Additionally, in the following there may be slight grammatical errors, as this article was written by a German tax expert. This does not detract from the quality of information.

Sanierung, Modernisierung or Renovierung? Why?

Further down we explain all the details about things you have to know about renovating or refurbsihing your house or property in Germany. But first, we look at what the terms which you will often hear in the German real estate market even mean. So, what does Sanierung mean?

What is a “Sanierung”?

A Sanierung is an improvement on fundamental issues or problems which make living in a building difficult or very uncomfortable.

In German, there are multiple words for what in other countries may all fall under the term renovation. There are three types of these. First, a Sanierung, which is a very fundamental improvement and update to all things in the house, this means e.g. old sinks may be replaced. The translation of Sanierung is refurbishment. In general this is more effort than just a renovation, as a real issue is fixed. A renovierung is the second type. Here, more aesthetic things like the colour of the walls will be redone. Lastly, a “Modernisierung”. This is, as the word implies, when current state of utilities, walls, etc. are made more modern.

Sanierung is a renovation which fundamentally removes problems in your apartment, house, etc.

This article is part of our guide on German real estate and tax optimization. Learn more here:

• Save Money – Tax Optimization with Property Investments

Sanierung as Effective Increase in Value of your Property

The renovation not only provides a modern look, it also saves energy and thus increases the value of the house. For economic reasons, renovation often makes sense. This is also true if you do not want to sell the house and hope to get a higher sales price by the renovation. Because by the so-called energy renovation you can reduce your additional costs significantly, so that the investment pays off in the long run.

Risk of Damage Decreases: Selling Price Increases

In addition, the premiums for residential building insurance for refurbished houses are significantly lower than for properties without core refurbishment. This is due to the fact that the risk of damage is significantly reduced, so that in many cases more than half of the insurance costs can be saved. If you would like to sell your house and are not sure whether renovation is appropriate, you are welcome to contact us.

Holistic Refurbishment: One-time Expense

When renovating a house, it should always be considered as a whole. Because only extensive renovation leads to better living quality and lower energy costs. For buildings in desolate condition, a core renovation is necessary. In addition, under certain circumstances a roof renovation can become due. This is the only way to create the optimal basis for a renovation. Afterwards, a tight building envelope is produced, which, due to good insulation, ensures that the heating remains in the house.

This also includes the installation of a new heating system, which at least partially uses renewable energies. Multiple glazed windows with good insulation also contribute to a better energy balance.

Modernization and value enhancement at a glance:

• Increase in value through modern appearance
• Energy efficiency and economy
• Higher living quality
• Reduction of additional costs
• Higher selling price

Core Renovation & Roof Renovation

Before you start with the renovation, you should have an expert determine which measures are necessary for your house. Once you have identified the weak points, you can start planning.

Core and roof renovation is by no means necessary for all buildings. However, if you buy a old building, it can happen that you are suddenly faced with this task.

All electrical and water pipes are replaced as part of the core renovation. In many cases, this also includes the complete roof covering. The condition of walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors is checked extensively. If necessary, these are also renovated. Existing rooms are not destroyed, however. No walls are torn down.

The core of the building remains intact. If inner walls are torn down so that only the outer walls are preserved, this is called gutting.

Property Under Monument Protection

Germany is known for its strict laws protecting monument and historic status of buildings. Special caution is required for buildings that are under monumental protection. In this case, you must contact the responsible office for monument protection and ask for the conditions for core renovation.

Various funding options are available for core renovations, so you can save a lot of money. For example, you can deduct the costs for the craftsmen from your tax return and recoup up to 20 percent of the expenses.

20% craftsmen costs are reimbursed in your tax return

However, the maximum amount for a refund is 1,200 euros. In addition, there is the possibility to take advantage of one of the many support programs for the renovation of old buildings. However, you will usually only be able to benefit from these programs if you decide to carry out an energy-efficient renovation.

The subsidy programs differ from region to region and therefore vary greatly. A certified energy consultant can advise you in this regard and help you find the right program for you.

