The basics – fireplace as a feel-good zone and focal point of the living space

A fireplace requires a certain amount of expertise that should not be underestimated. Especially when deciding which fireplace is the right one for your home, you should inform yourself in detail about the different types of fireplaces and how they are used.

General knowledge of fireplaces – flue, emission values & the ecological balance sheet

First of all, you should know that every fireplace needs a flue. Without a flue, also a chimney, a fireplace is not a fireplace. The absolute exception are bioethanol fireplaces, but since these do not cause smoke and therefore do not require a flue, they are strictly speaking not considered a fireplace. The district chimney sweep clarifies what a flue has to look like. He is also responsible for the acceptance of the finished fireplace. If you want to install a chimney in the house you have bought, you must first find out exactly whether a flue was installed during construction. If this is not the case, the whole thing is more difficult than thought and they may have to resort to an outdoor vent.

Tip! Heating system in comparison

Save up to 55% costs (heat energy)? Tip! Not only already, but practically? Save energy with the heating system in your property. Use the next time for renovation or your upcoming new building. Here you will find our guide heating systems: solar, oil, gas, heat pump, pellets in comparison and as extra, state subsidies. Continue reading here:

• Heating system: comparison

Fireplace in modern condominium(Berlin):

Fireplace integration country house(Mallorca)

The next question is whether to choose a fireplace with or without a door. This has not only optical differences but is crucial for the functionality of the fireplace. To use a fireplace without a door only for the purpose of the crackling effect is far from modern and should be avoided not only for the protection of the environment but also for your own health. These fireplaces have not only a shocking fine dust emission but also a very bad ecological balance. Because of this, it will no longer be permitted to own a fireplace without a door from 2024. By then, a fireplace must not only have a door and a filter against fine dust, but also proper emission values. This is prescribed by the regulation BImSchV (Federal Immission Control Ordinance). So if you are thinking about a fireplace now, you don’t need to consider a version without a door. Fortunately, there are still great alternatives to not lose the crackling effect.

Fireplace models – a question of taste & functionality

There are many different fireplace models, but when choosing a fireplace, you should not limit yourself to the visual aspect and also consider the different functions of a fireplace. Which fireplace model best suits your property therefore depends on many different factors and your requirements.

Glass fireplace – cosiness factor and campfire atmosphere

Of course, the rule with fireplaces is ‘the more you see of the fire, the higher the cosiness factor’. Therefore, a glass fireplace is a great alternative to a fireplace without a door, as it has almost the same effect. A glass fireplace looks most cosy with three open sides, as this way the fire can not only be seen from every side, but also the cosy light spreads everywhere. Such a glass fireplace is made of special glass in the form of glass ceramic. This gives the same effect as a campfire. There are such fireplaces even without a visible handle on the glass window, which makes the whole thing even cozier. For this, however, the fireplace must be installed in a recessed position.

Hanging fireplace – individual and danger reducing

A hanging fireplace is also an alternative that should not be underestimated. This model originally comes from Scandinavia and offers a great variety, as it is not bound to one corner in the room. The fireplace can be mounted anywhere in the room on a wall and thus also heat all around. In addition, the risk of burns to children and animals is greatly minimized as the fireplace is not hanging within their reach. Firing, stoking and cleaning is also easier with this model, as you don’t have to bend down to the floor, but can work at eye level – you’ll even be spared the backache.

The Danish fireplace – the classic with personalization

The Danish fireplace is the last model that has already established itself as a classic in just a few years. It is the continuation of the ordinary stove and is now available in many variants. It has been equipped with a larger viewing window, which creates more cosiness. It also has a new modern technology, a combustion chamber that increases the efficiency and self-closing doors. A big advantage of this stove is that it is not permanently installed, so it can even be moved. Danish fireplaces are now available for turning, with an additional heating plate, but also some that can be heated with pellets, gas, brown coal or hard coal. An all-rounder that is suitable for every house and can be individually adapted to the needs.

Fireplaces as heating systems – stoves, tiled stoves and gas fireplaces

Of course, you don’t just want to use your fireplace to warm your soul and your living room. A fireplace can be used in many other ways. This includes, among other things, heating the whole house and not just one room. Of course, this includes special pipes, pipes – and energy supply systems.

