Construction industry

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...

The staircase, more than just a connection between floors, can become a real design element in the living space. A decision should be made at the start of the planning process as to whether they are to be open in the room or integrated into the hallway. Open staircases can visually and acoustically connect the living space with the upper floor. The frequency of passage can be more noticeable as a result. Depending on...

In Germany, heat pumps are gaining in importance as a climate-friendly alternative. This is partly due to new legislation. This stipulates that heating systems in new buildings must be powered by at least 65% renewable energy from 2024. However, heat pumps are often at the center of misunderstandings due to their alleged inefficiency in unrenovated old buildings or...

With increasing age, the living environment becomes crucial for maintaining independence and social participation. Demographic developments call for innovative housing concepts that enable older people to live active and integrated lives in society. These concepts range from multigenerational houses and assisted living to specialized senior residences that offer a home away from...

In winter, the risk of damage to incomplete building projects increases due to weather conditions. To avoid damage caused by snow and rain, it is crucial to secure open areas such as window openings and basement access points. DIN ATV 18299 stipulates that construction companies must adequately protect their construction sites in winter. Nevertheless, building owners should also take action themselves if necessary...

Since October 17, 2024, the holding of virtual homeowners' meetings (WEG) has been permitted by law (Section 23 (1a) WEG). This enables condominium owners to decide on resolutions without being physically present. With a required three-quarters majority of the votes cast, condominium owners can decide that the condominium owners' meeting will be held virtually for three...

Roof tiles play a crucial role in protecting buildings against weather influences such as rain, snow and hail. They are available in various shapes and colors. This makes it possible to improve the appearance of a house. The most common types of roof tile include hollow tiles with their curved shape and the often semi-circular plain tiles, which are available in a variety of colors depending on...

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 less protection against extreme weather conditions. In addition, although external blinds allow a controlled amount of light to enter through adjustable slats, they...

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...