Budgeting is crucial to the success of your project. In Berlin, the cost of converting an 80 square metre loft can range from €240,000 to €280,000, depending on the materials and fittings used. Here are some examples of typical costs:

• Insulation: 60 to 180 euros per square metre, depending on the material. In an 80 square metre loft, insulation could cost around 7,000 to 15,000 euros.

• Windows and dormers: Simple roof windows cost around 2,500 to 4,000 euros including installation, while a dormer can cost 12,000 to 18,000 euros.

• Drywall: 50 to 70 euros per square metre if you do it yourself. Professional drywalling costs 100 to 150 euros per square metre. In a loft, the cost of drywall materials can be around 8,000 to 12,000 euros if you do it yourself.

• Electrical and plumbing: Installing new electricity connections, sockets and a fuse box costs between €8,000 and €12,000, while a complete bathroom plumbing installation, including water pipes, shower, toilet and washbasin, can cost between €12,000 and €20,000. A total of 20,000 to 30,000 euros should be budgeted for these essential works.

• Floor coverings and finishes: High-quality floor coverings such as parquet or tiles cost between €80 and €150 per square metre, depending on the quality, while painting and wall coverings can cost an additional €5,000 to €10,000.

To keep costs under control, it is advisable to draw up a budget early on. Don’t forget to include a 10 to 20% contingency, as renovations in old buildings like those in Berlin can often present unexpected challenges.

Insulation is a key issue that affects both comfort and energy costs. In Berlin, where winters can be cold and summers hot, insulation plays an important role. Common insulation materials are 

• Mineral wool: Inexpensive and easy to work with. The cost of insulating an 80 square metre loft with mineral wool in Berlin could be around 5,000 to 8,000 euros.  

• Wood fibre boards: A sustainable but more expensive option. These materials can cost up to 12,000 euros.  

• Polyurethane (PUR): Offers high insulation values with low material thickness, but at a higher price. Ideal if you have limited space for insulation.  

In addition to thermal insulation, sound insulation is also important in Berlin, especially in the busier districts. Good insulation not only protects against heat and cold, but also reduces street noise. Subsidies such as the KfW energy efficiency programmes support the installation of modern insulation with grants of up to 20%. 

A loft offers many opportunities for creative interior design. In an 80 square metre loft, you could have bespoke fitted cupboards installed under the sloping ceilings to make the most of the space. These can cost between 500 and 1,000 euros per metre.

Windows play a crucial role in making the loft feel light and open. Additional roof windows can cost around 2,500 euros each, including installation.  

 The choice of materials and colours also influences the feel of the space. A light wooden floor in a loft costs around 60 to 100 euros per square metre and gives the room a warm, spacious feel. 

There are several funding programmes in Berlin that provide financial support for loft conversions:  

• KfW Programme 152: This programme offers low-interest loans for energy-related measures such as insulation or window replacement. You can get up to €50,000 per dwelling at favourable interest rates. This is particularly useful if you want to make your loft more energy efficient.  

• BAFA funding for individual measures (e.g. insulation): The BAFA subsidises energy efficiency measures, such as insulation or the installation of modern heating technology. You can claim up to 20% of the eligible costs. This also applies to loft conversions if you are focusing on sustainability and energy saving.  

• Tax deductibility: Even if you do not take advantage of direct grant schemes, you can still claim a tax deduction of up to 20% of the labour costs for tradesmen (maximum €1,200 per year). This applies to the renovation, modernisation and refurbishment work involved in converting your loft.