Maintenance Reserve According to Calculation Regulation

Reading Tip! In our formula collection you will find many more important formulas for the calculation of reserves, yield & Co. calculations and examples for buying, selling and renting. Rent or purchase price multiplier, gross yield, return on equity, property yield, reserves for repairs and much more.

There are too many small hidden costs when buying real estate in Germany to remember. Our guide:

• Hidden Costs when Investing in German Real Estate

Peter’s formula

The Peter’s formula assumes a useful life of 80 years.

The formula means that in a certain time 150% of the pure production costs (building costs without costs of paying for property, development, architect, etc.) for maintenance and reorganization will come up again.

For a House
80 years useful life
150% of production costs for renovation, maintenance

For condominiums in multi-family houses, the assumption is 100%. Distributed to 65% for work on common property and another 35% for work on special property.

For a Condominium
80 years useful life
100% of the manufacturing costs

Reserves Formation

If you calculate further exemplary with an object, whose production costs are 4,500 Euro per square meter, then this results in a monthly reserve of 7.05 Euro per square meter.

Reserve: house
Production costs: 4.500 € / m²
Monthly reserve: 7,05 € / m²

For condominiums, this results in a somewhat lower reserve of 4.50 euros per square meter for the owners’ association.

Reserve: condominium
Production costs: 4.500 € / m²
Monthly reserve: 7,05 € / m²

Tip! These are divided into the aforementioned 65% for work on common property and another 35% for work on special property.

• Reserve for owners’ association: 4.65 / m²
• Reserve apartment owner: 2,40 € / m²

These costs cannot be passed on to the tenant.

Annual reserve according to § 28, paragraph 2

Also the second calculation regulation supplies in § 28, paragraph 2 reference points over the appropriate height of an appropriate maintenance reserve. These cost estimates are significantly lower than those according to the Peter’s formula, but are graduated according to the age of the building (based on production costs of 4,500 euros per square meter):

• Residential buildings which are up to 22 years old = 21,30 € / m² living space
• Residential buildings which are up to 32 years old = 27,00 € / m² living space
• Residential building over 32 years = 34,50 € / m² living space
• Building with elevator + 3,00 € / m²

Energy Renovation: Low Energy Consumption

Energy-efficient refurbishment is the repair of a building with the aim of ensuring the lowest possible energy consumption. If you do an energy update, you save heating costs, contribute to climate protection and can look forward to more living comfort.

This makes sense not only if you want to live in the house yourself, but also if you plan to sell your house.

More and more people are looking for sustainable and energy-saving houses. So you increase your chances on the housing market with an energy-efficient renovation. An important component of energy-efficient renovation is the effective and complete insulation of the building envelope. A continuous airtightness is the top priority here.

Outer Building: Outer Walls, Roof, Front Door, Windows & Co.

The building envelope includes not only the exterior walls, but also the roof, front door, windows and basement ceiling. All these parts shield the living space from the cold outside air. Poor thermal insulation of the building envelope has a catastrophic effect on the energy consumption of the house.

Up to – 50% reduction in energy demand = running costs

In many cases, the need can be reduced by more than 50% by means of an appropriate renovation.

Insulation: Mineral Fibers, Natural Insulating Materials & Co.

Various materials are used for insulation, such as mineral fibers or natural insulating materials, for example cellulose, hemp or cork. The higher the insulation thickness, the more energy can be saved. Leaks and thermal bridges must be avoided at all costs.

An airtight building envelope provides the best savings. With a modern heating system, which is largely powered by renewable energies, you can reduce the ecological footprint of your house and thus contribute to climate protection. At the same time, you can save energy with a new heating system, because most oil and gas heating systems are outdated and have poor efficiencies. Therefore a lot of heating energy is wasted.

Even if you choose a classic heating system that runs on fossil fuels, you may be able to save a lot of money.

Future-Oriented Heating Systems: Heat, Pellet & Co.

However, heating systems that use renewable energy are of course more future-oriented. You have a large selection of different systems. For example, there are heating systems that use solar energy or domestic hot water. Geothermal heating systems are also possible. Pellet heating systems are also considered climate-friendly. Which solution you choose depends not only on your preferences, but also on the individual circumstances. An energy consultant will find the optimal solution for you.

