April 2024

Sustainability: What are hybrid systems?

So-called hybrid systems can contribute to better energy efficiency in buildings. This is achieved by combining several technologies, such as a heat pump and another energy source. The heat pump uses ambient heat to efficiently heat and cool buildings. Compared to a conventional heating system, it consumes significantly less electrical energy. Your...

Accessibility: BGH allows 70-year-old external elevator despite listed building protection

A 70-year-old owner will no longer have to walk the more than 100 steps to his apartment. Instead, he can now have an external elevator installed on his apartment building - even though it is a listed building and even received the City of Munich's façade award for the front building in 1983. This was recently decided by the Federal Court of Justice (AZ: V ZR 244/22 and V ZR 33/23). In the...

Spring: time for the garden and balcony

The start of spring and rising temperatures invite amateur gardeners to prepare their gardens and balconies for the season. Now is the ideal time to remove weeds, loosen the soil and start sowing. The portal "garbsen-city-news.de" now points this out. Carry out cleaning workCareful cleaning is the first step towards...

Real estate: buyers 38 years old on average

On average, property buyers and builders in Germany who have taken out a loan are 38 years old. This is according to a study by financial expert Dr. Klein with figures from 2023. At this age, "most people are firmly anchored in their professional and family environment", which makes it easier to move into their own home. But even younger people can, according to...

House construction: Understanding floor slabs

If builders want to construct a house without a basement, a so-called load-bearing floor slab is used. It serves as a foundation and creates a transition between the ground and the rest of the building. The load-bearing floor slab also fulfills various functions: For example, it distributes the weight of the house evenly over the ground and protects against moisture. It should also...

Real estate prices: The influence of wind turbines

The view of wind turbines has only a minimal impact on the value of properties. Houses from which residents can see one or more wind turbines were sold for only 1.12 percent less than those with a clear view. However, two factors must be taken into account: the number of wind turbines and the proximity to the house. If residents have a view of more than 20 wind turbines, the...

Construction contract: Fixed price applies despite material price increases

Construction companies cannot rely on material price increases to deviate from the agreed fixed price of a construction project. This was decided by the Palatinate Higher Regional Court (AZ: 5 U 188/22). In this case, a married couple took legal action against a construction company that did not want to carry out the agreed construction of a solid construction house at a fixed price of around 300,000 euros, but instead wanted to...

Outdoor kitchens: Cooking pleasure in the open air

Outdoor cooking is becoming increasingly popular and, according to the "Die Moderne Küche" (AMK) working group, is becoming a sociable highlight for family and friends. A tailor-made outdoor kitchen, which is weatherproof and conveniently equipped, transforms a balcony, terrace or garden into a place to enjoy. "The outdoor kitchen ensures short distances when barbecuing and guests...

Study: Renting cheaper than buying

In most areas of Germany, it is more financially advantageous to rent a home than to buy. This is indicated by a study by the company "Colliers". It shows that in 365 of the 400 districts and independent cities surveyed (91 percent), renting an apartment is around EUR 4,300 a year cheaper than buying one. In the seven largest cities...

Barrier-free living: Tips from the BSB

According to the Bauherren-Schutzbund (BSB), only two to three percent of all homes are classified as barrier-free. According to the BSB, barrier-free living not only increases living comfort for older people, but also benefits all generations. A level-access shower or step-free access to the living area are examples of measures that make everyday life easier and improve...

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