Buying a house in need of renovation - What is the best approach?

  • Erstellt am 2025-09-02 20:46:16

Kiefernadel

2025-09-06 20:39:16
  • #1
Hi Fubu1337,

you brought up the topic of underfloor heating in old buildings. I’d like to add ceiling heating to that. We have both in our house. On the ground floor ceiling heating and upstairs underfloor heating. Even though we haven’t had a full winter with it yet, I can already say that I’m a big fan of ceiling heating and, although we have tiles throughout the ground floor, they are 2 degrees warmer even at a lower set temperature than in rooms without ceiling heating. And it was cheaper in the end since the costs for the screed completely blew the budget. Underfloor heating is of course great too, especially in the bathroom. Good luck anyway.
 

Zubi123

2025-09-06 21:17:54
  • #2
Regarding points 1-3: as a rule, this is always feasible. If in doubt, install a few load-bearing beams.

With a good exposé, the structural engineering documents from the building application are included. In case of doubt, you can already see if these are load-bearing walls. Otherwise, you can also request the structural engineering documents directly from the building authority.


Such high costs do not necessarily arise from removing old screed and putting in new screed. Just screed you can estimate at €6-7k. Knocking it out can be done well by yourself with a few friends. In case of doubt, the follow-up costs are more significant: If the screed is new, then insulation is laid underneath; consequence: new lintels for the doors.
I would still always do that on the ground floor.

Alternatively, for example, you can mill the heating pipes into the existing screed on the upper floor.


Insulate anew! Do it in one go with the new windows. In this context, you can position the new windows directly against the new insulation and get deeper window sills inside.

Points 8 to 10: do them! Cost is difficult to estimate depending on what you want to do yourself.
I would estimate plumbing at €25k. Electrical work DIY €8k. Windows easily €35k. Aluminum front door €8k.

Regarding point 11:

That should not be a problem. You can, for example, fasten it with long threaded rods into the load-bearing masonry. It's just a small thermal bridge. That can be tolerated. Or plan thermal bridge consoles in front of the insulation.
 

nordanney

2025-09-07 01:11:06
  • #3

Currently +/- 20€/sqm for normal cement screed and usual thickness. With luck also with accelerator so that follow-up work can start earlier.

It’s easy and quick with a sledgehammer.
 

Joedreck

2025-09-07 09:22:21
  • #4
If the electrical work is done, water/sewage as well, one can also talk about underfloor heating. If there is also going to be facade insulation, the exterior walls can also be covered. Milling is definitely possible too. There are really many alternatives.
 

Teimo1988

2025-09-07 11:03:32
  • #5
Here's my two cents. 1-4: Someone needs to look on-site. Everything can always be done. 4: Solar and heat pump is usually not a good combination because it is difficult to regulate sensibly. 5: Do it. You want to remove walls anyway and build new ones. If the new walls are to be masonry, they must be built on the raw floor anyway. Insulation under the screed can be done by yourself. Underfloor heating too. It would be important for someone to plan the build-up height and thus also specify lintels etc. 6: Your photos of the roof are not really conclusive for me. Looks like fiber cement sheets. 7/8: The insulation + window U-value will be set by the energy consultant. Whether double or triple glazing financially does not make much difference. If new windows, then also insulate, otherwise risk of mold. 9: Electricity if all new in EL I think 10k€ will be enough. 10: Only pipes and flush-mounted fittings around 10-15k€. More towards 10k€. 11: There are possibilities/consoles.
 

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