Renovation – Projects and Qualified Teams

Renovation covers all construction measures that preserve, upgrade, or bring existing buildings up to current energy standards. The trade ranges from heritage renovation with conservation requirements through energy retrofits (insulation, window replacement, heating modernisation) to specific measures such as damp-proofing, mould remediation, asbestos removal, and hazardous-material disposal. Unlike new build, work begins with substance analysis: structural assessment, moisture measurement, hazardous-substance investigation, and detailed survey of existing components. Example Germany: energy retrofits follow the Building Energy Act (GEG); asbestos and mineral-fibre removal are governed by TRGS 519 and TRGS 521.

FAQ

How much does complete renovation cost per m² of living area?

How does a renovation ideally proceed?

Which energy measures yield the best return?

Which hazardous substances are common in existing buildings?

How long does a 100 m² full renovation take?

Which subsidies are available in Germany?

How much does complete renovation cost per m² of living area?: Example Germany: basic renovation 600–900 €/m², mid-level with bathrooms and heating 1,000–1,500 €/m², full renovation with energy upgrade 1,500–2,500 €/m². In Poland typically 30–40 % below German levels at comparable standard.
How does a renovation ideally proceed?: 1. Survey and hazardous-substance testing. 2. Structural concept and permits. 3. Strip-out and gutting. 4. Structure, roof, façade. 5. Interior fit-out (heating/electrical/plumbing, drywall, screed, tiling). 6. Surfaces (paint, flooring). The order is mandatory due to drying times and trade interdependencies.
Which energy measures yield the best return?: Example Germany: roof insulation typically pays back in 8–12 years, window replacement in 12–18 years, façade insulation (EIFS) in 15–25 years. Heating modernisation with a heat pump qualifies for GEG/BEG subsidies and returns within 8–15 years given rising energy prices.
Which hazardous substances are common in existing buildings?: Asbestos in floor coverings (vinyl-asbestos tiles), filler compounds, and roof panels (pre-1993). Old mineral fibre into the late 1990s. Wood preservatives with PCP/lindane in components pre-1989. PCBs in joints and coatings. Sample testing is mandatory before any strip-out.
How long does a 100 m² full renovation take?: Including strip-out, heating, bathrooms, drywall, tiling, and painting: 4–6 months with continuous multi-trade scheduling. With heritage requirements or hazardous-material remediation: 6–10 months. Weather and permit lead times are decisive.
Which subsidies are available in Germany?: Example Germany: BEG (Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings) via KfW and BAFA – grants for individual measures and full renovation. Tax relief under §35c EStG for owner-occupied housing. Prerequisite: application before work begins.

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