Renovating an Altbau apartment in Berlin is exciting, but also technically demanding. Older buildings often come with hidden issues, especially affecting painting, bathrooms, kitchens, drywall and flooring. At Alexihome we see the same mistakes again and again, and most of them are easy to avoid with the right planning.
At a Glance
- ✓Most Altbau mistakes happen before the first coat of paint, in the planning.
- ✓Walls, materials and the right sequence decide the result.
- ✓Hidden services like wiring and pipes should be checked first.
The 5 Most Common Mistakes in Altbau Renovation
Underestimating the Condition of the Walls
Old layers of paint, moisture or cracks are very common. Before any painting, thorough surface preparation is essential. Without it you get peeling paint, uneven surfaces and poor durability.
Choosing the Wrong Materials
Not every material suits an Altbau. Walls need to breathe. That means breathable paints, suitable primers and the right plaster systems. The wrong materials trap moisture and cause long-term damage.
Skipping Preparation Before the Work Starts
A successful renovation always starts with good preparation: protecting floors and windows, removing old layers and preparing for drywall or tiling. Without these steps, the quality of the whole job suffers.
Ignoring Wiring and Pipes
Many projects focus only on the visible result. Behind the walls, though, you often find old electrical installations, outdated plumbing and structural problems. For bathroom and kitchen renovations in particular, a check is essential.
Pro Tip
Have the wiring and pipes checked before any filling or tiling. Opening a wall twice is always more expensive than planning it right once.
No Clear Renovation Sequence
One of the most expensive mistakes is the lack of a plan. The right order saves time, money and stress.
The right sequence:
- Demolition and removal
- Technical work (electrics, plumbing)
- Drywall
- Tiling and flooring
- Painting
- Finishing
Conclusion
A successful Altbau renovation in Berlin depends not only on design, but above all on planning, materials and clean execution.
Your Altbau Renovation in Berlin with Alexihome
Planning to renovate an Altbau apartment? We guide your project from the first planning stage to a clean final result, from Altbau renovation and bathrooms and kitchens to painting, drywall and natural stone. Book a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call 0160 98266358Our Services