Do you want to sustainably renovate an ageing property? Then you've come to the right place! Whether core refurbishment or energy-efficient refurbishment - every refurbishment measure remedies fundamental defects in an old building and thus goes beyond the superficial cosmetic repairs of a classic renovation.
However, the list of "construction sites" for an upcoming renovation is often so long that you don't even know where to start. Especially if it is to be as ecological, environmentally friendly and future-oriented as possible.
In this article, I will therefore show you the most important tips that you should consider when carrying out a sustainable renovation and, as a result, a sustainable modernization. Let's go!
Reasons: Why renovate sustainably?
As a rule, a renovation project requires patience and willpower above all else. To keep you motivated throughout the entire conversion phaseI have summarized all the important Advantages of renovating buildings in the most environmentally friendly way possible compiled:
- Protect environment (e.g. through resource-saving material planning)
- Save costs (e.g. lower heating and electricity costs through energy-efficient measures)
- Increase real estate value (e.g. through the installation of modern window systems)
- Healthier and more comfortable living (e.g. Better indoor climate through natural building materials)
- Benefit from subsidies (e.g. state subsidies for green renovation measures)
- Becoming independent of the energy market (e.g. through PV system on the renovated roof)
- Fulfilling a role model function (e.g. for other homeowners or future generations)
10 tips: What should you bear in mind for a sustainable renovation?
Now we can full of zest for action, move on to the tipsthat should help you with environmentally friendly refurbishment. I have also listed them for you as precisely as possible in the usual order of a typical refurbishment phase.
1. assess the condition of the property
Before you do a single thing, you should take stock. The best way to do this is to look at together with professional experts (e.g. from the Bauherrenschutzbund) or other experienced specialists from the construction industry (e.g. architects or craftsmen).
Roof, windows, roller shutters, heating system, thermal insulation, pipes or the Facade? Find out what needs to be renovated or renewed. And remember that, if the worst comes to the worst, you will need permission from the monument protection authority to make changes to listed buildings.
2. make sound plans
Without detailed planning, there is a high risk that your renovation project will fail or that your costs will skyrocket. So think carefully, how the building should look and be used in the future - and align all refurbishment measures with this target image.
Also prioritize them and decide in advance, which step is completed at what time who can help you and what you might even be able to do yourself.
This way you always have an overview. So that nobody gets in each other's way the schedule is also important for the trades. Ultimately, planning as precisely as possible really does save you a lot of time and money.
3. use passive energy generation
If you are carrying out extensive renovation work on your old house anyway, then you can also use the Foundation stone for future use renewable energies and thus also for an even more sustainable lifestyle lay
Of course, I don't mean simply switching to green electricity, but above all the Installation of a PV system on the renovated roof. It generates sustainable electricity for you every day, which you can use yourself or feed into the public grid for a fee.
4. strive for maximum energy efficiency
Of course, energy should not only come from sustainable sources, but should also be used as sensibly and sparingly as possible become. The Energy efficiency of the building can be improved, for exampleby replacing old wooden windows with single glazing with modern Plastic windows replaced with triple glazing.
Here are Some other climate-friendly optionswith which you can renovate sustainably, reduce energy consumption and save costs in the long term:
- In sustainable thermal insulation invest
- Replace heating system (e.g. geothermal heat pump; more under Sustainable heating)
- Using smart thermostats
- Give preference to efficient household appliances
5. rely on natural building materials
Huge quantities of materials are used in renovation projects. To ensure that the appearance and indoor climate in particular are appealing later on - and at the same time protect the environment - you should therefore choose building materials of natural origin.
You can avoid the use of toxic chemicals with building materials such as Wood, flax, lime, clay or hemp. Such materials are usually more sustainable, can be used in all areas (e.g. for insulation) and also reduce the ecological footprint of the entire (conversion) construction project.
6. save resources where possible
Who build sustainably or even sustainable refurbishment, knows that resource conservation is an important very decisive role plays an important role. The less material is used and the more that can be reused or recycled from the old stock, the better - also for your wallet.
So think about which parts of the building that have been removed might be used once again can become. And which things repair with simple means leave. Also use Building materials from demolition projects and keep an eye out in the DIY store for Cutting residues. The latter are generally available at significantly lower prices.
Tip: How you basically conserve resources in everyday life you can find out again in detail in the linked blog article.
7. compare offers and apply for state subsidies
To master your sustainable renovation even on a smaller budget, you should Several offers are essential from different companies for the respective trades.
Then compare not only the price, but also the corresponding services and give preference to tradesmen who offer the best possible service. pursue a green philosophy and enjoy a good reputation in your region.
Renovating and modernizing old properties is important for the Energy Transition and in the public interest. You should therefore also find out about suitable Support programs from the state or the individual federal states. For example, loans and grants are available for both individual measures and complete renovations of residential buildings from the KfW or the BAFA.
Important: As a rule, you may only start construction work once the funding has been approved! Otherwise you have no chance of receiving financial support from the state.
8. make a cost plan and only then request financing from the bank
Whether sustainable or not, if you want to renovate an old building, you need to draw up a cost plan to cover the Estimate and monitor expected expenses as accurately as possible to be able
So you also know, how much money you are likely to need and can minimize the risk of unexpected cost overruns. The plan also increases your chances of on the loan financing from your bank.
9. commission trades and implement refurbishment measures according to plan
As soon as the financing is in place, you can commission the specialist companies of your choice to carry out the work. Every renovation project should of course professionally carried out and checked by independent experts so that no time is lost, no material is wasted and no construction defects are provoked.
So make sure that the building surveyor always on site for the important dates and that all trades adhere to the times specified in the plan.
10. dispose of old material properly
From old bricks from a breakthrough, for example, you can still use a Create rock piles in the garden for insects and lizards. And a extended ceiling beam can possibly also be transformed into a creative dining table hanging lamp.
But of course, even with a sustainable refurbishment, you will end up with absolutely unusable building remains have. Accordingly, you should sort such old materials from the outset so that they can be disposed of as easily as possible and ideally recycled.
Tip: How to deal with construction waste as sustainably as possible - and how to Recycle, separate, dispose of and upcycle construction waste you can find out in detail in the linked article.
Sustainable renovation, made easy!
A renovation is of course a major project - possibly even the biggest building project of your life. But with the right plan, professional support and a sustainable mindset you will definitely master it successfully.
Here and now you've learned the most important tips to help you save money sustainably. Besides, you now have the tool at handto transform an inefficient old building in need of modernization into a sustainable property with environmentally friendly standards.
"What we do today will determine what the world looks like tomorrow."
Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (more at Change quotes)
I hope that these tips will help you with your sustainable renovation project. Do you have any questions, suggestions or your own experiences that you would like to share with me and the readers? Then I look forward to hearing from you in the comments!
Stay sustainable,
PS: You basically want more sustainable living and your Making your home as environmentally friendly as possible? Then be sure to use the tips from the linked blog articles next. Good luck with the implementation!
