Are you wondering what new windows really cost for your old building? The answer is more complex than a simple price per window, as materials, installation, and grants significantly affect the final amount. Discover how a strategic approach not only saves costs but also sustainably increases the value of your property.
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The topic briefly and concisely
The total cost for new windows in an older building is often between €7,500 and €15,000, depending on the material, glazing, and installation effort.
Government subsidies (BAFA/KfW) can reduce the investment by up to 20%, equating to a maximum saving of €12,000.
Modern windows with triple glazing can reduce heating costs by up to 15% annually and sustainably increase property value.
Replacing windows in an old building is one of the most effective measures to enhance energy efficiency and increase property value. However, many owners are deterred by the unclear costs. A simple cost calculator for new windows in an old building provides initial estimates, but true optimisation is in the details. This article breaks down the key cost factors from materials to installation, shows you how to take advantage of government grants of up to €12,000, and how the investment pays off through saved heating costs of up to 15% annually. This way, you can make a well-informed decision that pays off in the long run.
The main cost factors when replacing windows in old buildings
The total cost for new windows consists of three main components: material, glazing, and installation. A standard plastic window is available from around €400, while wood-aluminium windows can cost up to €1,000 each. The removal and disposal of old windows can incur an additional charge of €50 to €100 per unit. For a typical detached house with 10 windows, you should budget total costs between €7,500 and €15,000. The complexity of installing in an older building can increase these costs by 10-20%. Therefore, an accurate calculation is essential to avoid financial surprises. The choice of the right material and glazing not only affects the price but also the future energy efficiency of your property.
Material and Glazing: The Basis for Price and Efficiency
The choice of materials is a crucial lever for both cost and aesthetics. Plastic windows, starting at around €400, are the most budget-friendly option and require minimal maintenance. Wooden windows offer a warm appearance and good insulation properties, but can quickly be 20-30% more expensive. High-quality triple glazing is now standard and a prerequisite for most grant programmes. It significantly improves the thermal transmittance (U-value). Modern windows achieve a U-value of up to 0.5 W/(m²K), whereas old windows often have values above 2.0 W/(m²K). Double glazing is only sensible in an energy-inefficient unrenovated old building to prevent mould growth on the walls. The investment in better glazing often pays for itself within a few years due to lower heating costs.
Installation and Assembly: The Often Underrated Cost Factor
Proper installation is crucial for the sealing and functionality of new windows and represents a significant portion of the total costs. Expect installation costs of approximately €120 to €200 per window, carried out by two installers over a period of two to four hours. In older buildings, these costs may increase, as adjustments to the masonry are often necessary. If a completely new window opening needs to be created, additional masonry work could cause costs of €1,300 to €1,700. The expertise of a professional company is essential here. Improper installation can lead to thermal bridges and negate the entire energy savings. Therefore, always obtain multiple quotes that transparently break down labour and material costs, as is common with a complete renovation of older buildings.
Use government funding to reduce costs
The government supports window replacement with attractive funding programmes that significantly reduce your investment costs. The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) offers a grant of 15% on eligible costs up to €30,000, equating to a saving of up to €4,500. If the measure is part of an individual renovation roadmap (iSFP), the grant increases to 20% of up to €60,000, which means a maximum of €12,000. The new windows must achieve a U-value of no more than 1.3 W/(m²K). Additionally, you can apply for a supplementary loan of up to €120,000 through the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW). Involving a certified energy efficiency expert is mandatory for applying for BAFA funding. A professional funding check ensures you maximise all potential benefits.
Calculate Amortisation: How New Windows Save on Heating Costs
Investing in new windows not only pays off through increased living comfort but also through direct financial savings. By replacing outdated windows, annual heating costs can be reduced by up to 15%, which can amount to around €250 per year depending on the building. Outdated windows can cause a loss of up to 40 litres of heating oil per square metre of window area annually. You can roughly estimate your individual savings potential with an online heating cost savings calculator. This energy renovation measure sustainably increases the value of your property. The payback period depends on energy prices and the subsidies used, but is often less than 15 years. The exact increase in your property's value can be determined through a data-driven valuation.
Conclusion: Strategically plan and increase property value
The cost of new windows in older buildings is a significant but worthwhile investment. An online calculator offers initial guidance, but detailed planning is the key to success. By cleverly combining material selection, professional installation, and maximising available subsidies, you can reduce costs by up to 20%. In the long term, you'll benefit from lower energy costs and a significant increase in the value of your property. Before making a final decision, you should know the current market value of your property and its potential after renovation. An objective property valuation, such as that offered by Auctoa, provides you with the necessary data foundation. Chat with our ImmoGPT now for free to address your initial questions. Make your decision based on facts, not just gut feeling.
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Additional useful links
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) provides comprehensive information on construction prices and real estate price indices.
BKI (Baukosteninformationszentrum Deutscher Architektenkammern) offers up-to-date data and analyses on the construction price index.
KfW provides information on funding programmes for energy-efficient renovation of existing properties, particularly window replacement.
energiewechsel.de (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action) offers details on tax incentives for energy-efficient building renovations.
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) offers further specific data on construction price indices within the context of economic indicators.
Statistikportal.de, the joint portal of the Federal and State Statistical Offices, provides access to a wide range of official statistics.
Consumer Advice Centre provides valuable advice and recommendations on choosing between window refurbishment and replacement.
FAQ
How does an online calculator for the cost of new windows in older buildings work?
An online calculator typically asks for the number of windows, the desired material (plastic, wood, aluminium), and the type of glazing. It provides a rough estimate of the material and installation costs. However, for precise planning, a detailed quote from a specialist company is essential, taking into account the specific conditions of your old building.
What U-value must new windows have?
According to the Building Energy Act (GEG), new windows must not exceed a thermal transmittance (U-value) of 1.3 W/(m²K). Often, even better values are required for grants. Modern triple-glazed windows easily achieve values between 0.5 and 0.8 W/(m²K).
How long does it take to install new windows?
The installation of a single standard-sized window usually takes two to four hours and is carried out by two installers. For an entire single-family house, the replacement can take between two to five days depending on the number of windows and the complexity of the work.
Can I apply for grants for window replacement myself?
For the BAFA grant, the involvement of a certified Energy Efficiency Expert (EEE) is mandatory. This expert confirms compliance with the technical minimum requirements and assists you with the application process. As the property owner, you must submit the application yourself before awarding contracts.
Do new windows always increase the value of my property?
Yes, replacing old windows with modern, energy-efficient models is a value-enhancing modernization measure. It improves the building’s energy performance, which is reflected in the energy certificate and increases its appeal to buyers or tenants. The exact increase in value depends on the initial condition and overall appearance of the property and can be accurately quantified through a professional property valuation.
What should be considered when it comes to windows from Poland?
Windows manufactured in Poland can be cheaper, but you should pay close attention to the quality, the CE marking, and compliance with German standards (particularly U-values). It is also important to have a qualified installation company in Germany that provides a warranty for the installation, as this is crucial in the event of complaints.
