Those who Modernise your property not only invests in greater living comfort and increased property value. Energy-efficient refurbishment permanently reduces energy costs, increases sustainability and makes your home fit for the future. The decisive factor here is a clear plan that sensibly combines all relevant areas such as the building envelope, technology and financing. If you proceed in a structured manner, you can exploit the full potential of modernisation, both financially and in terms of energy. In five clearly defined steps, we show you how to modernise your property systematically and successfully.
- Analyse the current situation professionally
Every successful modernisation begins with a thorough analysis of the current condition of the building. The key questions are:
- What is the current energy consumption?
- Where are the energy weaknesses?
- Where are the energy weaknesses?
The GEAK provides owners with a transparent assessment of the energy status of their property. The building energy performance certificate is issued by certified experts and contains specific renovation recommendations in addition to an efficiency classification. It forms the basis for strategic decisions and in many cases is a prerequisite for receiving subsidies. Additional advice from the cantonal energy office can identify further optimisation options.
- Develop a customised renovation strategy
Once the potential has been identified, a clear strategy for modernising your property is developed. This raises the key question: complete refurbishment or modernisation in stages?
A structured renovation roadmap helps to combine measures sensibly, utilise synergies and plan investments in a targeted manner. The right sequence is particularly important here. As a rule, the focus is on optimising the building envelope before the heating technology is replaced. This is because the new heating solution can only be optimally utilised if the roof, façade and windows have been improved in terms of energy efficiency.
An energy consultant will support you with:
- Prioritisation of measures
- Coordination with budget and time frame
- Consideration of personal living situations
This results in realistic and realisable planning that takes technical, financial and personal aspects into account. Value-enhancing investments such as a screed extension or barrier-free adaptations can also be sensibly integrated when you modernise your property.
- Clarify financing and secure funding
Energy-efficient refurbishment is an investment in the future. This makes proper financial planning all the more important when modernising your property.
Check:
- Available equity
- Utilisation of pension assets
- Mortgage increase or additional financing
At the same time, funding should be checked and applied for at an early stage, definitely before work begins. Platforms such as Energy francs or SwissEnergy offer a good overview of funding programmes and their conditions. Specialist planners, architects or bank advisors will support you in finding the optimum financing structure. Securing subsidies in good time significantly reduces investment costs and increases the cost-effectiveness of the entire modernisation project.
- Clarify authorisations and requirements
Before you modernise your property, clarify the legal framework. Depending on the scope of the project, location or type of building, a building permit may be required. In addition, monument preservation requirements or public-law property restrictions (e.g. from the PLR-cadastre) must be checked. The relevant building authorities and cantonal geoportals provide guidance and support in submitting the necessary documents. Early coordination with the authorities prevents delays and creates planning security for all parties involved.
- Coordinate implementation professionally
Proper execution is crucial for a successful renovation. Obtain several quotes per trade and ensure that they are comparable:
- Scope of services
- Timetable
- Choice of material
- Energy standard
The selection of reliable partners is crucial for quality, schedule and cost certainty. Contracts should contain clear regulations, for example taking into account SIA standard 118. During the construction phase, owners should be on site regularly to monitor progress and respond quickly to any questions. Close coordination between planners, tradesmen and construction management ensures that interfaces are properly resolved and that the energy goals are actually achieved.
Once the work has been completed, it is advisable to create a new GEAK certificate to evaluate the success, both energetically and financially. This gives you measurable confirmation of the improvement achieved and also increases transparency when selling the property at a later date.
Conclusion
Structured energy-efficient refurbishment pays off in several ways. It reduces energy costs, improves living comfort and increases property value. Those who plan early, involve specialists and take advantage of funding opportunities will modernise their home sustainably and economically. With a clear roadmap and professional support, a complex task becomes a plannable and successful project.
Would you like to modernise your property and take a structured approach? Our specialist consultants will be happy to help you set the right priorities and maximise the potential of your building envelope.
Get in touch with us for a non-binding initial consultation and create the basis for a sustainable, economical refurbishment.