House Building Forum - Would you buy or build a house again?

Yes, I understand what you mean. It becomes difficult when you have to move in, for example because the apartment has already been terminated. In your example, however, the problem is again that payments were made before the service was provided. A cardinal mistake that can easily be avoided in the contract. There are also providers who want the entire sum at once only after acceptance. Then I just have to take one of those.

Otherwise, I see it somewhat more relaxed now. We have just about finished our outbuilding, which is also a complete mini-house with workshop, insulation, electrical work, etc. We managed everything ourselves. But only because we now knew how it works. Basically, anyone could have done it, because no service means no money.

Of course, I prefer to build with someone who I find likable. And snapping at customers is not the proper English way, even if they are difficult. But after 2 years of research and 14 general contractors with just as many specifications of construction services, one should have a feeling for what matters.

It is quite astonishing when I talk to 14 general contractors and then have to pick the one I immediately don’t trust. If I have dealt with the subject matter for such a long time, then I know what I’m talking about and don’t need trust. I only need trust that the general contractor actually does the work, but with such abundant information available, one is already legally advised and protected.

Morning Kaho674,
I agree with you when it comes to vacuum cleaners, laptops, refrigerators, backpacks, hi-fi systems, and so on and so forth.
But spending a year dealing with a subject like house construction and then claiming to know what you’re talking about is quite a statement.
Did you complete training as a bricklayer, plasterer, drywall installer, roofer, etc., before buying the house? Because even they sometimes have no clue (see some threads here on the subject of "botched construction").

Did you complete training as a bricklayer, plasterer, drywall installer, roofer, etc. before buying the house? Because even they sometimes have no idea (see some threads here on the topic of "botched construction").

Honestly, we installed the windows ourselves now. I find that less difficult than just setting up a hi-fi system!

The question is probably that you really need trust when you have little knowledge. Then I have to rely on the general contractor not to botch it. But I actually have the botching problem more with the craftsman—the general contractor is liable for them. If I can't recognize botching, that’s bad—you're right.

Perhaps it would have been better for the OP to talk to satisfied homeowners in his area. Then they would have recommended a general contractor who many are very satisfied with. That is generally the best method, I think. Word of mouth.

So honestly, we installed the windows ourselves. I find that less difficult than just setting up a hi-fi system!

The question is probably that you actually need trust when you have little knowledge. Then I have to rely on the general contractor not to botch the job. But I actually have more problems with botched work from the craftsman—the general contractor is liable for them. Of course, if I don't recognize botched work, that's a problem—you’re right about that.

Maybe it would have been better for the OP to talk to satisfied builders from his area. They would then have recommended a general contractor that many are very happy with. That’s actually the best method, I think. Word of mouth.

Word of mouth and experiences within the circle of friends are the best thing there is!

If you have tradespeople in your close circle of friends, you can of course approach things quite differently... Even if they don’t assist with hands-on help, they can support you with advice. That then provides security.

Fortunately, we have carpenters, painters, tilers, bricklayers, floor layers, and plumbers among our friends.
Still, I want/must read up on and familiarize myself with the topic before bothering one of my friends with my concerns. I also don’t want to die ignorant.
But KNOWLEDGE is one thing. Doing is something quite different.