First house purchase, year of construction 1962, how much will a renovation cost?

The seller must show you an energy certificate. This also includes measures for energy savings. We are facing a similar project and walked through the house with a civil engineer who is now preparing a cost estimate for everything we want to do. Wouldn't that be something for you as well?

I think that with 40K and good craftsman friends or family members, you can get along very well. Of course, it won’t be a modern Schöner Wohnen house. But that’s not the point anyway.

The material is often not really expensive... Search online and don’t let yourself be intimidated by "specialist companies." Install the things yourself or have your craftsman friends/family do it, or use MyHammer.

Besides that, I wouldn’t do anything to the facade insulation. Also, don’t fill anything extra into the gap. That stuff rots and molds, and then you’re in trouble.

Your idea of insulating the attic is good. I will get to that soon as well.

And yes! You pay considerably more heating costs monthly than a passive house! That’s just how it is!

But you haven’t spent huge sums on insulation. That doesn’t even cost 500EUR! That really costs a lot of money! So, insulate the attic as you planned, get proper double glazing, and everything will be fine.

I would definitely make sure that the interior doors close properly or are as "tight" as possible. So no doors with, for example, 3cm of space at the bottom or something like that.

If you manage your money well from the start, you will definitely make it with 40k!

Tassimat, you mean it might be possible that it would be cheaper "all in" just because of a better interest rate? Honestly, I wouldn't have thought of that. I have to ask the advisor about that! It would of course be possible to basically increase the loan amount by 20k so that the renovation has room for contingencies.

Niloa, that's true. But there is no energy certificate. I know it is required, but I am not sure if the seller won't lose interest if I want to have it made at his expense.

Farilo, thank you very much for your positive assessment! We actually do not have the claim of a "Schöner Wohnen" house. And maybe I am also worrying way too much. For me, the whole project is a "black box." I have no experience and have to rely on other people’s opinions, which is why I am rather critical about getting quotes from craftsmen and calculating with them.

I think this house is great, no question! But I believe everyone knows the feeling of being, let's say, helpless, having to rely on other people. I am hardly used to that and therefore have this jittery feeling in my stomach.

In which LK is the house located?

The house is located in the district of Lüneburg.

Farilo, thank you very much for your positive assessment! We actually do not have the claim of a "Schöner Wohnen" house. And possibly I am also overthinking things way too much. For me, the entire project is a "black box". I have no experience and have to rely on the opinions of other people, which is why I am rather skeptical about getting quotes from craftsmen and calculating based on them.

I think this house is great, no question! But I think everyone knows the feeling of, let's say, helplessness, having to rely on other people. I am hardly used to that and therefore have this fluttery gut feeling.

You are right to think a lot! That is very good. Keep it up.

BUT, you should not base your final decision entirely on statements here from the forum.

There are many users here who spend, for example, 20-30k on insulation in order to save 70 euros in heating costs per month. These people then also give well-intentioned tips here on how to do it etc... They no longer see the forest for the trees amid all the KFW, energy saving regulations, new builds, 30k garage, 10k front door, 50k smart home, and 35k kitchen and think these kinds of expenses are "normal."

So, make a list of the most important things for you and work through them.

For me, they were:

1) Is the house "dry"? So roof and basement (I only have a crawl space basement. But it was dry).
2) What does the electrical system look like? Is it up to date? (Cables, fuses, RCD, etc.)
3) Is the heating reasonable? (I had mine completely redone including new pipes and new gas boiler.)
4) What about the water pipes/supply/sewage pipes? Does anything need to be done?

So, when you have taken care of these things—and in my opinion 40k is definitely enough or far less if not everything is ruined—then you can take care of the visual things.

You are in Lüneburg... That’s just around the corner here. (I am in Bergedorf.) I also bought a house built in 1960 and accordingly "modernized" it. So I am, let’s say, 1.5 years ahead of you in this case.

Important: Don’t let yourself be pressured!
Sometimes "specialist companies" scare people to get the jobs.
The wife puts pressure because she wants it finished.
You yourself put pressure on yourself and worry because you have no plan about anything.

Therefore... take your time and do it properly. If craftsmen have no time at the point of your request, then go to the next one! There are, contrary to the perceived statements and opinions, including here in the forum, apparently millions of craftsmen. And Lüneburg is not known as THE construction metropolis where craftsmen are as rare as moon rocks.

Use the internet (MyHammer etc.) to get offers. That way you get a feel for the real price.

I have sometimes received offers for the same service that differed by 8k! So, be careful!!!

If the location of the house is good, the substance reasonable, and the price comfortable for you/you all, then go for it. Don’t be afraid of the renovation. Respect yes, fear no!

You can send your mobile number by PM. Then I can maybe take away a few fears in a telephone conversation.

Note: These "tips" do not come from a craftsman, architect, construction expert, or similar. But only from someone who started a very similar project like you 1.5 years ago. (Price-wise, however, at a completely different/lower level).

Regards