Comprehensive Renovation in Munich: Key Considerations for Homeowners

As energy costs rise and new regulations from the Building Energy Act come into play, homeowners face increasingly complex renovation projects. Long delivery times for materials such as tiles, radiators, and windows further complicate the process. We spoke with a project manager from Raum & Boden Handwerksfachbetrieb GmbH, who oversees renovation projects in Munich and Dachau. In the interview, he discusses the benefits of comprehensive packages, common pitfalls, and what homeowners should look for in proposals.

"Interface Errors Are the Most Costly" – Why a Comprehensive Package Often Makes Sense

Home Construction Blog & Building Diary: Many homeowners wonder whether to tackle their renovation step by step or to complete it all at once. What do you recommend?

Michael Hihn: While a phased renovation may seem cheaper initially due to staggered costs, issues often arise at the interfaces. For instance, the screed may be poured before the electrical layout is finalized; a new bathroom might be completed before the placement of the heat pump is determined; painters may work on a floor that will soon be replaced. By hiring a professional for a complete renovation in Munich, homeowners can benefit from a single point of contact who coordinates the sequence of demolition, rough installations, screed, drywall, tiling, flooring, and painting to avoid unnecessary rework.

"An Honest Assessment Saves Money in the Long Run"

Home Construction Blog & Building Diary: Which trades should homeowners have thoroughly examined before starting a project?

Michael Hihn: Before any work begins, a thorough inspection is beneficial. In Munich's older properties dating from the 1960s to the 1990s, the following areas are typically critical:

• Electrical: Old two-wire systems without a ground conductor, insufficient circuits, missing RCD protection switches.
• Plumbing: Galvanized steel pipes with rust deposits, leaks behind tiles.
• Heating: Old constant temperature boilers (gas/oil, installed before 1995) that fall under §72 GEG; condensing and low-temperature boilers are exempt.
• Insulation: Uninsulated attic ceilings, single-glazed basement windows, thermal bridges at roller shutter boxes.
• Floors: Impact sound insulation under laminate, loose floorboards, and potentially harmful old adhesives under PVC.

Each of these factors can affect the renovation sequence and budget. A reliable planning process identifies these issues before signing a contract, not just when breaking through walls.

"First the Shell, Then the Technology" – Prioritizing Energy Renovation Correctly

Home Construction Blog & Building Diary: Photovoltaics, heat pumps, insulation – what truly pays off today, and in what order?

Michael Hihn: In the Munich and Dachau areas, these topics are no longer merely lifestyle choices but rather matters of financial calculation. A photovoltaic system on a single-family home can cover a significant portion of household electricity needs, depending on orientation and size; replacing a heat pump is subsidized by the Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) with up to 70% of the investment costs covered (30% base funding, plus climate and income bonuses). The order of operations is key: optimize the shell first, then size the heating technology. An oversized heat pump can cycle too frequently and wear out faster. It pays off to have plumbing, heating, and electrical planning managed by a single entity.

"The Bathroom Sees the Most Expensive Mistakes"

Home Construction Blog & Building Diary: Bathroom renovations are a classic. Where do homeowners typically lose the most money?

Michael Hihn: The bathroom often ranks among the most expensive areas in a home, costing between 15,000 and 25,000 euros (for medium fittings in 6–8 m²), and it is also where many homeowners lose money when managing the project independently. Common mistakes include forgetting to waterproof under the tiles, not preparing the screed for a level-access shower, and complete lack of ventilation. Plan for several weeks of construction time for an average bathroom in Munich and budget realistically in the five-digit range for medium fittings, including demolition, installation, tiling, and sanitary fixtures.

"One Proposal, One Schedule, One Warranty Partner"

Home Construction Blog & Building Diary: How does a comprehensive contractor structure the process?

Michael Hihn: As a specialized contractor, we typically consolidate demolition, plumbing, heating, electrical work, drywall, flooring, and painting under one project management umbrella, including smart home integration and photovoltaics in the Munich and Dachau areas. For homeowners, this means having one proposal, one timeline, and one warranty partner. In case of disputes between trades, there is no one to pass the responsibility to. This is, in our view, the greatest advantage over working with five or six individual companies.

"Lump-Sum Positions Are a Warning Signal" – What to Look for in Proposals

Home Construction Blog & Building Diary: How can homeowners identify a reliable proposal?

Michael Hihn: A reliable proposal lists quantities, materials, and hourly rates individually. Lump-sum positions like "Complete Bathroom: 30,000 euros" are a warning sign. Ask specific questions: What tile series is included? Which brand of heat pump is proposed? How many outlets per room? Those who respond in writing are likely to plan meticulously on-site. Additionally, request to see reference projects nearby—ideally completed projects that are two or three years old. This will give you insight into the durability of silicone joints, transitions, and paint jobs.