Do you own an old building and are wondering how to approach a renovation strategically? Many owners shy away from the complexity and costs, but with proper planning, the value of your property can be increased by up to 20%. This article provides you with the crucial strategies for a successful modernization.
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The topic briefly and concisely
A professional assessment before starting can save up to 15% in unforeseen follow-up costs.
The correct sequence of renovation steps (from outside to inside) prevents building damage and saves up to 15% of the budget.
Energy-efficient renovations can increase the property value by up to 20% and are subsidised by the government by up to 70%.
What potential lies dormant within the walls of your old building? Renovation is often a complex and costly task that presents many owners with a significant challenge. Yet a well-planned renovation of an old building is one of the safest investments in the future of your property. This guide offers you a clear, data-driven strategy to control costs, demonstrably increase property value, and navigate legal pitfalls. You will receive practical tips to set your project on a successful course from the outset.
Strategic Planning: The Foundation of Every Successful Restructuring
Every successful renovation of an older building begins with a precise assessment by a construction expert. Such an analysis uncovers hidden defects and can save up to 15% in unforeseen follow-up costs. The goals of the renovation must be clearly defined: Is it about an energy-efficient modernisation, purely aesthetic enhancement, or the remediation of structural damage? Detailed planning reduces the risk of budget overruns by an average of 30%. This initial investment in expertise lays the foundation for realistic cost estimation.
Realistic Cost Estimation: A Data-Driven Approach
The cost of a complete renovation typically ranges from 400 to 900 euros per square metre. For a 140 m² detached house, these can quickly amount to over 100,000 euros. A new roof covering alone can cost between 5,000 and 15,000 euros, while roof insulation can add approximately 15,000 euros. An Auctoa evaluation helps you assess the costs and potential benefits precisely. The biggest cost drivers are:
Energy efficiency measures (insulation, windows, heating)
Structural changes or alterations to the layout
Removal of hazardous materials such as asbestos
Renewal of the entire building services (electrics, plumbing)
Requirements for listed buildings
Do not underestimate the electrics: A complete renewal often costs 3-5% of the total renovation budget. A precise understanding of the cost components is essential to apply for targeted funding.
Maximum Funding: Secure Government Grants and Loans
The government supports sustainable renovation of old buildings with significant funds. Through the Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) and KfW Bank, you can receive attractive grants. KfW's Credit 261 offers up to 150,000 euros in low-interest loans for renovating to an efficiency house. Since January 2024, subsidies of up to 70% are even available for heating system replacement. Alternatively, homeowners can deduct 20% of the renovation costs (up to 40,000 euros) from their taxes over three years, provided no BEG funding is used. The combination of different programs is often possible, but requires careful examination of the respective conditions. With the right strategy, subsidies can reduce the financial burden by more than 25%.
Efficient Implementation: The correct sequence of renovation steps
Adhering to the correct order during renovation work is crucial to avoid building damage and unnecessary expenses. An incorrect sequence can nullify previous efforts and increase the budget by 10-15%. Experts recommend a clear sequence:
Drying out and damage repair (e.g., damp basements)
Roof and facade renovation (exterior first)
Window and door replacement
Heating and sanitation installation
Electrical installation
Interior work (plastering, screed, drywall)
Flooring and painting works
The principle is: from outside to inside and from rough to fine. This structured approach not only ensures quality but is also a prerequisite for compliance with legal requirements.
Comply with the law: Understand obligations for energy-efficient refurbishments
The Building Energy Act (GEG) prescribes specific renovation measures upon a change of ownership. New owners have exactly two years after the entry in the land register to implement these measures. Otherwise, fines of up to 50,000 euros may be imposed. Obligations include insulating the top floor ceiling so that a U-value of 0.24 W/(m²K) is not exceeded. Additionally, boilers older than 30 years usually need to be replaced. Exceptions apply to owners who have lived in the house themselves prior to 1st February 2002, as well as to most listed buildings. Compliance with these obligations is not a cost factor, but a direct investment in increasing value.
