When a house gets old – Energy-efficient renovation

Renovation reduces energy costs and increases the market value of the house

Many homebuyers and renters prefer a modernized older building in an established neighborhood to a new build. This is not only because older buildings are often more spacious, but also because of their unique charm. However, those who skimp on renovations end up paying more in the long run, especially since renovations not only reduce environmental impact and save on energy costs, but also increase living comfort: well-planned insulation provides additional soundproofing, protects the building structure, and reduces the risk of mold growth.

Energy saving has long been a non-issue

Especially in houses built before the 1980s, which represent around 70 percent of the 18.5 million single-family and two-family homes in Germany, the energy efficiency standards are outdated. Energy saving only became a focus for architects and planners after the oil crisis of the 1970s. Typical weak points include, for example, uninsulated facades, basement and upper floor ceilings and floor slabs (if present), outdated heating systems, and single-glazed windows and doors.

Insulating the roof, installing a modern heating system, and replacing windows can up to 60 percent on energy costs . It's also important to check whether the building structure is suitable for insulating the facade. The energy efficiency standard achieved depends primarily on the thickness of the insulation.

Comply with EnEV regulations

If the area of ​​the modified exterior building components exceeds ten percent of the total area of ​​the respective component of the building, homeowners must comply with the requirements of the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV 2014). If a property owner forgoes insulation during a comprehensive renovation or fails to meet the retrofit obligation to insulate the top floor ceiling by the end of 2015, they face a fine of €50,000 .

Consult an expert

To better plan and weigh the costs and benefits of a renovation, it is advisable to consult an expert (subsidies can be applied for from KfW to cover the costs). After a comprehensive assessment, they can help you create a sensible renovation plan.

The newly published consumer guide from the German Association for the Protection of Homeowners (BSB) entitled “Ten Steps to Modern Living in Old Buildings” explains all phases of modernization and provides information on funding opportunities for financing planned renovation measures.