Construction industry

Owners can retrofit their property with external blinds to provide more sun protection and privacy. However, it should be noted that, compared to roller shutters, they offer no additional burglary protection and provide less protection against extreme weather conditions. In addition, external blinds with adjustable slats allow a controlled amount of light to enter the room, but...

The use of 3D printers in the construction industry offers innovative possibilities for building houses. The technology makes it possible to construct buildings quickly and cost-effectively by printing concrete in precise layers. The benefits include not only time and cost savings, but also design freedom that would not be easily achievable in traditional construction. 3D printing...

Private builders who work with turnkey contractors have benefited from the consumer construction contract since 2018. This increases their protection against financial losses in the event of the construction company becoming insolvent, including with regard to payments on account. This is because these are set out in a payment plan, which is ideally a central component of the consumer contract. According to the association...

Even in turnkey construction, it is possible to make individual adjustments such as special floor coverings or additional bathrooms. An example of this is the request for a special conduit for a PV system. However, special requests in the building contract should be formulated precisely in order to avoid legal disputes later on. The Association of Private Builders points this out...

In the fall and at other times of the year, it is particularly important to check roof tiles for displacement or damage after storms, heavy or continuous rain. The Association of Private Building Owners (VPB) points this out. Dipl.-Ing. Marc Ellinger from VPB recommends that not only roof tiles, but also gutters and downpipes should be regularly inspected and maintained in order to prevent façade damage caused by...

When planning a home, the integration of a study is a sensible consideration, not only because of the increasing trend towards home offices, but also because of the potential tax benefits. A well-designed study increases the functionality of the home and can help to increase its value in the long term. In view of the digital working world, a room like this can be used in a variety of ways and...

Retrofitting a balcony offers the opportunity to extend the living space and increase the value of the property. Existing buildings in particular can be fitted with different balcony systems such as front balconies, attached balconies or cantilevered balconies. However, the construction measures require careful planning in terms of statics to ensure that the structure of the building...

Builders can save significantly when building a house - compared to retrofitting later - if they plan for an electric car charging station straight away. The initial installation during construction is much cheaper, as any necessary adjustments to the power grid and structural measures can be integrated directly. The portal "finanzen.net" points this out. The installation costs for a charging station...

Building owners should ensure the supply of electricity and water before starting construction work on their property. If there are no connections on the property itself, hydrants and electricity boxes in the vicinity can normally be used for this purpose. However, if builders wish to do so, they must obtain permits from the local authority and the local utility company.

When discovering unclear moisture damage or mold growth, it is crucial not to start any hasty repairs. These can often destroy evidence that is important for clarifying responsibilities. The Association of Private Building Owners (VPB) points this out. Instead, Marc Ellinger, head of the VPB's regional office in Freiburg-Südbaden, advises calmness and careful documentation of the...