Is it worth having a building surveyor as construction supervision?

The question is also what you dare to take on. We will involve an expert (architect) for certain building inspections. Simply because we cannot do this ourselves and I do not trust myself to acquire enough knowledge to be able to assess it. How do I know which joint width still complies with DIN, which are cosmetic defects, and which might lead to potentially high follow-up costs in the long term? I simply do not know – that’s why I bring in someone who does.

The question is also what you are willing to take on. We will bring in an expert (architect) for certain building inspections. Simply because we cannot do this ourselves and I do not trust myself to build up enough knowledge to be able to assess it. How do I know which joint width still complies with DIN, which are cosmetic defects, and which might lead to high long-term consequential costs? I simply don't know – that's why I get someone who does.

For that reason, we also hired someone. We didn’t want anyone who tries to justify their presence and points out countless trivialities, but someone who identifies real errors. Three people in our circle of acquaintances built with an expert, and also with construction companies that have a good reputation in the area, so no El Cheapo trying to be the cheapest. For two of them, the expert found real errors.

We commissioned the TÜV for several appointments and are very satisfied with it. We are also building a prefabricated house. He was there for the first time after the installation and already many points could be examined there. The assembly takes more than a week in total, even if the house is standing after one day. There are many points that can be checked.

The inspector was important to me and also worth the money (about 2200 euros), because you have the security once and as a layperson you cannot assess things at all. Every error found now is cheaper than later.

I’m afraid I can’t tell you that. We ourselves joined the [Verband Privater Bauherren] for little money and found someone there, but didn’t have them work until the end. If I were you, I would discuss the matter with an expert and at least have someone take a look after the technical installation. That will give you a better feeling since you don’t have any expertise yourselves. You then have a contact person who works for you and critically addresses any concerns you may have, also by phone. Regards, Yvonne

If I understand correctly, part of your uncertainty lies in the fact that you have no clear idea of which pitfalls or defects this expert should actually be looking for. This makes both the assessment difficult and the instruction to the respective expert difficult to formulate (please check "well, exactly what to look for, hopefully you know," will not work). I would probably be guided by where typical critical points are in the intended construction method, or for which performance weaknesses the contractor most frequently receives criticism. Against the last one percent of residual risk, one way or another, only praying helps; you cannot completely eliminate it by either method.

Um, why is my post gone?
If I’m acting stupid again, sorry for whatever reason.

Then again as a copy

First of all, thanks from my side for the opinions.


That was exactly the issue, I don’t want anyone to nitpick. Although it would be good if it’s really that hard to find something.

We are building with Hanse Haus and so far I haven’t found any negative feedback anywhere. Up to now everything from the consultant to the contacts in the headquarters is perfect.

That’s why our trust in the company is quite high.


The construction costs actually amount to exactly 250,000€
therefore 3,500€ seems a bit much to me.

Can you tell me when you would schedule the other appointments?


Honestly, I barely dare to do anything except hang up the pictures.

That’s why I am actually having a turnkey build done completely, which in our case also includes painting and flooring.

The thing is, does the contractor also have experience with prefabricated houses?


Can you tell me how many appointments you had with TÜV for that?

Therefore, besides the budget, for us it’s also the question according to which criteria one chooses someone who inspects the construction?

I haven’t found anything that convinced me, and when I think of TÜV or DEKRA I’m not really convinced either.