Supply problems, lack of raw materials - as of October 2022

The problem is also that Kati’s experiences with a local general contractor (GU) in the province are simply too different to serve as an example of “everything goes smoothly” for buyers of prefabricated houses. Smaller companies have completely different working conditions. They usually source their materials in smaller quantities from local building material dealers and are not bound to suppliers and contracts that are only capable of producing and delivering large, consistent quantities. These are entirely different logistics chains. Apples and oranges are being compared here.

That’s true, I didn’t want to compare it that way either. Our local GU also once said in a conversation on the construction site that he goes heavily into advance payment so that our construction runs as smoothly as possible, and that not every contractor can simply do that. We are also rather one of his “smaller projects.” Nevertheless, our GU often says on the phone that the construction business is currently a disaster and it’s extremely difficult to plan. He often says “this really isn’t fun anymore at the moment,” so things aren’t exactly stress-free with us either. But as you say – he probably has more leeway than a prefabricated house builder. I definitely didn’t mean to say “everything should go smoothly,” I just think the builders here should be better supported than “yeah everything takes a year longer, right? Bye bye!” Communication is key, and if the builder knows where the problem lies, then maybe there will be more understanding. Because as you already say – people who are building are often not from the construction industry. Understanding of the processes and hurdles has to be created first, but you can’t blame the builder for that.

I now specifically want to ASK you and to simply stop posting here. Your accusations and your unbelievable knowledge are just destroying the entire thread! Can't you go show off somewhere else? I ask you...

There are indeed sensible and constructive comments here, which I would like to read and be able to answer without having to skip your lengthy drifts, so that nobody really knows what this is about anymore. Really true, posts like looking for another prefab house provider, or how stupid someone can be to expect this and that at 22' when you signed in 21', man man man...

I want to know about experiences, nothing more and nothing less...

Thanks for all the real experiences, that helps to get an overview!

Please excuse me, what you dismiss as showing off is my experience from working with craft companies. From small 4-man operations to long-established craftsman dynasties and some large companies operating nationwide in Germany. And I try every day to coordinate appointments for renovation and remodeling projects by phone. Every day I hear from craftsmen and company owners who describe their problems to me. And prefab house providers also work with local craft businesses. You have received some good tips here, such as having the contract reviewed by a lawyer, asking the manufacturer again for explanations about these massive delays, having deadlines and appointments given to you in writing – a lawyer can also help with this. But it would also be useful to allow a little understanding for the current situation of the companies and manufacturers, instead of insisting on “with better planning everything works!” and portraying anyone who introduces something different as unwanted show-offs. I understand the panic given the situation, but I do not understand the type of reaction.

Our shell construction including roofing, front door, windows, and facade has just been completed. Everything was easy to deliver, including the windows. The heat pump is already in the warehouse (Viessmann). 33 photovoltaic modules were also installed on schedule, tiles and parquet are already there as well. We are building in RLP and have had no delays so far.

Yes, I know, just like I was supposed to have understanding for Habeck and Co. back then... :rolleyes: I don't want to be rude, but exactly your "experience" HERE is not what I want to hear... And to be honest, I didn’t want to hear it back then either... So please, I can’t forbid you, but please show your totally great strength by not writing here anymore... And yes, I know I’ve received great tips here, which is why you should also stop writing here, because then the ratio will be even better.

Then I wish you good luck with your construction. I hope you are actually more open to advice than here. And I mean that seriously, because nowadays that's the only way to get things done on a construction site. With luck and cooperation.

And one last note, then I won’t say anything more in this thread :) I don’t want to preach, but rather advocate for different perspectives.

I have been working for the same employer in the real estate sector for eight years. Among other things, we work with a law firm specialized in construction law. Until before Corona, we referred every problem that couldn’t be resolved with a conversation and a letter with a deadline to the law firm, which also gladly pulled out the big guns quickly and without a bad conscience – simply because the construction industry in southern Bavaria was very, very spoiled and this was the only way to move far enough up on the priority list. Not lowering prices and threatening legal action if necessary worked well for a long time if you wanted to make quick progress.

Currently, it is only about negotiating solutions with the companies and legally securing the agreements for future consequences. Everyone is currently navigating stormy waters in leaky boats. It is a difficult time for construction. For all parties, and there is far less malice involved than one might suspect. Rather, a lot of desperation.