Pellet stove as a heating system – energy efficient and environmentally conscious

The first way to use your fireplace as a heating system is the pellet stove, in which you heat not with wood but with pellets. Such a fireplace is particularly suitable for energy-saving houses. It is heated with wood pellets which are made from wood waste such as sawdust. They have a much higher efficiency, because they burn longer than the same amount of wood. To heat the whole house with such a fireplace, it must be connected to the hot water supply. The advantage is quite clear that a fireplace with a heating function not only protects the environment, but also the household budget. Unfortunately, the installation of such a fireplace is very costly, which is why the appearance is often neglected and there is only a small window. The coziness falls by the wayside, but it is always nice and warm everywhere and without a guilty conscience. Complementary to such a heating system is a solar system on the roof, which can heat the water in the summer. For such a system, a hot water tank with a minimum capacity of 1000 liters is needed, but it fits well in the basement.

Gas fireplace as a heating system – modern and uncomplicated

But also with a gas fireplace it is possible to heat the whole house and this even offers some advantages. For one thing, the cozy factor is not lost, because the flame can flicker peacefully behind a glass door and delight her heart. Behind the façade, however, there is a sophisticated system of ventilation heating that can be used throughout the entire house. This fireplace is operated with natural gas as well as with propane gas, which may be installed in a liquid cartridge with up to 11 kilograms. According to the manufacturer, this lasts up to 25 hours and provides heat. Another advantage not to be sneezed at, however, is that the fireplace and the air remain clean. There is no soot, the fireplace rarely needs to be cleaned and there is virtually no fine dust. And despite all this, not even the efficiency suffers, because it is at a respectable 70 percent. An alternative that you should definitely think about.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfyops-FvtU/?tagged=gasfireplace

The tiled stove as a heating system

Probably the oldest model among the stoves is the tiled stove. However, its history proves its effectiveness, because it can heat up for between 12 and 24 hours and thus provide cosy warmth. Wood, pellets or even coal are burned here. In the meantime, even windows can be found in the tiled stoves, as the feel-good feeling has simply become too important and consumers can no longer do without it. The efficiency can also be seen, because a tiled stove burns its fuel completely. In addition, tiled stoves have the reputation of being particularly comfortable, as the radiant heat is even and the air layers are not confused by it. So the tiled stove should also be considered if you are looking for a fireplace with heating function for the whole house.

Outdoor fireplace

Firewood: Do-it-yourself, chopping & stacking

Firewood & Fireplace Wood Storage – Larger quantities of firewood, are often stored on properties. The garden or a barn are often used for storage. Larger quantities of firewood, once stored on a property, must be stored in a fire protected location. This measure is regularly inspected by a chimney sweep. In this article you will find tips and videos on storing, DIY, stacking and chopping firewood for your fireplace:

• Tip: Firewood + Storage

Build your own fireplace?! Video tutorial: Installation

So you can also build and connect your fireplace yourself.

Heating guide: types, prices & comparison

Heating & Types – The topic of heating is not only interesting for builders, but also for property owners. After all, heaters are not only necessary in a property, they are also required by law. Which types of heating are there, how do they have to be maintained and are there legal subsidies for the construction of certain types of heating or do the costs have to be paid completely by the owner? Especially when building a house or renovating and modernising, the heating system plays a decisive role, because a large part of the later running costs depend on it, for you or for your tenants.

When deciding on a heating system, a number of things need to be considered, as there are major differences. Depending on the property, it must be decided individually which system is best suited to efficiently heat the entire property. The systems differ not only in environmental friendliness, but also in efficiency and price. Solar, oil, gas, heat pump, pellets:

• Heating: Comparison & Costs

Heating with wood at a glance

This method of heating is environmentally friendly because of the neutral CO2 balance that results from the fact that the wood does not emit more carbon dioxide during combustion than the tree absorbs during its lifetime. Cost-effective is this method, since once the fuel is very favorable in the purchase and on the other hand due to the possible promotions for wood heatings. If you decide to heat with wood, you can choose between wood chips, wood briquettes or wood pellets.

When making this decision, you should consider whether you want to heat a single room with a stove or a fireplace or whether you want to heat with a modern wood central heating system. The single room heating is mostly called comfort or additional heating and is mostly used next to the normal heating, hence the name.

• Alternative to gas and oil
• Neutral CO2 balance
• Favourable raw material prices
• Subsidies possible
• Single room firing or wood central heating

Heating with fireplace & stove fireplace?

A fireplace provides relaxation, a sense of well-being and warmth. That’s why it’s not surprising that fireplaces and other stoves are at the top of the wish list of homeowners. Especially on cold days, there is nothing better than snuggling up in front of a crackling fireplace bursting with warmth and enjoying the time. There are many different types of fireplaces. From open and closed to tiled or pellet stoves that all have advantages and disadvantages.

