The integration of a shower in a small guest WC is possible with well thought-out design ideas. A level-access shower without thresholds opens up the room visually and creates a spacious feeling. Glass partitions are also a good choice, allowing more light to pass through and opening up the room. If you want to save additional space, you can opt for half-height partitions or sliding doors that...

Today, even listed buildings can often be equipped with photovoltaic systems. New regulations in several federal states allow a more liberal approval practice for solar systems on listed buildings. Owners of historic buildings now have the opportunity to use solar energy to cut electricity costs and reduce CO₂ emissions without significantly altering the appearance of the building.

The heating season regularly raises questions about the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. Landlords are obliged to provide a functioning heating system that guarantees the minimum standard of room temperature during the heating season (October 1 to April 30). If this is not the case, tenants may be able to demand a rent reduction. Defects such as a...

More than ever, the home is an expression of one's own personality. Sustainability remains a central theme. The "Modern Minimalism" trend is characterized by functional furniture and clear shapes that offer plenty of space in small rooms. The focus is on functionality and quality, while the design concentrates on the essentials. Modularity and storage space solutions play...

The luxury real estate market is experiencing significant development due to the continued growth in global wealth and the increasing number of affluent individuals. A study by CBRE shows that key European markets such as London, Paris, Milan and Amsterdam in particular are experiencing changes, driven by the increasing demand for luxury real estate in various markets.

Well thought-out lighting design in a new build is essential to avoid being left in the dark later on. The right lighting not only provides sufficient light, but also contributes to a feel-good atmosphere and functional design. Suitable luminaires must be installed to ensure pleasant lighting at all times of the day. Builders should therefore already...

In Germany, the building sector accounts for around 30 percent of energy consumption and CO2 emissions. A large proportion of the approximately 15 million detached and semi-detached houses are outdated in terms of energy efficiency. However, modern insulation and efficient heating systems based on renewable energies can significantly reduce energy consumption and increase living comfort at the same time. Refurbishment actively contributes to...

The Leverkusen Local Court ruled that a landlord may not terminate a tenant's lease without notice for stealing electricity for an electric car (AZ: 22 C 157/23). In this case, tenants had repeatedly charged their hybrid vehicle at a general socket in the apartment building. This led to displeasure among the neighbors. Despite the small amount of damage of 48 euros, the landlord had a...

Choosing the right floor covering depends on your individual needs and interior design style. The most common options include laminate, parquet, vinyl and tiles. Each of these floor coverings has its own advantages that make it particularly suitable for certain rooms. Laminate flooring is particularly easy to maintain and inexpensive, while parquet flooring stands out with its durability and natural look.

Many cities and municipalities in Germany raised their property tax considerably in 2023. The average assessment rate rose by 18 percentage points to 409% - the biggest increase since surveys began. An analysis by the German auditing and consulting organization EY shows that more than 2,600 municipalities increased the assessment rate. Only around 50 of the municipalities made a reduction. This...