Construction industry

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...

In former industrial areas where housing is to be built, contaminated soil can be a costly challenge. Heavy metals and other toxins often make extensive soil remediation necessary before construction can begin. The Association of Private Builders therefore recommends that the quality of the soil should be checked in detail before purchasing a plot of land. This way...

A "white tank" is often required on unreliable ground. This refers to a construction made of waterproof concrete, which is used particularly in damp or difficult ground conditions. This method effectively prevents the ingress of water, but requires precise execution and special concrete mixtures in order to be reliable in the long term.

The condition of the ground is an essential, often overlooked factor when building a house. Many builders mistakenly assume that the construction company has included all the costs for excavation and buildability in the all-inclusive price. In reality, however, only the explicitly agreed services are included in the price, which means that the building ground risk usually lies with the builders. The...

Certain rules should be observed when designing the façade. Firstly, it is important to match the color scheme of the façade to the surrounding buildings in order to create a visual unity. Secondly, owners should bear in mind that colors can have a different effect on large surfaces than expected, which is why a test coat is recommended. Thirdly, the design options vary depending on the...