RENOVATION?! YOURSELF OR PROFESSIONALLY...
WHEN DO I NEED A PROFESSIONAL AND WHAT CAN I DO MYSELF?
It's tempting to lend a hand when remodelling your home. If you take on certain work processes yourself, you may save money and nerves. However, the decision to do your own home remodelling work requires a good deal of self-confidence as well as good preparation. The guarantee is gone, the damage remains: Remodelling mistakes can quickly become expensive. Who is liable if you remodel with friends and family? When it comes to remodelling, it is tempting to do it yourself or enlist the help of non-professionals. After all, the adverts promise: "Everything can be done" and "It seems impossible. Until you do it." The necessary know-how is provided by tutorials on YouTube, guides, forums and specialist magazines - or by experts. However, it is important to follow a few basic principles so that you save money with the help of laymen and the conversion doesn't end up being even more expensive.
Acquaintances, family or neighbours - in principle, anyone can assist with the conversion. You do not have to report so-called friendly services or neighbourly help as long as it is a favour. The decisive factor for categorisation is the payment: for lay helpers, there is no reporting obligation as long as "no payment at all or only a symbolic payment is made (e.g. a dinner, a bottle of wine, a merely symbolic amount of money)." This is what the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs Seco writes about undeclared work in the section "Friendly service and neighbourly help".
Even if payment has been agreed, you do not always have to report the labour service. In addition to the amount of pay, the intention is also important here: if a plumber friend is helping primarily for payment, the labour service must be reported - even if it is only for a small amount of money. If you violate the obligation to register, you could be fined for illegal employment. The law is more generous for family members. There is no obligation to register even in the case of higher wages or larger benefits in kind, as long as the work does not exceed the "usual level of family support". However, it is not precisely defined when this limit is reached.
WHO ASSUMES LIABILITY?
60 % of damage and defects are caused by improper execution of work. In addition to the direct damage, it is above all the so-called removal costs that have an impact. This is many times more expensive than simply repairing the joint. While professional tradesmen and women are liable for any damage they cause, the situation is different for volunteers. Because a friendly service is a favour and not a contract, the client must bear the costs if something breaks or consequential damage occurs.
Most insurance companies do not handle this in the same way: some cover damage via personal liability, others exclude liability for friendly services and work done as a favour. So check the cover with your insurance company before you and your friends get stuck in. And it's also best to seek advice on whether additional insurance cover such as builder's liability insurance or construction insurance is advisable for your renovation.
The examples in this text are case studies. The information contained herein is not legally binding.
REASONS FOR PRICE INCREASES AND DELAYS?
As a rule, hidden components are uncovered that show signs of damage and need to be dealt with immediately. The more closely a building is inspected before purchase or renovation, the safer you can avoid unpleasant surprises. Precise knowledge of the existing building and the necessary measures makes it possible to plan properly. This optimises the selection of tradesmen. The more complete their offers are, the more precisely costs and construction times can be calculated. It is very important that building owners define their wishes at an early stage.
Often hidden defects in the building and poorly described objectives. And a fundamental conflict: the client wants a lot of work for little money, the craftsman wants a lot of work for little time and materials. However, the additional refurbishment requirements then exceed the agreed price. Many also save at the wrong end: they start a renovation without professional preparation, and then protective measures or partial dismantling increase the costs.
Tip: It is essential to have the building inspected by a professional before remodelling. Even the smallest details can often reveal serious structural damage.
GENERAL PREPARATIONS AND HELPFUL INPUTS
1. do not underestimate time:
It is advisable to draw up a time budget and set time periods - such as holiday weeks - in which you can dedicate yourself to your own work. It may also be useful to set specific targets for progress. The time periods should not be too tight, so that there is still room for manoeuvre in the event of illness-related absences, a misjudgement of your own capacities or unforeseen events up to the set completion date. If you are carrying out your own home remodelling work in a property that you use yourself, you have a great deal of freedom when it comes to scheduling. However, if specialist companies are also involved in the remodelling, the in-house work must be completed on time so that these companies can work undisturbed at the agreed times.
2. organise work materials & storage space:
In addition to your own work, attention should also be paid to everything else. This begins with the choice of materials to be used. It continues with the search for suitable tools and equipment. Both materials and equipment need to be stored and stowed somewhere. Construction site coordination includes the provision of storage areas, preferably chosen so that they do not impede work and traffic on the construction site. In the case of house conversions, they should be located inside the house if possible, and appropriate protection from the weather must be provided for outdoor storage areas. If public land has to be used for storage, the need for authorisation must be clarified with the local authority. Building sites also generate waste. When remodelling a house, you may also need to dispose of waste properly and in accordance with the law.
3. safety first and check insurances!
Your home should guarantee security. In technical terms, security must be guaranteed. In the case of your own work, the responsibility for this can rest on the people who provide it. You must be certain that the work and its results will not endanger anyone. In the case of electrical or gas installations, official approvals are usually required, which at least partially relieve the installer of responsibility. If you use paid or voluntary labour for your own work, you may have to take out accident insurance for them.
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