Searching for GU in the East Berlin area - are the requirements realistic?

I think I'm just afraid that something will go wrong or that I'll make the wrong decision - After all, it's a decision for life, I find it even more critical than getting married :D

I understand..

Now the land purchase contract is signed and we want to renegotiate or change the provider.

That is also a mistake. The planning is going to cost you dearly: 10,000€ termination fees plus 10% penalty?!

As a layperson you don't see anything objectionable there

That's why I also advised to _approach_ the builders

The question is: How can I minimize the risk?

Gather information broadly, not focused from only one source. Gathering means: retain it yourself.

He is basically looking after us,

okay.

Currently, I am already knocking on the doors of construction companies with a floor plan and requirements that are interesting for us so far.

Well, then you are already casting the line. Whether the bait is tasty is another matter.

If you are from Berlin, take a look at Almondia. They are building consultants/intermediaries. They have a large file of regional general contractors. Unfortunately, I can only give a negative recommendation based on experience. was, I believe, very satisfied with his general contractor.

That is also a mistake. The planning will cost you dearly: €10,000 burst costs plus 10% contractual penalty?!

No no, I have not signed any contract for work. Therefore, no contractual penalty. At most the €10,000, although I have also heard from some sources that this would probably not hold up in court.

I have not signed any contract for work.

Good!

that would probably not hold up in court.

Well, you did receive advice and a house design. You’re probably stuck with that.

We built with "Mein Haus" from Nauen 5 years ago, a small general contractor for solid houses, family-run business, and have been very satisfied to this day. also built with the company, under time pressure

In the end, the seller offered house construction for a plot from a real estate agent. We signed a reservation agreement with the seller for €10k for consulting services, which do not apply if you build with him or do not buy the plot. With the offer, we arranged the financing, but did not conclude any construction contract with the seller. Now the land purchase contract is signed, and we want to renegotiate or switch providers.

I am starting to realize what is meant here by the ominous "project consultant": namely apparently a construction contract commission broker, who rides on the land offer of a real estate agent, intermediates, and “sells” the prospective builder to a general contractor/house manufacturer. He helps a bit with the design process and additionally charges for this value-added sales agency as consulting services. So, he makes a bundle out of the land, the mediated construction contract, and a little additionally remunerated hand-holding of the land buyers. With a good defense attorney or an overstretched public prosecutor's office, this goes through as a gray area or results only in a fine or dismissal under conditions. Seriousness is different – I can assure you that independent construction consulting also works honorably, as proven not only by me but by numerous competitors.

No, no, I have not signed any construction contract. Therefore, no contractual penalty. At most the €10,000, although I have already heard from some sides that it probably would not hold up in court.

Well, you did receive consulting and a house design. So you’re probably stuck with that.

So the plot was purchased and you don’t have to get out of a construction contract because none was concluded. But he would have brokered one, the terms of which you find excessive. I can only repeat that it is generally too early to talk about construction contract contents before independent planning. If you agreed to his “consulting services,” you will at least have to negotiate remuneration with him. Until – and here I can probably also speak for my competitors – a €10k consulting fee shows up on my invoice, it would concern a multi-family house with a gilded garbage bin box. I urgently need to raise my prices, thanks for the reminder!

If you're from Berlin, take a look at Almondia. They are building consultants/brokers. They have a large directory of regional GCs.
Unfortunately, I can only give a non-recommendation from experience.

Did they also broker your GC?

@Nida35a was, I believe, very satisfied with his GC.

We built five years ago with "Mein Haus" from Nauen, a small GC for solid houses, a family business, and have been very satisfied ever since.
@motorradsilke also built with the company, under time pressure

If I recall correctly, even one of the few solid GCs that refuse to “include” botcher companies. Then go for it (but mind you: first to a freelance architect)!