House construction next steps after purchasing land

Yes, we also think that up to process 4 is too little.

By the way, both said little about the heating, but recommended an energy consultant to us again. Is that sensible?

Which phases of the architect could we take over as laypersons?

If you are really laypeople, I would have an architect only design the plan and then go to a general contractor ("construction company"). They will build the house according to the plan and, depending on the level (which KfW have you thought about?), also involve an energy consultant. If the construction company designs the plan themselves, it is called a general contractor, which also works. However, a separately paid architect is generally much more motivated than someone who works half-heartedly for someone else.

Typically, in both cases, as laypeople, you can do trades like walls and floors yourself. Or the landscaping. That is already several hundred hours!

I would not want to do larger trades myself that are in the middle of the construction phase, due to warranty and schedule reasons. Maybe the insulation in the roof, laying underfloor heating, or slots for electrical wiring, but not more – those would all be typical helper tasks with a short learning curve. This could save perhaps 100 hours, at a 40 euro hourly rate for helpers, so 4,000 euros.

So there is already a house. It is also about 15 years old. The other plot is still unknown and is probably going to stay that way for now. Therefore, we are building alone for now...

Which phases of the architect could we take over as laymen?

If I understand correctly, you are at least not the last builders, but there is only an existing building on one side, so you are currently only building on one side and still waiting for the neighbor on the other side. Nevertheless, it doesn't hurt to read through the Goalkeeper thread linked by . In particular, you should take the advice to coordinate the planning with the neighbor who is still coming, if possible (or ideally even use a joint planner). Especially read the posts in the Goalkeeper thread about the foundation, in case you want to build without a cellar and run the risk that the upcoming neighbor will build a cellar / dig deeper. At least if the plot is not "completely flat," I also recommend a freelance architect. Whether he then contracts a general contractor/general planner, I would leave open. You cannot exempt an architect as a layman – the fee does not decrease if you come with a "finished" drawing (an architect is not just a house painter, it is a bit more demanding).