Pre-sampling / Sampling / First conversation with the house provider

Many things were discussed with the consultant during our prefabricated house contract. Especially larger items. Then we had the advantage that our provider has an entire forum; there were extensive price lists, as well as many ideas about what you can actually customize. With the consultant himself, we did a factory tour; then lunch and afterwards the whole afternoon through the selection center. There you could look at everything that is included as standard selection. In some cases, we did not like the standard, or we decided directly on a certain type/quality. We were given the prices directly for those, or they were directly included in the factory contract. After this entire day, the factory contract was reviewed again afterwards, and the final details were finalized.

The actual selection process after the building approval is scheduled with the provider for 2 full days in the selection center.

We had a conversation with a supplier. He also did not want a preliminary sampling. However, we called the sampling center, and they saw no problems with that. However, a salesperson must also come to this appointment, which he did not want to do. In the end, we decided on an architect. He calmly samples the individual items on site with dealers over several days/hours. (Making decisions within 1.5 days for tiles, sanitary, flooring, stairs, electrical,... we did not want for ourselves either) After that, the amount is determined and the contract for work is concluded. Of course, we had previously commissioned the architect with the individual service levels by contract.

We had four providers to choose from and we were able to look at the sample center on our own at all of them. At all of them, we also received the offer before signing to visit the factory and the exhibition accompanied and with the opportunity to ask questions. Our provider, with whom we are now building, also told us all the additional costs we asked about, down to an extra power outlet.

So that was our experience with the topic. I would not sign a contract without a preliminary sample review and would communicate this to the advisor. Then let's see what he does.

Additional costs will definitely come and you should have an overview of how much these cost. We were informed about every additional cost and this was also adhered to. We also had these listed in the contract.

I think if a provider really works transparently, they will provide you with a construction service description. In it, you can definitely already recognize the standard. However, I think if a builder or developer operates their own sample center, you can definitely expect hefty surcharges for anything that does not correspond to the standard of the construction service description. After all, they want to make money from that too.

At that time, we were given the address of a building materials dealer where we could choose some materials. According to the construction service description, we had a price per 1000 for the clinker included, and anything above that simply costs more.
There was nothing for us among the tiles, we received a rebate and bought the material from the local specialist dealer.
There was even money left over.

And all other "additional services" and special requests we settled directly with the individual trades without the BU getting involved.

Why do you even go so deep into the speech without having received the [Bauleistungsbeschreibung] beforehand? We always had the [Bauleistungsbeschreibung] sent to us before the appointments, then you know where you stand.

(there would be all kinds of people who aren’t even customers yet walking through the sampling center, etc). Only after signing. [...] In general, the consultant was more like a typical salesperson, in a negative sense.

The typical salespeople in a positive sense will thank him because he is their best assistant. I would have sent a nice fax: "we probably would have signed with you, but your sales rookie wasn’t on the ball." I assume that the sampling center doesn't like people wandering around unattended and expects the salesperson to guide the customer through it. If they don't get paid for that, they have little motivation to do so. But then they haven’t understood the connection between commitment and closing the deal. And it makes me suspect that this provider works with independent sales agents – in my eyes, a negative point.

In any case, I would never get the idea to buy a house blank without knowing the framework where it will be more than standard. But conversely: do you have a clear determination of how much budget can be spent on above-standard quality features?

One probably doesn’t need to fear that the provider can only offer some things in the desired quality level not in colors that suit your taste. But what absolutely must be eliminated before signing is the total price risk (that it will become too expensive if it’s nice enough).