Before the “Sanierung”: Energy Consultation

Before you begin with the energy renovation, you should take an energy consultation. Only with the help of an expert can you get the best out of your house. This is due to the complexity of the topic.

A house is always an overall concept that is influenced by many small changes. These should influence each other as positively as possible. Individual renovation actions that are carried out unprofessionally often do not bring the desired effect or even lead to unexpected additional costs.

Certified Energy Consultants

In order to avoid this problem, let a certified energy consultant help you best. In Germany, these are certified and highly specialized professionals. These experts investigate the condition of the building and develops then together with you a concept for a meaningful and goal-prominent energy counselling.

He not only inspects the building, but also takes your needs into consideration and of course includes the budget in the planning.

In addition, he can point out possibilities to you that you did not even know existed before. If you are looking for a good energy consultant, you can for example contact the chamber of architects of your federal state or search the internet for a suitable expert.

State Subsidies

The German state encourages green energy, and therefore subsidizes it. Just like the energy renovation itself, the costs for the energy consultant can also be supported by subsidies. The Federal Office of Economics and Export Control subsidizes the energy consulting for single and two-family houses as well as for residential units.

• State subsidies – official site of the federal office (in German)

Redevelopment of Old Building

Renovating old buildings – Old buildings are very popular because of their unique structure. Large rooms with high windows and old wooden doors, which may creak a little when opening and closing, stand for a traditional way of life. Many of the buildings are more than one hundred years old. A renovation can give the apartments a new shine. If extensive work is planned both on the façade and the interior, it is advisable to relocate tenants in advance.

For a complete refurbishment, the move-out of tenants is even compulsory. The same applies to owners who, with the support of the owners’ association, have agreed on a renovation in a majority resolution. However, owners who have acquired a property for the first time also like to strive for a renovation of an old building with subsequent new letting. There is a good chance that the renovated apartments will enjoy great popularity in all regions of Germany and will subsequently be rented out at short notice.

Heating System

The topic of heating is not only interesting for building owners, but also for property owners. Heaters are not only necessary in a real estate, but also legally required. What 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?

• The whole guide: Heating

Solar heat: Solar Energy

Solar thermal is the process by which solar energy is converted into usable heat. In residential properties, the heat produced is usually used to heat water or for heating. Depending on the location and conditions of the property, this system can completely replace the previously used heating system.

State subsidy of 2,000 euros

Gas Heating: heating with natural gas, liquid gas or biogas

Gas heating is probably the most widespread type of heating in Germany and rightly so, because the system offers many advantages. Modern technology, efficiency and inexpensive offers characterize the gas heating. In addition, they are easy to combine with renewable energies, save space and can be easily installed during modernization and renovation.

Oil Heating: Heating with fuel oil or bio fuel oil

Oil heatings are after gas heatings the probably most frequently occurring systems in Germany. The function mode is simple and works for decades in the same way. The fuel fuel oil is pumped over an oil pipe to the heating system where it is sprayed and burned. The heat that is generated during this process is used to heat up the heating water and thus to heat the house. Most of these components can be found in the boiler, which now takes up little more than one square meter of space and can even be hung on the wall, depending on the model.

Pellet Heating: Ovens with pressed wood residues

A modern pellet heating system is known for low fuel costs as well as for environmentally friendly heating and is therefore one step ahead of conventional gas and oil heating systems. Also the function mode is relatively simple. The wood pellets are periodically delivered to the combustion chamber by means of a feeder, so the correct filling is fully automatic. The heat generated by burning the pellets is used in a separate boiler to heat the water. Thus, both the heating can be operated and the hot water can be produced.

Rental: Laws, Taxes & Tenants

Renting a property can be a great extra income, but it can also become your main job. Landlords have many duties towards the tenant and have to take care of the property. However, if this is successful, a lot of profit can result. We will explain how you can best let your property and how to find the right tenant for you.

There is so much to learn!

The Right Tenants, Suitable Lease & Co.

