ᐅ Renovate / Remodel an Old House Built in 1910 or Build Completely New?

Hello dear house building forum friends,

I am Steven from Berlin and have the following concern.

My girlfriend and I have “inherited” a plot of land with a house. The house is about 65 sqm (700 sq ft) and was built around 1910.
We have been living there in the summers for a few years.

The house was partially renovated about 20 years ago (plastered from the outside, flooring renewed in one room, and plastic windows installed).
It has three rooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, a dining nook, and a small basement.

Now, regarding the renovations that I know would be necessary so far:

- The bathroom, kitchen, and one room are extensions built with “sauerkohl” + wood that would need to be demolished and rebuilt.
- The roof must be completely replaced
- Electrical installation needs to be renewed
- Floors need to be redone
- Windows and doors must be renewed
- Water pipes need replacing
- Heating installation required (gas connection and drainage available)
- Insulation
- Painting work

In addition, the house should be expanded by about 20 sqm (215 sq ft) through the rebuilding of the extensions.

Would this be doable for around €70,000 (if almost everything is done by ourselves – friends, family, acquaintances),
or would a demolition and new build be cheaper?

If further details are needed, I’m happy to provide them.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Best regards!

Good morning,

does no one have any opinion on this?

Thank you.

Hello Steven,

kupfertoni schrieb:

Would it be feasible with around €70,000 if almost everything is done by yourself? (friends, family, acquaintances), or would a demolition plus new build be cheaper?

At first glance, it all seems doable if... yes, if your assumptions are correct, if friends and acquaintances are willing to help, and if you have a "source" where you can purchase the necessary materials at a lower cost.

What bothers me about the plan—besides the many “ifs”—is simply the fact that the “likely” renovations are based solely on your assumptions; not a good foundation—so it’s not really serious to respond to this with certainty!

Look for an expert in your area through common platforms and inspect the house with them, then commission a valuation report. These experts are specialized in one or more areas of house construction or renovation. Only when you have reliable data can you make a decision in favor of renovation or demolition and a new build.

One thing should already be clear to you—even if the little cottage is renovated, the structure will always be old!

Kind regards

Hello building expert,

First of all, thank you very much for your response.
My father himself has renovated a very old small house over several years and therefore, I believe, has a lot of experience.
He took a quick look at the little house and in his rough estimate for a renovation didn’t even come close to $70,000.
However, he also knows that once you start, there are always new surprises that you didn’t plan for.

Friends and acquaintances would help out.
We have someone for the electrical work.
Also for general construction work.
What would be extra are the heating system and possibly the roof.

We can also get some materials cheaper through acquaintances, I think.

And! We also have an architect in the family.

What is really the main concern is that we are not high earners and cannot afford 200,000 euros.

Therefore, it’s already an advantage that water supply and sewage, as well as gas connection, are available.
Furthermore, I don’t know what the demolition costs would be?!

Best regards
Steven

Hello Steven,

kupfertoni schrieb:

Now he also knows, when you tackle it, that new surprises keep coming up that you didn’t plan for.

That is always the problem with existing structures; your father is a wise man, and that’s why I strongly recommend investing a good 1000 Euros for external expert advice.

kupfertoni schrieb:

Furthermore, I don’t know what the demolition would cost?!

I don’t know either, because I’m not aware of the materials used at the time. If asbestos is part of the structure, demolition will be more expensive due to the mandatory separation of materials than without hazardous building materials. Demolition costs can therefore range between 30,000 Euros and 50,000 Euros.

If you decide on demolition followed by a new build, you should realistically expect 100,000 to 110,000 Euros for the new construction, plus additional building-related costs of 25,000 to 30,000 Euros, plus the demolition costs.

Kind regards