Hello forum, I have a question. We are planning to buy a house built in 1988. The living area is 135 m² (1453 sq ft) spread over three floors. It basically meets our expectations. Location, layout, style, and purchase price (negotiable) are all right. However, there are two things that really worry us.
First is the electric heating, which is installed as underfloor heating. There is a wood-burning stove in the living area, but since we currently have electric underfloor heating in our rental apartment, we are aware of the high operating costs of this heating type. The listing states "High-quality electric heating - brand 'Grässlin' built in 1988." Are these systems maintenance-free, and isn’t almost 25 years old considered outdated? Are there affordable alternatives for upgrading? Pre-installed gas pipes are probably not available.
This makes optimal insulation even more important. Unfortunately, I have zero knowledge in this area. The house has Poroton brick masonry (30 cm (12 inches) thick). The exterior is just plastered. Does this brick provide good enough insulation that we don’t need to worry, or should something be done? What about installing an “underlay for wallpaper” such as interior insulation? We might still negotiate the price with the seller, but we also cannot afford to modernize the house for thousands of dollars or euros, especially since most rooms still need some work (unrenovated).
Any kind of information would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Stefan
First is the electric heating, which is installed as underfloor heating. There is a wood-burning stove in the living area, but since we currently have electric underfloor heating in our rental apartment, we are aware of the high operating costs of this heating type. The listing states "High-quality electric heating - brand 'Grässlin' built in 1988." Are these systems maintenance-free, and isn’t almost 25 years old considered outdated? Are there affordable alternatives for upgrading? Pre-installed gas pipes are probably not available.
This makes optimal insulation even more important. Unfortunately, I have zero knowledge in this area. The house has Poroton brick masonry (30 cm (12 inches) thick). The exterior is just plastered. Does this brick provide good enough insulation that we don’t need to worry, or should something be done? What about installing an “underlay for wallpaper” such as interior insulation? We might still negotiate the price with the seller, but we also cannot afford to modernize the house for thousands of dollars or euros, especially since most rooms still need some work (unrenovated).
Any kind of information would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Stefan
The answer is quite straightforward. A house insulated to modern standards in 1988, perhaps even better than required at the time, is likely insufficient by today’s standards and after many updates to energy-saving regulations. However, this does not necessarily mean everything has to be redone, as there are many older houses with even poorer insulation. You should not compare the energy consumption to current KfW 70 or better standard houses. Meeting the current energy-saving regulations or KfW funding requirements today can cost the builder several thousand euros. To get a reasonably accurate assessment, you can hire an energy consultant to inspect the house. They will also provide recommendations for renovation.
Regards, Ronny
Regards, Ronny
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