• Fireplace & stove fireplace

Firewood & Fireplace Wood Storage – Larger quantities of firewood, are often stored on properties. The garden or a barn are often used for storage. Larger quantities of firewood, once stored on a property, must be stored in a fire-safe location.

• Tip: Firewood + Storage

How heating with wood works

This contribution of the ZDF informs you comprehensively! The title of the series “The truth about heating with wood” in 2 parts.

Part 2 of “The truth about heating with wood”.

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The change of name – requirements, procedure and the children

In the event of a divorce, the married name is initially continued unchanged by both spouses. However, if desired, a divorce can also be used as an opportunity to seek a name change. This is particularly often requested in the case of contentious divorces. There are various ways to change the surname. The maiden name can be adopted again, a double name can be created from the married name and maiden name or the married name from the first marriage can be adopted again. What are the requirements and procedures, what must be considered and what about the name of the common children?

• Tip. Our guide for house and apartment: Selling real estate after divorce.

The most important at a glance:

• A change of name can be made after a divorce only if this is legally binding, i.e. if no more legal remedies against the divorce decree are possible.
• A change of name can only be made at a registry office that keeps the family register. Certain documents are necessary for this, such as the divorce decree with legal effect and an identity card or passport.
• Children can only change their surname after a divorce under certain circumstances
• The registry office charges a certification and authentication fee of 25 euros for a name change. In addition, there are the costs for the change of important documents, such as the identity card

The prerequisites – legally binding divorce

In order for a surname change to take place after a divorce, the marriage must have been legally divorced. A final divorce is when there is no longer any right of appeal against the divorce decree. To ensure this, either both spouses must waive appeals at the divorce hearing or neither spouse must appeal the divorce decree through an attorney within one month. On the divorce decree, an affixed notation of res judicata is used by the court to document that the divorce is final. In order to obtain this, the divorce decree served after the divorce must be sent to the court again with the request for the note of res judicata. Only then is the document to be considered a legally valid divorce and usable for the name change.

• A change of name can only be made after a divorce, if this is legally binding.
• A divorce is only final when there is no longer any possibility of appeal against the divorce decree.

The procedure – change of name in the registry office

The change of name can be carried out after the divorce at the respective competent registry office, as the family register is kept here. Some documents are required for this. On the one hand, the divorce decree with the final decree, an identity card or passport and, if necessary, a certified copy of the marriage register if the person concerned has moved after the marriage. If all these documents are available, the name change can be carried out directly on site. The registry office charges an amount of approx. 25 euros for the certification and authentication fee. In addition, there are costs for issuing or changing important documents, such as the identity card, passport, credit cards or driving licence.

• A change of name can only be made at a registry office which keeps the family register.
• Certain documents are required, such as the divorce decree with final decree and an identity card or passport.

The children – change of name only under certain conditions

The divorce of a marriage initially has no influence on the name of joint children. However, if the parent with whom the child lives after the divorce remarries and has further children from the second marriage, it can happen that the child from the first marriage has a different name from the rest of the family and feels excluded. In such a case, the child from the first marriage can, under certain conditions, adopt the name that the family in the second marriage uses as their married name. The child must be underage and unmarried and live with the parent who wishes to change the name. In addition, the parent must have sole custody, otherwise the other parent must agree to the name change. If the child bears the name of the other parent, he or she must also consent to a name change. If the child concerned is older than five years, he or she must also agree to the name change. If these requirements are met, there is nothing to prevent the child from changing its name.

• Children can change the surname after the divorce of parents
• However, a change of name of the children is only possible under certain conditions

Divorce – prerequisite, separation year, name change

The most important questions on the subject of name change after divorce

The topic of name changes often raises some questions. Is a name change even necessary, which name would make the most sense and is a name change even worth the effort? To make it easier for you to decide whether a name change is right for you, we answer the most important questions about name changes after divorce for you!

How much does the name change cost after divorce?

For the name change at the registry office, there are costs for the certification and authentication fee of about 25 euros. In addition, there are costs for the issue or change of documents, such as the identity card, passport or driver’s license.

How to change your name?

The name can be changed after a divorce at the registry office that keeps the family register. However, if the family has moved after the wedding, this is also possible at the registry office of the new place of residence, which sends the documents to the original registry office.

Can the children take the mother’s name?

