Checklist for Old Building Renovation - What You Should Pay Attention To

In Austria, buildings whose construction permits were issued before June 30, 1953, are legally referred to as old buildings. Typical old buildings in Austria are the so-called Gründerzeit houses, which are mainly found in cities. However, there are also old buildings in rural areas. Generally, a building is considered an old building depending on its characteristics – this includes certain construction methods for walls, ceilings, or architectural styles.

This means that buildings constructed in the 1960s, 1970s, or 1980s can also be referred to as old buildings if they exhibit typical construction methods. In contrast to new buildings, old buildings often have different room layouts and, due to poorly insulated structures and outdated infrastructure, high additional costs, such as heating costs. These are also the most common reasons for renovating an old building.

Renovation of old buildings generally refers to renovations carried out in existing structures. This means that existing structures are remodeled or adapted to meet modern standards in terms of aesthetics, living comfort, technology, and energy efficiency.

Renovating an old building is a large project that can quickly seem overwhelming. To avoid getting lost in chaos, it is advisable to first get a good overview of the upcoming renovation steps.

In concrete terms, this means getting an overview of the renovation needs and the upcoming tasks, and—above all—knowing when which steps are due and what is needed in advance. A sophisticated construction and schedule plan, which contains a detailed execution of the individual work steps and their interconnections, can help. Important here: Choose trustworthy and reliable partners if you want to renovate your old building!

If you want to renovate an old building, it is also advisable to consult a knowledgeable expert, such as a building surveyor, in advance. They can advise you on what needs to be renovated. This saves unpleasant surprises during the renovation phase.

In a renovation of an old building, many tasks need to be completed. Therefore, it is crucial to coordinate the renovation measures and choose the correct sequence of steps. First, however, it is important to understand what exactly needs to be renovated. It can be helpful to work through all the important points using a personal checklist to see which renovation measures are necessary.

An important point on the checklist is the condition of the facade. Does it need to be completely renovated and renewed, or is it enough to repaint it? In the facade renovation, thermal renovation can also be considered. At the top of the priority list should be the thermal renovation and the renovation of the heating.

The thermal renovation includes all necessary measures to reduce energy consumption. Especially in times of high heating and electricity costs, this is a particularly important step if you want to renovate an old building. Essential measures include the insulation of all exterior walls and the roof, the possible replacement of doors and windows, and of course, the installation of an energy efficient and ideally also ecologically sustainable heating. In this context, it is advisable to also inform yourself about the possible installation of a cooling system. In times of increasingly warmer summers, this is an absolute future topic. There are also systems that can both heat and cool, ensuring comfortable temperatures in the old building, whether in cold or warm seasons.

Surface heating and cooling systems

Hand in hand with this is the check of whether the roof or roof truss is intact or if renovation steps need to be taken here. This can include not only new tiles but also the installation of insulation important for energy efficiency. From the very top of the roof, one should also look down to the basement in the course of a renovation project. What is the condition of the walls and the basement ceiling? Is there a need for drying or insulation here?

Anyone renovating an old building and thus improving energy efficiency should first tackle the insulation – from the basement to the roof – and then the heating. This sequence is sensible because it allows you to address the reduced energy demand achieved through insulation when selecting a future-proof heating system.

In addition to the analysis of exterior and interior walls, the roof and the basement, as well as the heating, it is advisable to also check the situation of the electrical installations. It may become necessary to bring all electrical installations up to the latest state of technology in the course of an old building renovation. Finally, before a renovation project, the condition of the sanitary facilities should also be assessed. This area can also be included in the planning of the old building renovation in advance.

Planning is not just half of life, but crucial for the entire course of the renovation of an old building. A thousand small and large steps must be considered, coordinated, and executed. The right timing is also crucial. After all, craftsmen should neither get in each other's way, nor should there be unnecessary downtime due to delivery delays of materials or products.

Furthermore, you should be able to make a well-informed decision about the choice of the right partners for your old building renovation. High quality and good advice should be at the top of your priority list. After all, as the builder, you are investing a lot of time, money, and perhaps even nerves into the renovation of your old building.

