ᐅ Complete Pipe Renovation for a Single-Family House with a Secondary Apartment – What Costs Should I Expect?
Created on: 19 May 2026 21:17
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oliverk87O
oliverk8719 May 2026 21:17Dear forum members,
I have admittedly a rather vague question, but it could be crucial for us as we consider purchasing a property. We are interested in buying a large single-family house with a granny flat. The house was built in 1976. I have generally read in several places that water pipes and heating pipes in a property of this age should be replaced. The question now is what this could realistically cost.
Some basic details: The house has a basement, a ground floor, and a converted attic, totaling about 250 m² (2700 sq ft) of living space. Including the granny flat, there are 10 living rooms, 2 kitchens, 3 bathrooms (one with a bathtub), and a guest toilet. Heating is provided exclusively through radiators, no underfloor heating.
Regarding the currently installed pipes, I have the following information from the seller:
1. Wastewater pipes are made of vitrified clay with diameters of 100 mm (4 inches) and 70 mm (2.75 inches)
2. Cold and hot water pipes are WICU according to DIN 1786, i.e., copper pipes with a plastic coating, 28 mm (1.1 inches) in diameter
3. Heating pipes are also copper pipes
Googling costs for (presumably smaller) single-family houses yields figures of $10,000–$15,000, which seems too low to me. I have asked several companies in the area for their experience, but only one responded, saying (without seeing the property) that I should expect $100,000–$150,000, which seems extremely high and honestly would kill the project for us. An on-site inspection is unrealistic before purchase since I would then have to bring in several contractors (other work also needs to be done) for cost estimates.
Does anyone here have an idea of what I should realistically expect?
Thanks and regards
oliverk87
I have admittedly a rather vague question, but it could be crucial for us as we consider purchasing a property. We are interested in buying a large single-family house with a granny flat. The house was built in 1976. I have generally read in several places that water pipes and heating pipes in a property of this age should be replaced. The question now is what this could realistically cost.
Some basic details: The house has a basement, a ground floor, and a converted attic, totaling about 250 m² (2700 sq ft) of living space. Including the granny flat, there are 10 living rooms, 2 kitchens, 3 bathrooms (one with a bathtub), and a guest toilet. Heating is provided exclusively through radiators, no underfloor heating.
Regarding the currently installed pipes, I have the following information from the seller:
1. Wastewater pipes are made of vitrified clay with diameters of 100 mm (4 inches) and 70 mm (2.75 inches)
2. Cold and hot water pipes are WICU according to DIN 1786, i.e., copper pipes with a plastic coating, 28 mm (1.1 inches) in diameter
3. Heating pipes are also copper pipes
Googling costs for (presumably smaller) single-family houses yields figures of $10,000–$15,000, which seems too low to me. I have asked several companies in the area for their experience, but only one responded, saying (without seeing the property) that I should expect $100,000–$150,000, which seems extremely high and honestly would kill the project for us. An on-site inspection is unrealistic before purchase since I would then have to bring in several contractors (other work also needs to be done) for cost estimates.
Does anyone here have an idea of what I should realistically expect?
Thanks and regards
oliverk87