Is the construction performance description detailed enough?

Hello,

we are currently sitting with the construction specifications and are wondering how precisely everything should be described? Whether we might be too picky?

For example, the color designation of the exterior window sills or the gutters? We want them in gray. The developer says, yes, we will do it when the time comes, no problem, we will get it like that, etc... but if we already know exactly what we want, can we insist that this is recorded as such? Often, it says "blablabla or comparable." We just don’t want it to be said afterward that it would cause additional costs.

Or the French balconies. Currently it says stainless steel. But we want them made of glass. – Yes, that costs a bit more but we will cover that. Well, whether that really will be the case!

It is a large developer who has many projects and is reputable but for us, it’s about a lot of money!

What do you say?

It is a large property developer,

The more vague, the higher the surcharge if you have fixed ideas or choose quality.

Which property developer? Name? Is there a construction service description?

"Or comparable" usually means practically the same wholesaler price category. So if Mercedes is sold out this week, there is BMW. I consider it exaggerated to record the color tone strictly in the construction service description. However, different material should already be changed in the sample text: even if it were offered at the same price, stainless steel or glass must be constructed / fastened differently, etc.

Write down as much as possible! Including the colors. The construction service description is used as a basis. Anything you want differently goes into your personal offer. If you already know that precisely, then include it. I wouldn’t rely on blah blah. Black and white is much easier later.

I consider it exaggerated to specify the color shade strictly in the construction service description

No, by no means exaggerated! We did it that way too, because depending on the light reference value, the painter will demand "more" or "much more." And for that, for example, "gray" is not enough, since there are many shades of gray (50 shades... you know what I mean) and then it's not worth arguing afterward about which shade of gray is included and which costs extra.

Also the French balcony! No one will remember afterward that you wanted it made of glass! Because: stainless steel comes from the metal construction company, glass comes from the window manufacturer. Huge price difference!!! No joke.

Write everything down and if they answer you: "why"; "no problem"; "we'll do it that way"; "of course"; ... then answer back: "ok, if it’s so unproblematic, then we can simply include it now"

Colors should definitely be specified in the construction service description as well as the balcony details. Verbal agreements have only one value and that is always = 0! Reputable, large companies also write this exactly in their construction service description – including the colors, preferably in RAL shades. I also built with a large and reputable company last year and everything was detailed down to the last detail – only in this way is it ensured that there are no surprises and/or additional costs for either party in the end.