Construction industry

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 of paint is recommended. Thirdly, the design options vary depending on the...

Building acceptance is a crucial milestone in any construction project, as it marks the transfer of legal responsibility for the building from the construction company to the client. This moment requires great care, as overlooking defects can have serious financial and legal consequences. It is therefore essential that the client does not carry out the acceptance procedure under pressure and...

From the end of August, it will be possible for commercial homeowners to apply for state subsidies for heating renovations. Applications for funding can be submitted until November 30, 2024 for heating renovations that have already been commissioned since the end of December 2023. Applications for funding can be submitted via the "My KfW" customer portal. The so-called...

When building your own home, there is considerable potential for savings by doing the work yourself. Builders can save around 15 to 20 percent of the total costs if they are heavily involved in the construction of the house. These savings relate to labor costs, which usually account for 60 percent of the total costs. Material costs account for around 40 percent. When...

In Germany, all old lead water pipes in buildings must be replaced by 2026. This measure is urgently needed due to the harmful effects of lead, which can damage the nervous system even in the smallest quantities. Young children are particularly at risk as they are more sensitive to the toxic effects. Replacement is often time-consuming, as many...

A barrier-free bathroom can significantly improve everyday life for older or disabled people. Even if there is not enough space for wheelchair-accessible fittings, adaptations such as height-adjustable washbasins and non-slip tiles can make a big difference. It is important to design the room in such a way that the use of aids such as wheelchairs is also possible....