Self-performance single-family house with basement - What is feasible?

Hello everyone,

Currently, we are planning our single-family house with approximately 150m² - a city villa with a hipped roof, 2 full floors with a basement and a double garage.

We already have concrete offers from solid construction general contractors and so far everything fits.

The contract signing is planned for February/March, so we still have plenty of planning time left and can fully focus on various things like, for example, own labor.

My wife and I are both not particularly skilled handymen --> We do not have two left hands, but we do not have a particularly strong affinity for craftsmanship.
My dad built his house himself 20 years ago and invested around 130k in own labor. According to him, we should do as much own labor as possible, so that we can do some things ourselves together with him and additional helpers.

In principle, this is all very commendable, but I am also very cautious here and only want to do own labor that
a) really pays off
b) is not too complicated and doable for us as builders with a little explanation
c) does not necessarily affect the house warranty
d) does not delay construction --> thus either well plannable or only things to be done when we no longer need the GC

Now my question:

What would you suggest for own labor that might fit the above criteria?

The following has already been offered to me by a GC. Here I ask for your assessment:

- Perimeter insulation and stud membrane on the basement exterior walls (we have a waterproof basement/white tank)
- Thermal insulation in the attic in the rafter spaces between the rafters
- Plasterboard on the underside of the collar beam ceiling in the attic
- Flooring work (wood veneer and laminate floor from basic equipment)
- Painting work inside and painting the roof beams outside

--> €31,000 ---> minus material costs (approx. €14,000 according to GC) --> €17,000 savings

My dad said that it might also be possible to paint the entire exterior wall ourselves. The plasterer could probably leave the scaffolding standing (possibly against rent or something similar) and then we would do the painting ourselves. What do you think about this?

Is there possibly more own labor that would be feasible or that you would recommend?
Are there possibly certain trades that could be separately commissioned and “supervised,” so that money could possibly be saved here?

I am very grateful for suggestions/advice of any kind!

The trades are rather "up front," which also means there is a certain time pressure.

I would always favor trades that have no dependencies with subsequent trades or come at the end (painting work, flooring).

The trades are rather "at the front," which also means that there is a certain time pressure.

I would always favor trades that have no dependencies with subsequent trades or come at the end (painting, flooring)

The only trade that is really at the front is the perimeter insulation, right?

Roof insulation is at the end or could be done when everything else is finished?

In principle, I also tend to that! That’s why the question about what else there might possibly be and what to make of "painting the exterior facade"?

I basically tend to do that as well! That's why the question about what else could possibly be done and what to make of "painting the exterior facade"?

Do you have to pay attention to anything when painting or regarding the quality of the paint on the outside? I have no idea about that, but I could imagine that, for example, in case of moisture damage, you would first be blamed. What else comes to mind - laying the waterproofing membrane yourself. Electrical work - chasing and cutting grooves. You can rent machines at the hardware store. When installing underfloor heating, lay the Styrodur or Styropor insulation yourself.

If the budget without [EL] is not enough, then build smaller. Or why do you want to introduce [EL]?

best regards

If the budget without EL is not enough, then build smaller. Or why do you want to introduce EL? mfg

Haven't you read the financing thread? Whoever plans so close to the limit has to grab every straw to avoid drowning.