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Renovating old buildings – the 7 most common mistakes

Posted by Katrin Skora on 24. September 2024
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Renovating old buildings – the 7 most common mistakes

Many building owners shy away from renovating old buildings. This is mainly due to a number of prejudices and myths. That renovations in old buildings are ineffective, expensive and time-consuming is just as persistent as many other statements that are still in circulation. We clear up seven of them.

1. listed buildings cannot be renovated for energy efficiency

For old buildings that are fully or partially listed, refurbishments are more complex, but still possible. If the façade is to be preserved, internal insulation makes a lot of sense. By replacing old windows with modern insulating glass windows that match the previous appearance, the energy balance can easily be improved without having to forfeit the historical charm.

2. first of all, the façade must be insulated

It is a myth that insulation must be installed first when renovating an old building. It is much more important to first determine whether façade insulation is effective. However, there is no general obligation. However, if more than ten percent of the surface is to be newly plastered in the upcoming project, owners are obliged to insulate the façade in accordance with the requirements of the Energy Saving Ordinance.

3. alternative heating systems are not worthwhile in old buildings

It is a myth that insulation must be installed first when renovating an old building. It is much more important to first determine whether façade insulation is effective. However, there is no general obligation. However, if more than ten percent of the surface is to be newly plastered in the upcoming project, owners are obliged to insulate the façade in accordance with the requirements of the Energy Saving Ordinance.

4. individual living requirements cannot be realized in the old building

In contrast to new builds, where the floor plan is first determined, this basis is already in place for old buildings. However, depending on the structure of the house, it is usually possible to implement the desired floor plan at a later date by gutting the interior. As these conversion measures in old buildings can be somewhat more complicated, they should be supervised by a specialist planner.

5. an old building cannot become an efficiency house

By retrofitting thermal insulation and optimizing the heating and windows, it is even possible to achieve the passive house standard. The exact energy standard that is achieved in each individual case depends primarily on the thickness of the insulation. In addition, the structural requirements are decisive and must be created in case of doubt.

6 Energy-efficient renovations of old buildings are hardly supported by the state

This preconception is absolutely wrong. Owners of old buildings who want to renovate their home to make it more energy efficient can apply for financial support. The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) offers low-interest loans or grants for projects such as these, for example the “Energy-efficient refurbishment” funding program. Both complete refurbishments and individual measures are eligible for funding. Among other things, the insulation of exterior walls and roof surfaces, the replacement of the heating system and the installation of a ventilation or photovoltaic system are eligible for funding.

7. renovation in an old building leads to mold growth

During an energy-efficient renovation, possible leaks are sealed with the aim of allowing less energy to escape and thus saving costs. If air exchange is restricted, this can lead to increased humidity and, in the worst case, mold growth. However, this can easily be prevented and a better indoor climate ensured if the renovation work is carried out professionally and followed by an effective ventilation concept.

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