contractor, so that you have turnkey security compared to uncertain individual contracts

Maybe one should also tell the OP that you can also build solidly with architect and GC. Likewise with a fixed price.

Maybe someone should also tell the OP that you can also build solidly with an architect and a general contractor. Also with a fixed price.

That would certainly be a good option. Tell him that ;)