Short-term cultivation project at an existing house

Good day everyone,

before the corresponding feedback comes in: I know, short notice and construction, that’s not necessarily clever. But asking doesn’t cost anything, so I thought I’d just start writing.

We have decided to renovate an existing house (built in 1975) and build an extension (approx. 75m²).

Now I’m wondering if it is at all possible to submit the building application for such a project by 31.12.2015 (provided, of course, that the architect or construction supervisor treats the whole thing with priority A).

Since I do not consider this realistic as a layman, my follow-up question would be whether the extension then falls under the new [EenV] or even the whole house, meaning whether only the extension must comply with the new [EenV] or the entire house, because then it would of course become really expensive. On the other hand, it also sounds paradoxical to bring part of the house up to the latest standard while leaving the other part almost as it is in terms of heating. Currently, an oil heating system is in operation, which heats the (previous) entire house.

The house has 1.5 floors, two entrances, and the upper floor is rented and is to remain so. For us, the ground floor plus extension (which is to have 1.5 floors again, entirely at our disposal) would be relevant.

Many thanks for the feedback, of whatever kind.

Well, I can give you an answer regarding the timeline. Just count the working days that remain this year and then consider whether an architect still wants/can accept your commission now, can discuss the planning with you, draw the plans (what about a site plan?), submit the application, and still manage to finish it.

If I, as an architect, had the time and inclination (after all, Christmas is unexpectedly just around the corner and other people also want to get their applications finished this year), I would send you a hefty bill ;).

My father-in-law would have been answering your question with "No" for weeks...

The building application includes a design or first of all the clarification of the building and planning law issues that may arise in your specific situation (what is allowed, to what extent, with what usage can be built). For this, a preliminary building inquiry may also have to be submitted initially. In addition, a surveyor must be commissioned to create at least a simple site plan for the building application, etc. Although the architect can also prepare this, it is not recommended.

In short: that does not work. Besides, quite a few builders and architects have the same idea—I currently do too—and flood the desks of authorities and specialist engineers with piles of projects and applications. The requirements of the Energy Saving Ordinance always refer to the newly approved building component. If the existing building is not renovated, it is protected by vested rights. When the Energy Saving Ordinance applies to renovations depends on the scope of the renovation and is regulated in the Energy Saving Ordinance. It is available online.