TO-DO before the start of construction

Hello again everyone!

Yes, we are currently on pins and needles. My husband is on parental leave and has more time than usual. However, the excavator won’t arrive until spring, so here is the following question:

What can we still get done by then? Are there things that, in hindsight, you say you could have done earlier or taken care of?

We are currently in the process of getting the first quotes (roofing, shell construction). The kitchen layout is finalized, as it had an impact on the overall floor plan. We’ve already been to several kitchen studios.

What else can we add to our to-do list (besides asking questions on Hausbau-Forum.de)?

Basically, you can take samples of everything you haven't done so far: tiles, windows, bricks, interior doors, etc.. Has the heating issue been resolved? Apply for house connections/construction supply (electricity and water), this can take time depending on the provider. In the meantime, we have already bought small things like the doorbell, outdoor lighting, indoor lighting (maybe the friendly electrician will bring this along!?), mailbox, etc. From today’s perspective, what we definitely should have done earlier, if the garden planning allows it, is to set up the garden shed. We learned from neighbors that their garden shed was just about to have the base slab laid. This allowed them to place a beer-parlor set inside (this is appreciated by the craftsmen if they don’t have to take their breaks in the vehicles), they didn’t have to stand in the rain when they were on the construction site and could already store some things on the property or gradually bring them over.

I would still enjoy the peace, buy one or two magazines, and dream. One does not really have a strong connection to the house as long as no wall has been built. Sure, you have dealt with construction companies and the floor plan for months, but you only get a real idea during the construction. However, I would visit one or the other exhibition (tiles, sanitary and co) if not already done, just to see what is currently on the market and where your tastes might lead you – nothing is worse than not being able to agree later, but I would still wait with decisions.

Regards

- Going on vacation again (as long as you don’t have a garden).
- Earning money ...

Here gather a lot of information

Otherwise, if the craftsmen are already fixed, have preliminary discussions about what to pay attention to during the sample selection. Our tiler advised us quite well, but the bathroom planning and sanitary sample selection had long been completed. In the end, a combination came out in our shower where no one knew in which order it would be best to install it without destroying the other trade again. This could have been avoided with a conversation with the tiler. Only he was confirmed very late by our general contractor.
I believe you can't start early enough with the electrical sample selection either.

With a small child, there is usually very little time for extensive consultation talks between changing diapers, breastfeeding, and sleeping. You have to use every free minute.