Our dream of the house: Approach

Hello first of all. I came across this forum these days and hope to get some information here. I have already read a lot, but still have a few basic questions.

My wife and I dream of owning a home. I could imagine that we might be able to build in about 2 years. However, I am not yet sure what the right approach is for such a project. How is it best done?

1. Check financial resources (what % of the total net income is planned for loan repayment?)
2. Look for a building plot
3. Plan the house
4. Find a builder

Or do you first plan a house and then look for a suitable plot? How does one determine the approximate costs for a house? I think no architect or anyone else creates free plans/estimates.

For us, the search for the plot of land was absolutely the top priority. The plot of land and any potential [bebauungsplan] define a great deal. Building area, number of garages, slope, etc. Planning a house now without having a plot is just a pastime.

Ok, but in order to look for a plot, I first need to know approximately how big the house including the garage has to be, right? To get a feeling for sizes, we went to a show home center and looked at several houses. The houses we liked best in terms of space had a living area of 180-200 m² (over 2 floors). In addition, we would like a garage that can comfortably accommodate 2 cars and a motorcycle. How big should the plot be approximately then? Ok, it depends on the garden. But a rough guideline would be interesting. Would 400 m² be too small?

Good info, thanks. :)

Hello,

My wife and I dream of owning a house. I could imagine that we might be able to build in about 2 years.
However, I am not yet sure what the right approach is for such a project. What is the best way to do it?

1. Check financial resources (what % of the total net income should be planned for loan repayment?)
2. Search for a building plot
3. Plan the house
4. Look for a builder

Or do you first plan a house and then look for a suitable plot?
How do you estimate the approximate costs for a house? I think no architect or anyone else makes free plans/estimates.

The order from 1 to 4 is correct; don’t let anything talk you out of it! If you also tackle the financing question through an independent mortgage broker – perfect.

How do you estimate the approximate costs for a house? I think no architect or anyone else makes free plans/estimates.

Once you have worked through points 1 + 2, you can have an offer created for you – fitting the zoning plan of the plot – both from regional and supra-regional providers; this is usually free of charge. If you prefer to work with an architect, make sure to clarify the cost issue "beforehand" with him. A simple request "draw/design something" obligates you to pay fees according to HOAI, because that means you have given an order!

Regards from the Rhineland

I would personally proceed as follows: 1. Check financial resources (180-200 sqm is quite a size. We’re easily talking about 300,000 EUR + garage + land, etc.) 2. Look for a plot of land 3. Find a builder/architect I would personally do steps 2 and 3 in parallel. If you have a plot in mind, you can have initial discussions based on it to find out whether your dream house can be built on the potential plot.