Interior finishing – self-directed planning

Hello dear experts,

next spring my partner and I will begin construction of our semi-detached house. We are demolishing the old semi-detached house, having a new basement built, and a wooden house will be built on top. The wooden house will be prefabricated in the factory using a modular construction method and then fully assembled with windows, roof, and plaster. Since the wooden house company offers a very high-end interior finish, we decided on the expansion variant and want to organize the interior construction ourselves.

Choosing a staircase, tiles, and kitchen is less of a problem. I have relatives who are bricklayers, plant mechanics, and carpenters, whom I can ask for advice, but unfortunately they are not directly on site. With them we want to lay tiles and do the "simpler" tasks.

The problem is more with electrical, sanitary, and heating work. We definitely want to have these done by a local company, as we do not trust ourselves as construction laymen for these tasks. We now want to obtain and compare 2-3 quotes from electricians and sanitary installers in the area. We have had companies recommended to us by acquaintances and friends and have researched on the internet ourselves. So far it is going quite well.

Now I’m wondering: Do we as builders have a good negotiating position with the craftsmen, or would it be wiser to hire an architect for the awarding and supervision of the interior construction trades? When we get the offer, we can certainly ask the specialists in my family circle. But I have the feeling we need someone who supports us more, also later as construction supervision and for the final inspection. We also want to take care of much of the construction ourselves, but one must know their limits in terms of time and knowledge.

So would it make sense to hire an architect or can the [Verband Privater Bauherren] or [Bauherren-Schutzbund] also provide that service?

Thanks for experiences and tips,

MaryLou

Hello Mary Lou,

The problem is more likely the coordination of the interfaces between the shell construction and the interior finishing. To coordinate the trades of electrical, sanitary, lighting design, stairs, and other interior finishing with the shell construction, I would definitely recommend hiring an architect.

Where is the property located?

Best regards

Hello dessin,

I'm also concerned about exactly these interfaces. It's just difficult to create a reasonable schedule when you have little experience with when to start which trade. Maybe an architect could sit down with us for 2 hours and at least plan theoretically.
The plot is south of Munich.

You need someone who creates the request for proposals (tenders) with you, then evaluates the offers and – as you yourself have already written – supervises the awarding and monitoring of the interior finishing trades. These people know the critical points and last but not least the sometimes nasty tricks of the craftsmen. The contractual foundations of the awarded work are also important and only an expert knows them.

In short: get help. It’s worth it.

Hello dessin,
Maybe an architect could sit down with us for 2 hours and at least plan theoretically.
The property is south of Munich.

Hello Mary Lou,
since my post from this morning is no longer visible on the web, a new attempt...
My suggestion would have been to communicate via a personal e-mail address, as it is not everyone's
thing to put their entire project on the Internet.

Best regards