APARTMENTS GAIN IN ATTRACTIVENESS ON THE HOUSING MARKET WHEN THEY ARE MODERNIZED, RENOVATED OR REFURBISHED. IN ADDITION, THE VALUE OF AN APARTMENT INCREASES - A WIN-WIN SITUATION FOR BOTH! A DISTINCTION IS MADE BETWEEN RENOVATION AND REFURBISHMENT. HOWEVER, THE OWNER IS NOT ALWAYS ALLOWED TO MAKE CHANGES WITHOUT PERMISSION. IN THIS ARTICLE YOU WILL LEARN EVERYTHING ABOUT THE RENOVATION AND REFURBISHMENT OF YOUR CONDOMINIUM.
Smart Home – Was ist das?
The differences – renovation and refurbishment – What is what?
A refurbishment has a functional goal and is usually more costly than a renovation. In a renovation, the usability is increased. Often, a renovation is also referred to as a modernization.
In the case of minor defects or damage, one speaks of a renovation. One speaks of small cosmetic repairs. Damaged or outdated parts of an apartment are made usable again. Minor damage is caused by wear and tear, for example. Measures in a renovation are, for example, wallpapering, painting walls or heating pipes. A roof repair, a mold removal or the change of defective pipes for example are works of a renovation.
Renovation is often confused with maintenance. Maintenance is mainly about preventing potential damage. When pipes are replaced to prevent water damage, it is a maintenance. In the case, it is not called modernization.
Milieu protection areas, many modernizations, renovations and conversions are subject to approval. Milieu protection protects residents from rent increases.
Which renovations may be made without permission?
As a rule, renovation work that does not affect other residents of the house may always be changed without permission. This includes changes such as painting the walls, replacing some piping, electrical installations or sanitary installations. As soon as a renovation restricts other apartment owners, the change is inadmissible. For some renovation works, a permit must be submitted. This is the case, for example, when the floor plan of an apartment is changed. This includes the replacement of an entrance door, windows or the balcony. A uniform image of a residential building should be maintained. Other windows change the uniform image of a residential building. In this case, consent is required. Approvals can be necessary from the house community, but also from the building and housing authority.
A new kitchen or a freshly renovated bathroom changes the value of an apartment. Thus, you as the owner can expect an increase in value. These apartments are often very well received in the market. A non-renovated or renovated apartment is often the reason why tenants decide against an apartment. A renovation therefore increases the attractiveness of an apartment in the market. If you want to sell your condominium, renovation is also worthwhile in this case. Also in this case, you as the owner can achieve a higher selling price. So renovating or refurbishing your condominium often makes sense. In Berlin, some of these changes are subject to approval as part of the milieu protection.
It may also happen that changes do not suit the taste of the buyer or tenant. For example, a green wallpaper or red tiles in the bathroom. Here it is important to approach modern and simple changes. We are experts and will be happy to advise you in order to achieve a high return on investment. Our team will ensure that the changes to your condominium are optimally adapted to the visual demands of the current housing market.
Feel free to contact us to generate a high return for you as the owner.
The following sanitation projects require a permit
If a major structural member, such as a load-bearing wall, is being replaced, this can only be done with a building permit, unless it is only a doorway or similar that is planned and can be shown to be non-hazardous.
A change of use must also be approved. For example, if a basement is converted into living space. New window fronts change the appearance of a residential building and must also be approved. Changes to the roof also require a building permit. Smaller additions often do not require a permit. Before starting such work, you should consult an architect.
Historic preservation
The regulations for listed buildings are stricter. Here, the monument protection authority must approve all renovation and restoration work. Conditions must also be met. Investments are more cost-intensive here. However, listed buildings are supported and subsidized. In addition, part of the investment can be tax-deductible in Germany.
We at Hope Apartments not only take care of the management and marketing of your condominium, but also take care of renovations. Through short distances to craftsmen we make renovations possible.
Learn more about our sister company Houseritter. Our all-round offer takes all the work off your hands as an owner. We manage, furnish and market your apartment. So you can relax.
Feel free to take a look at a current project. We have taken you from vacant to furnished apartment.
