Inflation, a shortage of skilled workers, rising interest rates and supply bottlenecks - anyone who is currently building a house is facing a number of problems. 'Menschen hautnah' accompanies two families who have dreamed of having their own home and are now in the midst of construction madness. Their rented apartment in Cologne has become too small for Frauke (36) and Marciano (38) with three children. A house in the country still seems affordable for them. After much deliberation, they buy a plot of land in Windeck and want to build a wooden framework on it, filling the walls with straw and clay. But the construction takes much longer than planned and everything becomes more expensive. Frauke and Marciano try to do as much as possible themselves, also to save costs. But with jobs and three small children, this is hardly feasible. When Anika and her partner's apartment is terminated due to personal use, the two want to build something of their own: a small bungalow right next to Anika's dance school, 104 square meters, kitchen-living room, bedroom, small study. Anika does some research and the interest on the loan is barely higher than the rent she has been paying so far. So the risk seems low. But during the corona pandemic, the dance teacher cannot teach and has hardly any income. "It was really difficult to get a loan. I spent almost half a year talking to banks all the time," says the 32-year-old. Her bank finally approves a loan for her. When the shell of the building is finished, the next surprise comes: Anika is pregnant with twins. To her joy came the shock: the house is too small, and an extension needs to be added. This time, her bank also refuses to finance it. Anika's parents step in and use their reserves for her old age so that two children's rooms can be added. Despite her pregnancy, Anika hopes to be able to dance and earn money for as long as possible. Because there are always complications on the construction site and all financial reserves have been used up. ???? If you liked this video, give us a like! ______ ???? A film for people up close by Nathalie Suthor. Editing: Jörg Stanke Camera: Osama Osman Sound: Blal Osman Speaker: Yvon Jansen Producer: Ralf Schreier Editorial assistant: Sandra Becker Editorial collaboration: Anna Herbst and Paula Wessel Editor: Martin Suckow A production by benstar © WDR 2023 This film was produced in 2023. All statements and facts correspond to the status at that time and have not been updated since then. ______ ???? More documentaries in the ARD Mediathek: https://1.ard.de/yt_doku?yt=d Other documentaries on the topic: ???? Mini-house - how do you live in 18 square meters? - • Mini-house - how to live in 18 square meters... ???? The consumer dropouts: With children in the mini-house - • The consumer dropouts: With children in the... ???? Small house, great family happiness: Tiny living in the tiny house - • Small house, great family happiness: ... ???? Eviction - A family fights for their house - • Eviction - A family fights for... ???? The hoarder's house - • The hoarder's house WDR documentary ______ #House #Housebuilding #WDRDoku #Family #Children