How do I set the rental price correctly? How does my advertisement appear attractive? And how do I draw up a suitable and fair rental contract? A future landlord asks himself all these questions, because in order to successfuly rent out a property, a lot of knowledge and experience is required. But if you follow a few simple steps, you will make the leap to a successful landlord and profit from the earnings.

In addition come: Landlords have many duties and tasks, among these are for example the organization when changing tenants or the annual preparation of a service charge statement for the tenant. The rent can be set with the help of the local rent index, but it must always be considered whether the region concerned has a rent brake or not. The rental agreement should be fair for both tenant and landlord and should regulate all important points. When choosing the right tenant, it is not only the sympathy effect that counts, but also other important factors, such as creditworthiness – learn everything you need to know about renting your property in our article.

The correct tenants, suitable lease & Co. read on here:

• Leasing out House & Apartment.

Conclusion: Renovate Property

A core renovation brings your property up to date and increases its value at the same time. It increases the comfort of living and in most cases also reduces the energy consumption of the house. As a result, energy costs and the C0² emissions of the house can be reduced. Since in the long run a change to non-fossil fuels from heating systems is inevitable, you can also equip your house for the future. In order to carry out a renovation as effectively as possible, it is essential to seek the advice of an energy expert.

Thinking about buying a house? These are the best methods to save money on your investment

• Saving Money – Tax Optimization on German Real Estate

Properly plan house remodeling – analysis, budget and goal setting

As an owner who wants to sell their home and get the best price possible, consider having renovations done beforehand. This can make the house more attractive to the buyer and increase the general interest. Sometimes, however, it makes sense to forego renovations and leave them in the hands of the buyer. In this case, however, a significantly lower purchase price can usually be achieved. Here it is important to carefully weigh up the costs and benefits.

Through a well-planned home remodeling, old properties can be designed in a new way. For the success of the project, thorough planning and cooperation with professionals is of great importance. Seek the advice of architects, structural engineers and tradesmen and choose a company you trust to meet your needs and expectations. Whether a house conversion makes sense when you sell the property must be decided on an individual basis. If you are unable to sell the property without remodeling, it is worth the effort. If you are looking for professional home selling assistance, give us a call!

Before the start of the conversion, some considerations must be made. Make clear what your ideas are and to what extent you want to change the existing property. If necessary, you can seek advice from an experienced architect. List everything you want to change and which parts of the house are affected. Also consider whether you are planning an extension in addition to the conversion to increase the living space.

• How much does it cost to remodel a home?
• What is the cost of remodeling old house?
• What do I have to look out for during the conversion?
• How much does it cost to hire an architect for a remodel?

Planning phase and building analysis

Establish a preliminary approximate schedule and include delays in the calculation. These can occur unexpectedly due to undiscovered defects. Also set your budget. Once you have documented your ideas, the concrete planning phase can begin. This absolutely includes a building analysis by a professional. A master builder is the ideal contact person for this. He or she can identify defects and structural damage and give you a more accurate time frame for the remodel. It is also necessary to talk to a statistician. This person will inform you about the building regulations and check the statics of the building. It is essential that load-bearing walls remain standing. Now it will quickly become clear which of your ideas are feasible and which are structurally impossible. Compare your new findings with your original planning and create a new conversion plan on this basis.

Financing plan – craftsmen, material costs & financial reserve

Now you can create a financing plan. To do this, you can obtain various quotes from tradesmen and construction companies. Compare the prices and keep an eye on your budget. In addition to the costs for the craftsmen, there are of course also material costs. Create a cushion and ensure you have a financial reserve of about ten percent of the total budget. This is for unforeseen costs.

Permits for conversion work

A number of permits must be obtained prior to remodeling. Not all remodeling work requires a permit. However, if you are planning to add a storey or an extension to the house, you will need permission in almost every case. Even if you are converting the house to create a granny annexe or you are having a conservatory built, you will often need permission. Since these regulations differ from state to state, no general statements can be made. It is therefore essential to enquire at the relevant building authority. If you plan your conversion together with an architect or engineer, you can rely on their expertise. Craftsmen who are authorised to submit building documents are also familiar with the regulations.

