Offer for a semi-detached house with land, okay?

Such offers can only be realized if the provider financially crushes their subcontractors. I know at least one provider here in Munich who has signed numerous construction contracts at completely unrealistically low conditions. Afterwards, he only pays his subcontractors’ invoices with huge deductions (sometimes 50%) citing flimsy reasons. Every year, 2-3 of his subcontractors go bankrupt because of this. Well, he just quickly finds new ones. Do you want to get involved in such a "business model"? I can only advise: hands off! Make sure you somehow get hold of a nice plot of land, find a reputable general contractor (don’t shy away from the work and effort it takes to find one, i.e. gather references, talk to residents, compare offers in detail...) and build solidly!

Hello,

in which city do you plan to build?

Here in Cologne, you pay at least €40,000 - €60,000 more.

A good reference is of course good, but far too little. You need at least 3-4 references and then try to have a nice conversation with the people. If the overall picture is still that positive, then the next step would be to take a close look at the construction contract. In particular the payment plan. This should contain no (or at least as few as possible) financial prepayments. Can you please upload the payment plan here for us?

Hello

So the current situation is as follows:

We first wanted to have a single-family house calculated. Since only very large plots were still available for the single-family houses, we first went to the city. There, we wanted to have a plot reduced in size, as this was possible in some cases. Well, unfortunately none suited us. So the plan for the single-family house fell through. Now we have an appointment with the construction company at the end of next week because some things like the garage, the stairs to the attic (we will finish it ourselves), and some small details still need to be added. We want to have a total price from them including all the little extras. He has already sold 2 semi-detached houses. We have spoken to 3 families. All were totally enthusiastic. My father's colleague had a bungalow built by the construction company. He said he would do it again and again. That's why we are already convinced.

What should I find out beforehand? We have an appointment on Friday. What questions should I clarify beforehand?

I will ask about the payment plan.

If the references are that good, then it seems to fit.

The construction contract should still be reviewed. It should preferably be according to [VOB] (not [Baugesetzbuch]). However, the warranty can also be according to [Baugesetzbuch] (because then it is 5 instead of 4 years).

And as mentioned VERY important: the payment schedule! No advance payments! One should only have to pay something once the corresponding construction progress has been made.

According to the [Makler- und Bauträgerverordnung], the payment schedule should look like this (the point structural work is usually further divided into the individual floors).

Hello construction expert
I wouldn’t want to claim that “standalone”..
The VOB as a general basis for house construction is quite appropriate, if only because it clearly defines the requirements and tolerances (which can often cause problems in the end).

However, it should only be applied if the client is continuously accompanied by a planner and construction manager! They know it and can apply it positively for the client.
It is certainly not suitable if a client “alone” (and therefore unaware) starts building a house... or commissions contracts for conversions/renovations...