ᐅ Costs and Benefits of an Energy Consultant?

Hello everyone,

We are at the beginning of the planning phase.
Our architect has mostly completed the building permit application and will submit it soon.
The planned start of construction is spring/summer 2021.

During discussions with the architects, the topic of an energy consultant came up.
At the start of construction, proof of compliance with the energy-saving regulations must be provided. According to the energy consultant’s quote, this costs approximately 550€.

Initially, building to KfW55 standard is not planned.
The energy consultant’s offer to perform the energy balance calculation for a KfW55 concept, including thermal bridge verification and site visit documentation, amounts to about 6,500€.
Since the current KfW subsidy is 18,000€, after subtracting the energy consultant costs, only 11,500€ remain, which will likely be used for higher construction costs.

If we build without the KfW subsidy, is only the proof of compliance with the energy-saving regulations required?
Is building to KfW55 standard worthwhile, or do the additional investment costs often exceed the subsidy of 18,000€?
(I am aware that the better insulation values may reduce heating costs.)

Best regards

Kickz123 schrieb:

The offer from Energiebarter for the evaluation of a KFW55 concept, including thermal bridge verification and site visit documentation, totals approximately €6500 (about $7000).

... and 50% of this amount is covered by the KfW funding program.

Kickz123 schrieb:

which will then go towards increased manufacturing costs.

If you actually have such high additional costs – it depends on your current planning. Since many builds already include a heat pump, ventilation system, and well-insulated walls, the step to KFW 55 standard is not that big.

Even if it balances out financially, you still benefit. First, from higher-quality construction and home features; second, from lower heating costs; and third, from an improved resale value of the house.

Kickz123 schrieb:

Hello everyone,

We are at the beginning of the planning phase.
Our architect has mostly completed the building permit application and will submit it soon.
Planned start of construction is spring/summer 2021.

During discussions with the architects, the topic of an energy consultant came up.
At the start of construction, proof of compliance with the Energy Saving Ordinance must be provided. According to the energy consultant’s offer, this costs about 550€ (approximately 590 USD).

Building to the KfW 55 standard is initially not planned.
The offer from the energy consultant for creating the KfW 55 energy balance including thermal bridge verification and site visit documentation amounts to roughly 6,500€ (about 7,000 USD) in total.
Since the current KfW subsidy is 18,000€ (around 19,300 USD), subtracting the energy consultant’s fee leaves only about 11,500€ (12,350 USD) which will then be used for higher construction costs.

If we build without the KfW subsidy, is only the Energy Saving Ordinance proof required?
Is building to the KfW 55 standard worthwhile, or do the investment costs often exceed the 18,000€ (19,300 USD) subsidy?
(I am aware that higher insulation values can reduce heating costs.)

Best regards

For us, the energy consultant is included. It is also possible to apply for BAFA funding for the energy consultant. I believe you can get 50% of the costs reimbursed.

In my opinion, building to KfW 55 standard absolutely makes sense right now!

The additional cost compared to a KfW 70 house is on average between 7,000 - 10,000€ (7,500 - 10,700 USD), depending on the construction company.

An 18,000€ (19,300 USD) subsidy with 0.95% interest over 10 years is really attractive. Of course, you could also get a 10-year fixed interest loan at around 0.70% in the current market, but then you wouldn’t receive the subsidy. Effectively, after deducting the construction costs, you end up with about 10,000€ (10,700 USD) which is very beneficial.

So yes, I would definitely build to the KfW 55 standard!

With a KfW 55 standard, you probably need equity capital.
Install a heat pump instead of solar thermal. For the heat pump, 35% of the costs (materials + labor) are reimbursed by BAFA. However, it must be listed with BAFA.

Ybias78 schrieb:

With KfW 55, you’re probably using your own equity, installing a heat pump, and not solar thermal. There is also a 35% rebate from BAFA on the cost (materials + labor) of the heat pump, but it must be listed with BAFA.

Exactly, you’re installing an air-to-water heat pump, which is subsidized. The ventilation system you *could* install is also eligible for funding but is not mandatory for KfW 55.

So currently, I really don’t see any reason not to do it, unless the cost of building to KfW 55 standards with your builder exceeds around 15,000€ (about $16,000).

Thank you in advance for your answers!
Since we are mostly managing the construction through individual contracts, without a general contractor, I need to inquire about the additional costs related to the KfW55 standard from the individual trades. But that’s not a problem.
I also believe that the step shouldn’t be too big anyway.
And the 50% cost coverage from KfW makes the investment in the energy consultant more acceptable.

For the heating system, we are undecided between a gas boiler plus solar or geothermal energy.
I have concerns about the efficiency of an air-to-water heat pump on cold days.