Managing value appreciation: Which renovations are truly worthwhile
Targeted renovations significantly increase the market value of your property. A study by PriceHubble shows that apartments with energy efficiency class B in Munich achieve a 15.5% higher price than those with class G/H. Even purely cosmetic measures like a new facade or a modern bathroom can increase the value by 10-15%. The removal of pollutants such as asbestos can even lead to a potential value increase of 15-20%. However, not every investment pays off equally; a cost-benefit analysis is essential. Particularly profitable is the energy renovation, which, according to a study, can increase the value by up to 20%. These figures demonstrate how strategic renovations can maximise the sales revenue.
altbausanierung-tipps
The renovation of a listed building requires close coordination with the relevant monument protection authority. Every structural change, from the colour of the facade to the type of window, must be approved. Modern building materials are often not permitted in order to preserve the historical substance, which can drive up costs. Internal insulation is often the only, albeit more expensive, option. However, owners benefit from special advantages: they are exempt from the obligation to present an energy certificate and can take advantage of special funding programmes and substantial tax deductions. Early cooperation with the authority can shorten the process by months and save costs.
Conclusion: With strategy, your renovation of an old building will be a success
How long does a complete renovation of an old building take?
The duration of a complete renovation of an old building depends greatly on the scope of the work and the size of the property. For an average single-family house, you should expect 6 to 12 months, or even longer for larger projects or with listed building regulations.
Can I carry out renovation work myself to save costs?
DIY can save costs, but it carries risks. Work on electricity, water pipes, or structural integrity should only be carried out by professional companies to ensure warranty claims and safety aren't compromised. Moreover, many grants require proof of professional execution.
Is it always worthwhile to renovate before selling?
Not always. Smaller cosmetic repairs and energy improvements usually pay off. A complete structural renovation is often too expensive to recover through the sale price. A cost-benefit analysis, like the one offered by Auctoa, is crucial here.
What is the difference between renovation and refurbishment?
Renovation primarily involves aesthetic improvements (e.g., painting, new floors). Refurbishment is a more substantial intervention in the building structure to eliminate defects and significantly improve the condition (e.g., roof replacement, new heating system).
How do I find the right tradespeople for my old building renovation?
Always obtain multiple quotes from qualified professional companies. Pay attention to references in the field of old building renovation. An architect or project manager can assist with selection and coordination and ensure the quality of execution.
What happens if I don't comply with renovation obligations?
If you do not implement the measures prescribed in the Building Energy Act (GEG) within two years of ownership transfer, the responsible authority may impose a fine of up to 50,000 euros.
Additional useful links
The KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau) offers comprehensive information on funding programmes for existing properties.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP provides expert information on energy efficiency in buildings.
FAQ
How long does a complete renovation of an old building take?
The duration of a complete refurbishment of an old building largely depends on the scope of the work and the size of the property. For an average single-family house, you should expect 6 to 12 months, and possibly longer if there are more extensive interventions or heritage protection requirements.
Can I carry out renovation work myself to save costs?
Doing it yourself can save costs, but it carries risks. Work on electrical systems, plumbing, or structural elements should only be carried out by professional companies to avoid jeopardizing warranty claims and safety. Additionally, many grants require proof from specialist companies.
Is it always worth renovating before selling?
Not always. Smaller cosmetic repairs and energy improvements are usually worthwhile. A complete refurbishment is often too expensive to recoup the costs through the sale price. A cost-benefit analysis, such as the one offered by Auctoa, is crucial here.
What is the difference between refurbishment and renovation?
A renovation primarily involves aesthetic improvements (e.g. painting, new flooring). A refurbishment is a more extensive intervention in the building structure to address deficiencies and fundamentally improve the condition (e.g. roof replacement, new heating system).
How do I find the right craftsmen for my old building renovation?
Always obtain several quotes from qualified professionals. Pay attention to references in the field of old building renovation. An architect or construction manager can assist with selection and coordination, ensuring the quality of the execution.
What happens if I don't fulfill the obligation to renovate?
If you do not implement the measures required by the Building Energy Act (GEG) within two years of a change in ownership, the competent authority may impose a fine of up to 50,000 euros.
