House construction 2016 - Which and when are the next steps to take?

We want to start building our own home in 2016. A building plot of 714m2 is already available.

So far, there is nothing more than a self-designed plan of the house created by me with CAD.

We know an architect in town who will create the house plan for us.

My "problem" now is when should I go to the architect? Financing is not yet secured; I want to finalize it only in 02/2016 because in that month we can increase our equity by a considerable amount. I hope this will result in better conditions with the bank.

On the other hand, I have heard that starting in 2016 in Rhineland-Palatinate there will be stricter requirements for private homes, and some things will become more expensive because of that. That means I was advised to definitely submit the building application still in 2015.

I am now wondering what to do next? Put everything on hold until I can finalize the financing in 02/2016? Or already go to the architect now and then submit the building application – which would then, of course, be financed with equity?!

I would definitely visit the architect first and at least finalize the house planning this year. If you submit the building permit by the end of this year, you can still build according to the current energy saving ordinance. New regulations will apply as of 1.1.2016. I would already inquire at the bank about how much house is possible. Whether the conditions will improve for you in February remains to be seen... even with more equity.

You were not fully informed there. The requirements of the [Energieeinsparverordnung] are tightening nationwide in 2016; not only in [RP].

The current [Energieeinsparverordnung] expires on 31.03.2016; to meet the deadline for the old [Energieeinsparverordnung], timely submission of the building application by the end of 03/16 is sufficient.

Rhineland greetings from the road
Construction expert

Oh, I didn't know that either, thanks for the info!!!

Hello construction expert,

The information about the Energy Saving Ordinance 2016 and its validity from 01.04.2016 is interesting, I had so far assumed that the building application must be submitted by 31.12.2015 to still benefit from the old regulations of the Energy Saving Ordinance, but then it is enough to submit the application by 31.03.2016...

Great!

Regards
Tax

I thank you for that as well!

I keep hearing that the construction companies have so much work to do. If I were to award the contract only in 02/03 2016, it is quite possible that there will be no resources available at all in 2016 for the completion of my project.

In other words, they basically want to "push" me. How much lead time do I have to factor in with the construction company? Is there a rule of thumb for that?