First steps – Interview with Jens Taube (MARE Haus)

Jens Taube (JT): Building a house is a major financial and logistical undertaking in which we work closely with the client. When planning, it is very important to take into account the situation we find ourselves in: a lot depends on whether we already have adequate financial resources or whether we need to ask for a loan. We have one Property or are we thinking of buying one? Is it already connected or do I need to connect it first?

Let’s choose one finished floor plan, which can be implemented quickly or we prefer an individual project, that an expert architect creates exactly according to our wishes? These are absolutely fundamental questions for every construction project, which usually takes around 6 months. At the same time we can already complete all formalities with the relevant building authorities.

Many people preparing for construction first read up on the subject: they sit at the computer, check construction blogs on the Internet, read construction diaries and use them to note the most common mistakes. Is this the right approach?JT: When you browse online forums, you can get some important information on the topic of building a house. However, the flow of information and opinions is enormous and also carries the risk of addressing the wrong things. Browsing the Internet is just one way to get information. Experiences of friends or relatives, that they have already built is another source of information. We have had very different experiences with our builders. Some come with very specific ideas and others ask for advice first and then test what is offered. A reputable real estate developer will first advise the seeker and will also provide documents such as floor plans, building descriptions and a breakdown of construction costs. You can then review these documents at your convenience. If someone wants a signature right away, you should be careful.

What do you think construction experts should be used for?

JT: It is not possible to gain complete knowledge about building a house without professional support, especially if a builder has never dealt with this topic before ha. So the only options left are: trust the developer or get professional help from a good construction expert. If it does its job well it is highly recommended. But here too you should make the effort to look for the right one.

What decides when construction finally begins: the time of year, the availability of trades, or the available resources?

JT: Of course it depends This is highly dependent on construction financing, any additional construction costs, and other factors. I don’t think it makes much sense to prefer a certain time of year in advance. There are mild winters and rainy summers. I always would be create all prerequisites for the start of construction such as financing, building permits, water and electricity for the construction and then decide whether it can start or not. Due to the current construction boom it is very likely that the property developer will not be able to start immediately because the specialist companies involved will reach capacity limits.

In which area, still in the preparation phase, is it worth being more intransigent, even if this would delay the entire investment?

JT: Without a doubt to Choose a good design/floor plan. My advice to all future builders is therefore: invest enough time and money in designing an ideal house so that you can enjoy the ideal result in the end. After all, it’s YOUR home and the one where you (ideally) want to spend the rest of your life!