So plan enough time for the planning phase – you will thank yourself later! First, get an overview of all upcoming renovation work and obtain different offers. Then proceed to the detailed planning of your renovation project. What is important here: Choose partners with whom you really feel comfortable.

One of the most important, if not the most important aspect when renovating an old building, is the selection of a future-proof heating system. In times of climate change and energy crises, it is more important than ever to think about the optimal, sustainable heating – and even cooling. Because not only cozy warmth in the cold season, but also pleasant coolness in the hot summer months, significantly contribute to your personal living comfort.

The advantages of heating renovations are obvious. With a modern heating system, you can significantly reduce your energy costs. This means that the investment in a future-proof heating system as part of an old building renovation will pay off in just a few years.

If you choose an ecological and sustainable heating (and cooling) system, you will also significantly reduce your personal CO2 footprint. In addition, you become independent of exploding costs for fossil fuels. This not only improves your comfort and the indoor climate but also increases the value of your property.

The disadvantages of heating renovation are significantly less weighty compared to the advantages. Initially high investment costs pay off again after just a few years. Technically complex heating systems carry the risk of faulty execution, but by choosing the right partner with years of experience, you also minimize the risk here. Unfortunately, even the best professional cannot take away the temporary impairment of quality of life due to the construction site.

If you are renovating an old building, the question of costs naturally arises, and whether the investments can at least partially be covered by appropriate subsidies.

With an old building in need of renovation, it is not always completely predictable in advance what costs you may incur. Because behind every door there could be additional renovation needs – it is all the more important that you have a comprehensive analysis of the upcoming renovation work carried out by an expert during the planning phase. This way, you can avoid unpleasant surprises during the renovation.

It is best to go through the individual cost points of your renovation project step by step and inform yourself not only about short-term costs but also about the long-term benefits a renovation investment can bring. In the course of thermal renovation, including new heating, the costs usually amortize within a few years.

Replacing the heating is a very good way to save costs and at the same time protect the environment. Which heating you choose depends on your renovation project. Surface heating systems are particularly recommended for old building renovations. Although the initial costs are higher than for conventional heating systems, you also save massive costs here if you think long-term. If you are already planning with an underfloor heating system, which is now standard for almost every renovation, the costs to cover additional surfaces – such as walls and ceilings – are low. A surface heating system is particularly efficient when as many surfaces as possible can be used for heating or cooling.

So, in addition to the floor, use the walls and ceilings for your new heating. This is not only more efficient but also cheaper in the long run. No additional craftsmen are needed on the construction site for the installation of such a surface heating and cooling system. The installer can carry out the complete system as one work step. Additional manifolds are also not necessary.

To our surface heating and cooling systems

So, if you want to renovate particularly smartly, choose a system that can both heat and cool. This way, there are no additional costs for installing an expensive air conditioning system. The initial additional costs for surface heating and cooling systems pay off very quickly, and you can achieve maximum comfort in every season just as quickly.

If you plan to renovate an old building, it is advisable to inform yourself in advance about possible financial subsidies. In Austria, there are a number of corresponding subsidies, especially for renovation and renewable energies. After all, it can be more climate-friendly to renovate an old building than to construct a new one. Since the subsidies vary from state to state and from renovation project to renovation project, it is advisable to seek advice from experts.

If your old building is under monument protection, additional legal and structural measures must be considered – both for planning and implementation. You may be restricted in your renovation project due to monument protection. Here, too, it is advisable to coordinate with experts and finally with the responsible monument protection authorities. 

Learn more about renovation under monument protection. 

Although the renovation of listed buildings can mean additional effort, it is still worthwhile. Because the quality of living in a unique old building under monument protection can be significantly increased. Therefore, thermal and energy renovation, especially a new heating system, is of great importance here.

Renovating an old building is labor-intensive. However, with the right partners by your side, it is very rewarding! Whether optical or thermal renovation steps, new insulation, new windows and doors, or the installation of a new heating system – consider all these things together and holistically during a comprehensive renovation. Even if it may seem costly at first to renovate an old building, investments in sustainable and future-proof measures pay off very quickly in the long run!