This is how you find competent service providers for the conversion

For the remodeling of your home, it is best to turn to master companies. They stand for quality and have the necessary skilled workers. When choosing, pay attention to the focus of the respective master craftsman company and which projects they normally carry out. References are always a good indication when it comes to the quality of a company. Smaller renovation tasks that you would also like to have carried out in the course of the renovation, such as laying new floors, can also be left in the hands of independent craftsmen. Contact regional master craftsmen and meet with a contact person in person. Home remodeling involves large sums of money. A get-to-know-you meeting can build trust and eliminate doubts. When you feel you’ve found the right company, you can ask for a quote after inspecting the property together. It is best to get quotes from different companies.

Request alternative offers from trades

You may have to hire different companies anyway. It always depends entirely on what and how much you want to remodel. A company that moves your walls may not be able to tile the bathroom. Once you have decided on a quote, a contract will be signed. In it, all of the remodeling work you plan to do should be put in writing. Since each remodeling project is individual, the contract should also be custom made. Model contracts cannot capture the complexity of the project and are therefore useless. To be on the safe side, you can have the contract checked by a lawyer. However, bear in mind that this may involve further high costs.

Delays and fixed price

If delays occur during reconstruction, the service provider is not always to blame. Construction measures rarely run without problems and additional obstacles. There are many reasons for this. For example, undiscovered defects that become apparent during the remodeling process cause time delays. In addition, you as the builder may change your mind about details during the remodel and order additional work. This can also cause the schedule to be blown up. In this scenario, always keep an eye out for additional costs coming your way and ask the service provider to let you know if there are any new costs. This way, you’ll keep an eye on your budget and end up with a bill that won’t bankrupt you. Alternatively, it is possible to negotiate a fixed price with the tradesman.

Final building inspection

After completion of the project, the building inspection is due. Take a look at the result in peace. Even if you are not an expert, you can at least judge whether everything looks neat and works. If you are working with an architect, he can of course accompany you and advise you. If you notice any defects, these must be rectified by the tradesman. Set a deadline for this, unless this is stipulated in the contract. Only when everything is to your satisfaction will the invoice be paid.

Difference between a renovation and a refurbishment

A renovation is a visual improvement in which visible damage is repaired and living comfort is enhanced by better equipment, for example in the bathroom or kitchen. In this way, renovation differs from refurbishment, in which structural defects are removed. Renovation is therefore not absolutely necessary, but can lead to a visual upgrade and make the property more interesting for potential buyers. Wallpapering walls, repairing minor damage to the facade or laying new flooring are all part of a renovation. So, a renovation does not mean the complete renewal of the house. Instead, details are tweaked to make the property look more inviting overall. First impressions count and cannot be repeated. In order to appeal to as wide a range of people as possible, the renovation should result in a result that is as timeless and neat as possible. Extravagant wall colors and gold-plated fixtures in the bathroom appeal to only a small percentage of the population. Brightness, cleanliness and an immaculate condition of the property, on the other hand, are universally rated as positive.

Upscale, normal or simple equipment

Upscale, normal or simple equipment?

Adapt renovation to real estate

You’ve probably seen real estate listings that advertise upscale amenities.

Other offers talk about a simple or a normal equipment. This is understood to mean different standards, which of course affect the purchase price and may attract different clientele. With a targeted renovation, you can give your property the desired standard. It makes sense to adapt the furnishings to the property as much as possible.

A villa or a spacious apartment in the city centre, for example, can be better advertised with upscale furnishings. Potential buyers are prepared to spend a lot of money right from the start and want the interior of their dream property to meet their requirements. A small terraced house in the suburbs, on the other hand, is better suited to normal or simple furnishings.

Location and neighbourhood: influence on building elements

The surroundings and the location also play an important role when deciding on a standard of equipment. By looking around the neighborhood, it is usually easy to see if your property fits in with the surrounding area. If the home is in an area with mostly upscale homes, buyers who want to live in an upscale environment are more likely to be interested. Before you take action, plan your renovations accordingly.

