House construction – from planning to moving in
Good planning is essential when it comes to building a house, especially if you want to avoid as many problems as possible. Homeowners are well advised to consider a few key points in advance.
The foundation is laid as soon as a suitable plot of land has been purchased. Usually, a thousand other things are considered and decided at this time. How big should the house be? What should the floor plan look like? How much will the dream home cost, and how will it be financed? Who is the right construction partner? Solid construction or a prefabricated house?
Not so easy, because these are decisions that cannot be easily changed. After all, most people only build a house once in their lives. Once the building plans are in place and all permits for construction have been obtained, the next step is usually seamless. A developer or prefabricated house manufacturer must be found. It certainly makes sense to get a few more quotes here. But written quotes are not the only thing that should be used to make a decision. Look at reference projects from the respective developer. Ask the owners how satisfied they were and are with the construction work and the result. The experiences of previous builders are a huge help in finding the right developer for your home.
Financing is key
Anyone who takes the trouble to find a suitable bank for home financing can be rewarded with significant savings. The financing terms and conditions of banks vary enormously. Considering that even a 0.2 percent difference in interest rates over a 10-year financing period for €200,000 can result in savings of around €5,000, a comparison makes sense. However, a low interest rate isn’t the only best solution. Make sure that special repayments are possible because the faster the financing can be completed, the less interest you’ll pay. A comparison portal is certainly a bit easier and faster. There, you can enter the required loan amount into a comparison calculator, then select how many installments you’d like to pay off the loan in, and you’ll receive a list of different lenders. Comparing loans could ‘t be quicker or easier. All of them are listed, with the bank offering the most favorable terms at the top of the list, of course. You can also view reviews, which is another important factor in the decision-making process.
Saving through personal contribution
In every house construction project, there are areas where builders can get involved themselves. Depending on the DIY skill of the homeowners, considerable savings can be achieved here.
Less experienced DIY enthusiasts can take on painting and wallpapering work, saving about 60-80 percent in these areas. Laying laminate flooring and tiles are also among the easier jobs. They can save 30-40 euros per square meter in labor.
Experienced DIYers can also contribute to the shell construction. This work is time-consuming, which means significant savings can be made here. The shell itself usually accounts for half of the total construction costs. Materials make up about a quarter. The remainder is paid for the labor. Homeowners with sufficient time can actively participate here. Another area offering great savings potential is plastering. Materials account for 20-30 percent of the total cost. Therefore, the greatest savings can be achieved here, at 70-80 percent.
That leaves the DIY pros. However, these require serious expertise; otherwise, they should be handled by a professional. We’re talking about plumbing, heating, and electrical installations. The potential savings here aren’t as high, but there’s still the option of helping out.