House renovation in Upper Austria: process, costs and subsidies

Renovating a house is technically more demanding than a new build, because every decision rests on an existing, often unknown building fabric. Anyone wanting to renovate a house in Upper Austria should first carry out an honest assessment of the current condition, before ordering tiles, windows or facade materials.

Assessing the current condition before the first step

Before any renovation, we check the load-bearing structure, the condition of the electrical and plumbing installations, the moisture situation in the basement, and the existing insulation. In houses built before 1980, old electrical wiring is often a common weak point, frequently overlooked when quoting, because it remains hidden behind plaster and wallpaper.

The correct order of trades

A renovation rarely fails because of individual trades, but because of the wrong sequence. First the roof and facade, so no more water gets in. Then electrical and plumbing installations, while walls are still open. Only after that, interior fit-out, flooring and painting. Anyone who reverses this order has to reopen freshly laid floors or freshly finished walls.

Realistic costs for a house renovation

For a comprehensive renovation of a family home in Upper Austria covering facade, windows, building services and interior fit-out, realistic costs range between EUR 800 and EUR 1,500 per square metre, depending on the condition of the building fabric and the chosen energy standard. A partial renovation, such as facade and windows only, costs correspondingly less, but only partially improves the energy balance.

Energy renovation and subsidy options

Upper Austria and the federal government offer subsidies for thermal renovation, replacing old heating systems, and installing heat pumps or photovoltaic systems. The subsidy amount depends on the energy standard achieved and the applicant's income. We provide the technical evidence required for each subsidy and advise you on which measures are eligible.

How long does a house renovation take?

Depending on scope, a comprehensive renovation of a family home takes 3 to 6 months. If the house remains occupied during the renovation, the construction time usually extends, because work in occupied areas has to be carried out more slowly and carefully.

Can I stay in the house during the renovation?

For partial renovations, this is usually possible if we stage the work by room or floor. For a comprehensive renovation involving electrical, plumbing and heating installations, we recommend moving out at least temporarily, for both safety and comfort reasons.