Upscale equipment

Upscale equipment must meet high standards. Bathroom, central heating and double windows are mandatory here. The flooring can be high-quality carpet, natural stone or parquet. In the bathroom and kitchen there is a tiled floor. In addition, no supply lines may be visible. They disappear invisibly under the plaster. With the appropriate renovation work, you can give your property an upscale standard. Other extras, such as a fitted kitchen, integrated lamps or an alarm system also contribute to an upscale interior and are considered a luxury by buyers.

Normal equipment

Houses with normal equipment are equipped with double windows, at least on the windward side. Here, too, the utilities run mostly under the plaster. Bathroom and kitchen have a tiled floor. There is also central heating. Basic fittings are houses with single windows, linoleum or PVC flooring and no central heating. Many supply lines run above the plaster. A less than optimal layout of the rooms can also result in a classification in a simple equipment. Through renovation work, you can transform a house with simple fittings into a property with normal or upmarket fittings and thus appeal to completely different groups of buyers.

Renovate different living areas

You need to properly weigh the costs and benefits when renovating different living areas.

Weighing costs and benefits correctly

In a house, there are many construction sites that are candidates for renovation. One of them is the bathroom. A renovation makes sense if there is visible damage or if the equipment is no longer up to date.

Bathroom: Tile, WC, tub & shower

Bathrooms with small tiles and trees on the wall tiles are no longer in line with current tastes and are considered outdated. They can look unattractive to the buyer. So new tiles are a worthwhile investment. However, replacing the toilet, bathtub and shower is very costly and does not always make sense. Here it is important to weigh the costs thoroughly against the benefits and question the necessity. In a house with upscale furnishings, however, the sanitary facilities should also be brought up to date. Outdated bathrooms are a reason for buyers in this price segment not to buy the property.

Kitchen: renovation and modern look

The renovation of the kitchen can also be reflected positively in the purchase price. A modern kitchen can increase the purchase price by 4.5 percent. In this way, a few thousand euros can be gained in many cases when selling real estate. However, the costs for the kitchen must be deducted. If a kitchen already exists, a new one does not necessarily have to be installed. Old fronts can easily be replaced with new ones. A better interior additionally enhances the value of the kitchen. Modern electrical appliances make the superficial renovation complete.

Living areas: Wallpaper, Laminate & Co

A renovation of the living areas is almost always worthwhile. It makes for a neat and tidy impression. Depending on the condition of the house, not all walls need to be re-wallpapered and all floors need to be re-laid. Wallpaper that is in good condition can be painted over and wooden floors can be sanded down. Damage to laminate flooring can be repaired with laminate infill and defective tiles can be replaced individually. However, if you want to raise the standard of the decor, it may be necessary to replace the floors, for example. Also bear in mind that certain floor coverings are considered out of date, despite their high quality. Carpets, linoleum and cork flooring are no longer desired by most buyers and will reduce the purchase price for this reason alone, even if they are in good condition.

Wallpapering is always advisable

Wallpapering the living rooms, on the other hand, is always advisable when the old wallpaper no longer accepts paint or cannot be painted over. For example, a woodchip wallpaper tolerates about six coats. If you decide to redecorate the living rooms, you can choose between different types of wallpaper. For living room and bedroom normal paper wallpapers or non-woven wallpapers come into question. In the kitchen or in the hallway, however, waterproof latex wallpapers are a good choice. They can be easily wiped off and are therefore the perfect choice for heavily used areas.

Conversion of older houses and apartments

Many older houses and apartments have great potential in terms of a new design. It is not always necessary to demolish the building and build anew. This variant is often chosen by builders. However, it is not very profitable. Demolition sometimes involves high costs, especially if there are harmful substances to be disposed of. In addition, there are the costs for the new building. In many cases, it makes sense to consider rebuilding. If the substance of the building is in good or very good condition, the property can be gutted and remodeled. If you own an older building that you would like to sell, we would be happy to make an appointment with you for an individual inspection. Together with a building expert, we can decide whether the building is suitable for a comprehensive conversion and can be offered on the market accordingly. Since the demand for real estate in Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate is high, we can successfuly assist you in selling your property in most cases. Get in touch with us without any obligation. We look forward to your call.

