Saw a turnkey house at a very affordable price

Hello everyone,

We visited a house over the weekend built by a local developer who constructs turnkey houses in the Heilbronn region. We find the company basically interesting as the prices are quite attractive. On the other hand, it seems a bit strange to us why the prices are so low.

The house we visited was quite far along; screed, etc., was already in place. So, you can soon install floors and wallpaper. However, all the materials were still very damp, which was visible and could also be smelled in the air. In addition, there was a cork layer installed above the future kitchen that was completely moldy. The construction company employee said this was due to the new legislation regarding airtightness, and one must always ventilate well, otherwise this can happen.

My question as a layperson: Is it normal for mold to occur in the shell construction?

Also, regarding the house itself: I wonder how the prices are determined. The house had a living area of 140 m², although due to the development plan only 2.42 m height was possible on the ground floor. Nevertheless, I consider the price of €280,000 turnkey with floors, including full basement, to be quite cheap. I have to say that this was just for the house; the land and outdoor facilities were of course not included.

Am I wrong about this?

Best regards

This is not particularly cheap. If you calculate with the not unrealistic 1500 €/m², you come to a price of 210,000 € for the house without a basement, and this is usually also cheaper than realizing it with 70,000 €, as long as you do not build on extremely problematic soil.

As for the mold, I would not be satisfied with such a statement. It is true that in well-insulated, new houses you need to ensure adequate ventilation, but mold is a no-go at any stage of construction.

Yes, I can only confirm that, my turnkey house was cheaper.

153m² living space
Sole-water heat pump
Ground collector
Base slab
Soil embankment +40cm
Including all costs for permits, construction electricity, water, debris disposal, additional earthworks
Additional sick costs + reinforced site furnishings
Turnkey including additional tile costs, electric blinds, special patio door, chimney, fireplace, underfloor heating, ash staircase.
KfW-55 insulation
central/central ventilation system
Photovoltaic system

total: ~260,000 €

ps: and if a construction company tells you that "mold is part of the construction," then you'd better quickly find a proper construction company..

Hello, I am an energy consultant and master bricklayer & concrete builder and can say with certainty that it is not normal to have mold in a new building. I would have the energy saving ordinance calculation shown and, if necessary, checked by a neutral energy consultant. Alternatively, bring in an expert (building biologist). The costs should be borne by the executing company in the event of damage.