ᐅ Renovation of an East German Bungalow – Experiences and Suggestions?
Created on: 20 Dec 2023 02:30
S
Strohhalm6S
Strohhalm620 Dec 2023 02:30Hello,
The building in question is located at the back part of my parents' property.
Sometime before World War II, my great-grandfather built a small brick house there, which was later extended in the 1960s by my grandfather with an East German-style bungalow and used every summer.
A few years ago, my grandmother passed away, and due to health reasons, my grandfather now only spends a few weeks there in the summer.
Before I start sharing my big plans, I want to clarify that demolition is not an option, even though that might be the most practical solution.
On one hand, the place has sentimental value for the whole family, and on the other hand, I want my grandfather to still be able to use it, even if it is only for a few days each summer.
The background is that I became self-employed two years ago and I currently work out of an improvised workshop, which will probably continue for the next two years, but it’s not ideal. That’s why we thought about using the rear room of the bungalow for this purpose.
Since I want to do things properly, I now plan to fully renovate the entire bungalow.
Current conditions:
The front part, meaning the later-added East German bungalow, is divided by a wall into a living area and kitchen. From what I could see, this wall is not load-bearing.
Electricity and water are available at the bungalow, but unfortunately, there is no sewage connection. I will provide exact measurements later.
The roof was leaking at one point, but we patched it with bitumen two years ago, and it has held so far.
According to my grandfather, the whole building stands on a concrete slab. How deep it is and what old kitchen appliances were embedded in it will probably remain a mystery forever.
My plan:
- Completely gut the building in two phases (front in 2024, back in 2025)
- Remove the partition wall to create an open-plan kitchen-living area
- Remove the rear window and close off the wall
- Install two new windows in the left wall
- Remove the suspended ceiling for higher ceilings
- Insulate and rebuild the walls
I want to make the space as open and bright as possible and be able to work there year-round once finished.
For the cold days, I’m considering a split air conditioning unit, which I can get somewhat cheaper through a friend. This brings me to my first question—how should I construct the wall build-up?
I want to insulate the walls, roof, and floor, but not too thickly, so I don’t lose too much interior space.
Perhaps external insulation could be added after a few years?
Also, the wall construction needs to allow for tiling in the kitchen area.
Image 1 = right wall
This is where the kitchen unit will be relocated later; it makes sense since this wall has no windows.
Image 2 = transition to the rear room
The electrical panel will be moved to the back room, which will later be the workshop.
Image 3 = kitchen
The window in the rear wall will be removed, there will be a sofa bed placed there later, and the right wall is the mentioned partition wall, which will also be removed.
Two windows will be installed in the left wall to brighten the room.
Image 4 = kitchen
I already started emptying and dismantling some cabinets today.
Best regards,
Martin
The building in question is located at the back part of my parents' property.
Sometime before World War II, my great-grandfather built a small brick house there, which was later extended in the 1960s by my grandfather with an East German-style bungalow and used every summer.
A few years ago, my grandmother passed away, and due to health reasons, my grandfather now only spends a few weeks there in the summer.
Before I start sharing my big plans, I want to clarify that demolition is not an option, even though that might be the most practical solution.
On one hand, the place has sentimental value for the whole family, and on the other hand, I want my grandfather to still be able to use it, even if it is only for a few days each summer.
The background is that I became self-employed two years ago and I currently work out of an improvised workshop, which will probably continue for the next two years, but it’s not ideal. That’s why we thought about using the rear room of the bungalow for this purpose.
Since I want to do things properly, I now plan to fully renovate the entire bungalow.
Current conditions:
The front part, meaning the later-added East German bungalow, is divided by a wall into a living area and kitchen. From what I could see, this wall is not load-bearing.
Electricity and water are available at the bungalow, but unfortunately, there is no sewage connection. I will provide exact measurements later.
The roof was leaking at one point, but we patched it with bitumen two years ago, and it has held so far.
According to my grandfather, the whole building stands on a concrete slab. How deep it is and what old kitchen appliances were embedded in it will probably remain a mystery forever.
My plan:
- Completely gut the building in two phases (front in 2024, back in 2025)
- Remove the partition wall to create an open-plan kitchen-living area
- Remove the rear window and close off the wall
- Install two new windows in the left wall
- Remove the suspended ceiling for higher ceilings
- Insulate and rebuild the walls
I want to make the space as open and bright as possible and be able to work there year-round once finished.
For the cold days, I’m considering a split air conditioning unit, which I can get somewhat cheaper through a friend. This brings me to my first question—how should I construct the wall build-up?
I want to insulate the walls, roof, and floor, but not too thickly, so I don’t lose too much interior space.
Perhaps external insulation could be added after a few years?
Also, the wall construction needs to allow for tiling in the kitchen area.
Image 1 = right wall
This is where the kitchen unit will be relocated later; it makes sense since this wall has no windows.
Image 2 = transition to the rear room
The electrical panel will be moved to the back room, which will later be the workshop.
Image 3 = kitchen
The window in the rear wall will be removed, there will be a sofa bed placed there later, and the right wall is the mentioned partition wall, which will also be removed.
Two windows will be installed in the left wall to brighten the room.
Image 4 = kitchen
I already started emptying and dismantling some cabinets today.
Best regards,
Martin
B
Buchsbaum20 Dec 2023 07:04The first thing I notice here is the lack of ceiling height. For me, that would be a deal-breaker, meaning demolition and rebuilding. In the long run, that will certainly be more cost-effective.
If it’s an original Bungalow kit like B24, 30, 36, etc., there isn’t much you can remove from the walls—the wooden trusses on top hold the structure together. The more boards, panels, and walls you take out, the faster the bungalow will collapse.
So, just tidy up, paint, and let grandpa keep living there.
An extension doesn’t make sense because that would require new exterior walls and a completely new roof on top.
Build a shed for your plans instead.
So, just tidy up, paint, and let grandpa keep living there.
An extension doesn’t make sense because that would require new exterior walls and a completely new roof on top.
Build a shed for your plans instead.
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