We are planning to build in 2022; the planning begins

So that this doesn’t turn into a monologue:

How did you all part ways? Are the companies now simply making "an offer" without any discussion about floor plans, etc.? Or is everything being estimated completely abstractly now? Especially with Company 1 (and 2?), the architect will be separate and will probably want to see payment for an initial plan.

So this doesn’t become a monologue:

How did you part ways each time? Are the companies now just making "an offer" without having discussed floor plans, etc.? Or is everything being estimated completely abstractly? Especially with company 1 (and 2?), the architect is separate and probably wants to see money for an initial design.

A rough plan is made. We know the square meters, the materials are discussed. Based on that, an offer is made. Of course, including all special requests such as:
- Controlled residential ventilation
- Electric shutters including remote control
- Fireplace
- Room height: 2.80 m
- LWWP + photovoltaic system (underfloor heating)
- Many floor-to-ceiling windows
- Double carport

I am reluctant to pay an architect if the architect is included in the price at the company we initially prefer.

- many floor-to-ceiling windows

Just a reminder: Please keep in mind that all of them need to be cleaned. Especially with a small child at home, that can quickly become very annoying.

The headline can now be changed. We will build in 2021.

Congratulations, good decision. If I already had a plot of land like you, I wouldn't wait any longer either.

Just a reminder: Please remember that they all need to be cleaned. Especially with a small child at home, that can become very annoying very quickly.

The little child is now 8 But thanks for the reminder

I have had the following experiences:

Low-cost providers: Planning only begins after signing. Equipment requests can be priced upon inquiry. There is a risk that the total construction cost will increase significantly.

Reasonable general contractor: Offers a planning contract beforehand. Afterwards, there are costs for the architect, etc., which are credited/offset against the contract accordingly. Price certainty is relatively high.

High-priced general contractor: Offered to start planning at their own expense after the meeting. There are rough (individual) drafts for the floor plan and exterior according to one's own wishes and a detailed offer. Furthermore, it was offered to wait with the offer until a soil survey is available, so that a reasonable offer can be created directly.

Especially since you are very security-conscious, I would of course also critically question the offers.