Renovation Single-family house built in 1954 Baden-Württemberg

Good day,

it looks quite good that we will make it to the shortlist. Another appointment next week. The owners want to decide over Easter. We are reaching a certain limit with the budget. We hope that the sale price does not increase further.

But great that our estimate could be accurate.

Best regards

Michael

We suspect that the roof was renewed once and the windows were replaced with double-glazed plastic windows. According to the realtor, the facade was insulated with +10 cm some years ago. Construction/materiaI unknown. The owners have passed away. Nevertheless, we would probably redo the above-mentioned renovations as well.

The roof is both visually and technically fine and presumably insulated? Why do you want to throw away €40k there? But €40k is also generous for just reroofing maybe 150m².

The facade is already insulated. Whether it is 10, 12 or 16 cm, you will notice at the end of the year only a double-digit euro amount on the oil/gas bill. So why spend €20k for a new insulation and disposal (not to mention the unnecessary waste of resources)? You can paint it very well without tearing it down first.

Why do you want to replace the windows? Do you not like them visually? Double-glazed and built after 1994 – new double-glazed windows will hardly bring any energy improvement there. If it is about enlarging or if the windows are actually older or visually borderline (which is often the case with older plastic windows), then do it. By the way, you can usually find the manufacturing year of the windows or the glazing printed or embossed on the edge of the glass on the surrounding spacer in 95% of cases. Sometimes it says, for example, "14.10.1998 ISOSTAR" or similar, or just 10/98 – just have a look.

€30k for a new heating system? Wow. Material costs €6k for the heating including operation, fittings, and chimney + installation and €100/m² for underfloor heating + €1k extra for the distributor. So at most half of that.

With only three openings, you can drop the "2" at the front of the €25k. That should be enough, even with plastering and setting the lintel.

I think that some things are taken too far and some (for example electrical work) not far enough. You always need a proper buffer anyway, so I would just leave the total amount as it is. If it turns out to be less, you can be happy.

Good luck with getting the contract!

The roof is both visually and technically fine and probably insulated? Why do you want to throw away 40k€ there? But 40k is generous even just for re-roofing maybe 150m².

The facade is already insulated. Whether 10, 12 or 16 cm, you will notice a double-digit euro range on the oil/gas bill by the end of the year. So why spend 20k on new insulation and disposal (not to mention the unnecessary waste of resources)? It can be very well painted without tearing it down first.

Why do you want to replace the windows? You don’t like them visually? Double-glazed with a construction year after 1994 – new double-glazed windows will hardly bring any energy improvement there. If it’s about enlargement or the windows are actually older or visually borderline (which is often the case with older plastic windows), then do it. By the way, you can find the construction year of the windows or the glazing in 95% of the cases printed or embossed on the edge of the glass in the surrounding spacer. Sometimes it says, e.g., "14.10.1998 ISOSTAR" or something like that, or just 10/98 – just take a look.

30k for a new heating system? Good grief. Material costs 6k for the heating including operation, fittings, and chimney + installation and 100€/m² for underfloor heating + 1k for the distributor extra. So at most half.

Hello, thank you for your critical feedback! I think it’s important to keep this perspective in mind! Does it always make sense to completely upgrade an older house to new standards?!
Your suggestions definitely help us with the discussions with the general contractor!!
I think the roof has to be examined and then decided. I’m not sure if anything has been done. Visually the roof tiles certainly don’t appear to be 65 years old. The tip about the windows is very valuable. We will take a close look at that.

With only three breakthroughs, you can drop the "2" in front of the 25k euros. That should be enough, even with plastering and setting lintels.

The 25,000 EUR also included general demolition costs (e.g. dismantling old radiators and their disposal). I took this sum “blind” from another project that unfortunately failed. I believe the general contractors add their margin or subsume other costs?

I think some things are priced too high and others (for example electrical) too low. You always need a decent buffer anyway, so I would just leave the total sum like that. If it’s less, you can be happy.

Good luck getting the contract!

Thanks to you as well. In post #1 I mistyped the electrical costs. Or do you also find the 20,000 EUR in post #2 too low? Which items do you think are still priced too low in your opinion?

Thanks also for the wishes. Unfortunately, we have been searching for a long time already and are therefore rather pessimistic.
Usually there is always someone who offers more.

Best regards

Michael

Good evening everyone,

unfortunately, another party has placed a very high bid, which we cannot/will not match. What a pity.

But thank you to you anyway!

Too bad, but you will surely get a nice little house someday!