Zeitgeist with substance: What you should look out for when buying a property in need of renovation.

The charm of old walls has captured your heart - and you intend to purchase and modernize a property in need of renovation? Then it's worth taking a close look before you buy: Do you know what you should look out for in the architecture and building fabric?

Construction methods, materials and technical standards have constantly evolved over the last century and a half. Depending on the year of construction, not only the floor plan and architecture differ significantly, but also the building materials used, insulation standards and technical installations.

If you want to renovate an older house, it is therefore essential to know when the property was built and what typical features are associated with it.

This is the only way to plan renovation measures efficiently - and avoid unpleasant surprises.

For example, a house from the Wilhelminian era requires different interventions than a prefabricated house from the 1970s.

While pipes, windows and insulation often have to be completely replaced in older solid buildings, harmful substances such as asbestos or tar-containing sealants can be an issue in post-war buildings.

Important questions before buying:

1. 1. What decade is the building from?
   2. Have modernizations already been carried out?
   3. What building materials were used?
   4. What does the building fabric (e.g. roof, façade, basement) look like?
   5. Is the house a listed building or is it located in a redevelopment area?

In our overview, we show you the typical features of properties from different decades - and what you should pay particular attention to when renovating.

Founding period / historicism (approx. 1870-1918)

Features:

• High ceilings, stucco decorations
• Solid construction (brick, natural stone)
• Richly decorated facades
• Plank floors, double doors

Refurbishment tips:

• Possible listed building
• Old plumbing & electrics must be completely renewed.
• Mostly no insulation
• Windows & stucco should be preserved if possible or replaced in line with listed building requirements.

Art Nouveau (ca. 1895-1914)

Features:

• Curved lines, floral ornaments
• Coloured glass windows, handcrafted details
• Staircases with elaborate banisters

Restoration tips:

• Possible monument protection
• Retain original elements (windows, doors, glass)
• Restoration often costly, specialist tradesmen required
• Modernize insulation & technology, but respect the design

1920s (Bauhaus)

Features:

• Functionalism: "Form follows function"
• Flat roofs, white plaster facades
• Steel windows, open floor plans

Renovation notes:

• Watch out for thermal bridges on flat roofs
• Monument protection is often in place
• Windows and concrete components often in need of renovation
• Modernize technology (esp. a. heating systems, power lines)

1950s (reconstruction)

Features:

• Simple, practical architecture
• Gabled roof, small windows
• Hardly any insulation, simple materials

Refurbishment tips:

• Insulation of roof and façade often mandatory
• Single glazing. Replacement makes sense
• Small floor plans with conversion potential
• Asbestos in plaster or floor slabs possible

1960s-1970s (Plattenbau / Brutalism)

Features:

• Functional, sober, exposed concrete
• Flat roofs, long rows of flats or high-rise buildings
• Large panel construction (Plattenbau)

Refurbishment notes:

• Asbestos-containing materials frequently
• Heat insulation often inadequate
• Replace windows and roof seals
• Technical systems (heating, ventilation) outdated.
• Check the statics carefully when renovating

1980s (post-modern)

Features:

• Playful elements, mixture of styles
• Bay windows, dormers, clinker facades
• First thermal insulation measures

Refurbishment tips:

• Windows often with double glazing - possibly still sufficient
• . still sufficient
• Heating and insulation often in need of modernization
• Design elements can be "lost" during insulation.

1990s (single-family house boom)

Features:

• Settlement construction, clinker brick or plaster facade
• Hipped roof, dwarf gable, mullioned windows
• Gas heating, partly underfloor heating

Refurbishment instructions:

• Windows possibly. still usable - check
• Insulation often only minimum standard - retrofit
• Heating technology mostly outdated (gas boiler)

2000s-today (modern / energy standard)

Features:

• Clear, reduced forms
• Flat roofs, large window areas
• Passive house, KfW efficiency house
• Sustainable materials, smart home

Renovation tips:

• High-quality technology, but maintenance-intensive
• Regular updates to heating and ventilation systems necessary
• Smart home systems quickly become outdated
• Insulation usually good - focus on maintenance & efficiency optimization

Those who understand old buildings can recognize their true value - and specifically preserve what makes them special. With the right knowledge, realistic planning and the advice of an experienced professional, a property in need of renovation becomes a home with a history and a future.