Prerequisites for a successful conversion

Before you decide to remodel an older home, it is important to find out what is feasible. Surely you have many ideas that you would like to implement. What is possible and what is not, however, depends on the condition of the building and the statics. For many builders, the question of cost also plays a very important role.

Verification of the statics

Before you start with the actual conversion, a review of the statics is required as part of the feasibility study. It is a great advantage if you are in possession of building plans. These make a statement about the way in which the building was constructed. In principle, it is possible to tear out walls and reconstruct them. However, these must not be load-bearing walls. If you remove them, the consequence may be the collapse of the building or some parts of it. If you want to remove a load-bearing wall, it is important to support the building beforehand. You are hardly limited in terms of what you can do. However, changing the statics is a cost issue. Many measures related to maintaining the statics are expensive and may only be carried out by a professional. In any case, a comprehensive renovation should be accompanied by an experienced structural engineer. However, if you limit yourself to comprehensive renovation work, you can do without a structural engineer and save the costs.

Calculate costs safely in advance

If you have decided to remodel because building a new home was too expensive, your funds are sometimes limited. However, a comprehensive remodel can also yield very nice results. A complete remodel sometimes costs as much as or even exceeds the cost of a single-family home. Basically, though, you can operate within your margin. Even if you only have a small budget, a lot can be made of it. Also consider whether you would be willing to do your own work. You will save money on the labor hours that you would have to pay to the tradesmen. Technical skills and a good hand are important prerequisites for the provision of personal services.

Redesign walls and floors

Remodeling a home involves many small investments. If you decide to completely gut the house and completely redesign the interior, you will have to reckon with a five-figure sum in the low to medium range in any case. The design of the walls and floors alone will cost 10,000 EUR or more. The high financial expenditure for the craftsman hours is already included in this amount. However, it makes little sense to take on the laying of the floors and the wallpapering yourself if you are not experienced in this. In this case, you should hire an experienced craftsman and look for cost savings elsewhere.

Bathroom and kitchen planning

There are a variety of beautiful design options for the bathroom and kitchen, but they are very costly. The advantage of remodeling the house is that you can re-route pipes and electrical wiring. So it is possible to install taps, toilet and shower in a different place. You can even choose a different room if you don’t like the previous layout. However, again, plan for a five-figure sum in the lower or middle range.

Determine real costs

The total cost of a remodel can quickly exceed 100,000 euros. A comprehensive redesign with the assistance of a structural engineer quickly exceeds the costs you would have to bear for a new construction of the house. It is important that you compare costs and benefits and really include all the little things in your planning. Define generous sums by rounding up significantly. Then add an amount of 10,000 euros for the things you have forgotten. Then you are protected from unpleasant surprises and may even have capital left over with which you can fulfil some special wishes.

Allow for buffer: planning costs + 10%.

Converting a house can be an attractive alternative to buying a new one. It is important that you clarify, if possible before buying the property, which planning you can implement and what costs you will incur. You should only complete the purchase when you are sure you have found the right property. Contact a structural engineer and have a feasibility study done. Only when all the plans are feasible to your satisfaction is it the right time to buy the property. Would you like advice from a professional? We are happy to be of service to you. Simply make an appointment for a non-binding discussion.

Conclusion: Renovation before selling the house

Renovation work before the sale of the house is reflected positively in the selling price. However, the costs and benefits should be thoroughly reviewed beforehand. If you decide to renovate, you should refrain from extravagant experiments. Because you do not know the taste of the buyer. Timeless, bright and well-maintained rooms appeal to most potential buyers. In addition, you should think about the desired standard of furnishings and plan the renovation accordingly. By replacing floors and wallpaper and renovating the bathroom and kitchen, you can specifically improve the standard of furnishings and thus improve your chances on the housing market.

Core renovation at a glance: Transfer to as-new condition

• All structural renovation measures on a house
• Tasks such as the re-roofing of a roof, the laying of new floors, or the installation of new windows and doors, among others.
• Building fabric is restored to as-new condition

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