What can a layperson do themselves?

Hello,

we would like to build and want to do as much as possible ourselves.

What can be done by oneself in a new build? Within the family circle, we also have a roofer, painter, and possibly a tiler.

Many thanks for your ideas and suggestions.

Best regards, Torsten

EL are always a double-edged sword. I would limit myself to such things that do not affect later warranty claims against the GÜ. For example, I would never do the basement waterproofing, electrical work, heating/plumbing/roof myself, as there is usually a nice fight over who is liable for any defects. For laypersons, flooring work (laminate, carpet) and painting/wallpapering the walls is just about okay. Possibly also outdoor facilities.

Hello!

Well, the previous poster is right. I did as much as possible myself, except for the plumbing stuff, because if something ever leaks there, you end up looking stupid. In case of emergency, a company would be liable and would have to pay for it and redo it. Otherwise, everything works fine.

Best regards

I would also advise you to do as much as possible yourself. It's best to talk to the construction workers on site and ask if there are any tasks that even a layperson can manage quite well. Construction workers are usually quite helpful when they can have tasks taken off their hands that they don't like doing or consider a waste of time. Otherwise, there are plenty of practical tips on how to get things done that you might not have dared to try. Besides that, I would advise you to arrange things mainly with the construction workers themselves and not necessarily with their boss, because he is naturally interested in having everything done by his company. After all, it’s also about money for him.

So from "personal experience" I can only advise against doing too much yourself. My parents built a new house beyond the age of 50 and my father, the way he is, did a lot himself. At some point there was a huge mold spot on a basement wall because something was wrong with the sealing layer (or whatever it is called). Well, and my father had done that himself... The end of the story was a lot of trouble and extra work.

Hello Torsten,

the DIY tasks are of course always a difficult matter with the later liability. You also have to realistically plan your time. How long do you think it takes to wallpaper and paint a 140sqm house? If the professionals need 2 days with three people, you will be working on it for over a week... If you have to paint stair railings, it quickly becomes unpleasant... A stairwell easily takes one person several days. This as an example of the many "little things".
Then you also have to buy materials (don’t underestimate your partner with their own ideas! "let’s look somewhere else again"), have the equipment and the experience. If a craftsman does something improperly, you have him do it again. With yourself, this causes time delays...

you don’t save that much with DIY tasks.

In my construction area, even good DIY enthusiasts can hardly motivate themselves anymore to hang the last lamps in the house. Unless you have already done the respective DIY task several times yourself or have full (not only hourly, but also planning) support from professionals - stay away from DIY tasks.

Best regards