If the joint children live with the mother after the divorce and the mother remarries, the children from the first marriage may take the married name of the mother’s second marriage.

Can I take back my birth name after the divorce?

Yes, there are several ways to change your last name after divorce. One of them is to take the birth name again or to choose a double name from the married name and the birth name.

Can children have double names?

Children cannot adopt a double name after a divorce just because one of the parents decides to adopt a double name. Changing the name of the children is only possible under certain conditions.

What is the married name?

A married name is a surname determined by both spouses and borne by all members of the family. A family name does not have to be determined at the time of marriage. The spouses can keep the names used at the time of the marriage even after the marriage.

Divorce: guide, help and tips

Divorce is complex, it’s true. But you are not alone! Many let themselves separate and in fact, a large part always finds a good solution. Only a small part ends in a quarrel. So that you can prepare well, you will find here our small guides and tips on divorce, family, money and real estate.

• Divorce: Guide

Bundesanstalt für Immobilienaufgaben – Foundation & tasks around federal real estate

The tasks of the Federal Property Administration were taken over by the Federal Agency. In this article you will learn details about the establishment and the tasks of this federal agency. You will also learn more about the divisional model that governs the structure.

The foundation

It was established on 1 January 2005 by the Act on the Establishment of a Federal Agency for Real Estate Tasks. The tasks and personnel of the Federal Property Administration were taken over. The Federal Agency is managed by an Executive Board consisting of three persons. Firstly, the Spokesman of the Board, Dr Christoph Krupp, who is responsible for facility management, organisation and personnel, the member of the Board, Dr Gert Leis, who is responsible for information technology, administrative tasks and finance, and finally the member of the Board, Paul Johannes Fietz, who is responsible for portfolio management, sales and the Federal Forest.

• Established 1 January 2005
• Law on the Establishment of a Federal Real Estate Agency
• Takeover of tasks and personnel of the Federal Property Administration
• Management Board: Dr. Christoph Krupp, Dr. Gert Leis and Paul Johannes Fietz

The headquarters – Bonn

The headquarters of the Federal Real Estate Agency is in Bonn. Here, action is taken in accordance with the modern standards of the real estate industry.

Address:

Ellerstrasse 56

53119 Bonn

Federal Agency for Real Estate Tasks introduces itself

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RooZmLgt5Ok

Tasks – administration, building owner and environmental protection

The Federal Agency for Real Estate Tasks takes care of the administration of real estate and properties of the Federal Government. The Federal Agency for Real Estate Tasks has taken over the tasks and personnel of the Federal Property Administration. Ownership of most of the Federal Government’s domestic properties has been transferred to it. A total of 26,000 properties are administered here. The properties that are no longer needed for federal purposes are sold by the Federal Agency. Another task is that when new official buildings have to be built, the Bundesanstalt acts as builder. It also contributes to environmental protection through energy-related refurbishments. More on efficiency: energy saving tips.

• Establishment of the uniform real estate management (ELM)

This task refers to the optimised management of real estate used by the federal government for official purposes.

• Letting and leasing of residential property and land
• Forestry services: Forestry management nature conservation care of the property assets
• Real estate management within the federal administration
• Covering land and space requirements for federal purposes
• Real estate management and sale
• Housing assistance for federal employees
• Realisation of financial assets

Expectations

• Increase in efficiency, service and profitability
• Increase in earnings and value of assets

The divisional model – All about the structure

The Bundesanstalt für Immobilienaufgaben has a portfolio of land with a total area of around 468,000 hectares and 36,000 apartments. This makes the Federal Agency one of the largest real estate owners in Germany.

The various tasks are organised on the basis of a divisional model. At present, there are the divisions:

• Sale
• Portfolio management
• Facilities management

The Facility Management division is divided into two areas. The procurement, transfer and management of real estate for federal agencies and the rental and leasing of housing stock and other real estate.

• Federal Forest
• Administrative tasks
• Organization/Personnel
• Finance
• Information Technology

Locations & the employees

A total of 6,500 employees work for the Federal Real Estate Agency at various locations. There are currently a total of nine directorates in:

• Berlin
• Dortmund
• Erfurt
• Freiburg
• Koblenz
• Potsdam
• Rostock
• Magdeburg
• Munich

Alternative energies at a glance: non-consumable sources

• Environmentally friendly energy resources
• Partially subsidised by the state
• Different energies: solar energy, biodiesel, dams, wind farms …
• Efficiency should be assessed by the expert
• Only relevant for own electricity generation

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