ᐅ How can you bypass energy-saving regulations and avoid bureaucratic hassle?

Nordlys schrieb:
I’m simply sticking to the original facts mentioned. An old house is supposed to get an extension, avoiding complex technology and expanded polystyrene insulation. The extension requires approval. That means submitting plans, static calculations, and energy assessments. Nothing else requires approval. That’s how it is. Building authorities only accept submissions from authorized professionals, namely architects or engineers. You can’t do it without such a specialist. You have to spend that money. This professional will then also tell you what is possible and what is not.

I’m not speaking blindly here. We also wanted to build simply, without polystyrene and without much technology. We had to learn that without solar panels and without high-performance windows, it just doesn’t work. Our house consists of 30cm (12 inches) Ytong blocks plus plaster plus base coat with polystyrene bead admixture plus 0.9cm (0.35 inches) windows and very thick Knauf mineral wool in the roof insulation, and it just about meets the required values. With relatively little glazing. Only one floor-to-ceiling patio door.

Whether I like it or not, that’s just the way it is, even though I doubt the rationale behind the energy saving regulations just like you do. But these laws exist. That’s what I mean. Karsten

Hi Nordlys,

thank you.

Well, it’s clear that it’s not possible without an engineer or architect. And it’s also clear that they need to be paid. I’m willing to pay for that.

However, I’m not one to simply accept everything experts tell me. Listening, definitely! Then it has to make sense somehow. And where my understanding ends, I either have to educate myself further or trust. I can only trust if the process with the engineer/architect has gone well so far.

So you wanted the same as me but eventually realized it wouldn’t work and therefore listened to alternatives and implemented accordingly.

I am currently on that path myself. However, I’m still at the very beginning. Thank you for sharing your experience! I’ll keep that in mind.

As I mentioned in a previous post: my worst-case scenario is that I end up building like most people. There are worse outcomes.

But until then, I will try to explore all options. Otherwise, I would never forgive myself.

Farilo schrieb:
By the way, when I say "natural stone," I mean a native product. So, no chemical compounds, no composite systems, etc...
In the future, I will say "monolithic." (Although to me, that sounds a bit too general and could include stones that – exaggerating a bit – consist of 1% monolith and the rest chemicals. And that’s what I want to avoid for now.)

They are all industrially produced; none is simply chiseled from rock. However, you can research the manufacturing process and learn about the compositions. Is foaming of lime/water/sand followed by steam curing already too much (aerated concrete)? In this process, aluminum powder is added to achieve the expansion.
Poroton mainly consists of clay, to which the “bad” polystyrene is added. During firing, the polystyrene burns out and leaves air cavities, creating insulation properties. Bad?
You can also use pumice blocks, which are essentially lightweight concrete (aerated concrete) as well, but the expansion is achieved by adding pumice. So no chemical process (as far as I know) with aluminum.

You can also use sand-lime bricks (lime/sand/water + pressure) with an external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) (ah, bad!), so not monolithic ("functional wall"). For ETICS, you can choose what you like, maybe mineral wool, but there are also products made from wood fiber, flax, or hemp. What I want to say is that functional walls can be done without EPS ("polystyrene"). But it must be clear: More eco-friendly, more expensive!

Farilo schrieb:
You, dear Yvonnchen, are staying home with your face to the wall for now.
At least until you get your tone under control.

Once that happens, you—and maybe especially you—are warmly invited for a coffee. But bring your camera then. Because every week, there are groups here taking pictures of nature. I think there are some really amazing birds to see.

Best regards

Wow. I really had to swallow hard when I read this post. Because the tone and wording are so completely off, I feel the need to give some brief feedback. Take it as well-intentioned advice to improve your social skills a bit.

Arifas schrieb:
Wow. I really had to swallow hard when I read this post. Because the tone and wording are so far off, I feel the need to give some brief feedback. Take it as well-intentioned advice to improve your social skills a bit.

What you shout into the forest…

Farilo schrieb:
You, dear Yvonnchen, for now just stay at home facing the wall.
At least until you get your tone under control.

As soon as that happens, you (maybe even especially YOU) are very welcome to join us for a coffee. But bring your camera then. Because every week some groups come here to take pictures of nature. I think there are some amazing birds to be seen.

Best regards

I must insist! This is really impudent!!! I have given you several well-meaning pieces of advice here.

If you feel addressed by this:

ypg schrieb:
No, LOL is said here by very few people, I’ve read it 2-3 times here... it’s a phrase used by people stuck somewhere in the past because of, for example, a loss... usually in a relationship... it can be, but doesn’t have to be. At least it indicates stagnation in development... from about 5 to 10 years ago... I’d guess.
Back then they were in their 20s, others used this abbreviation rarely. ...

I did not use “you” nor directly address you. If you feel addressed and offended by this, see

Farilo schrieb:
Regarding “stagnation of my development”: ypg, please, a little more class and respect. Being funny and being obnoxious are not the same. Take care.
Thank you very much.

… then that is still your interpretation of something I expressed in general terms. If you see yourself in it, that is your problem.

In Hamburg, we say goodbye!

Briefly off-topic:

Hello ypg,

ypg schrieb:
I must strongly object! That is really outrageous!!! I have given you several well-intentioned pieces of advice here.

Which I appreciate very much and am thankful to you – and others – for.

However, just because someone tries to offer advice does not give them the right to personally insult that person.
That is not a sign of good conduct.

But your above reaction to my request not to get personal is not really gracious.
If I have hurt you by that, I sincerely apologize.

Regards