German Housing Quality: What Makes Them Different To US Homes?
Everyone has heard of German engineering. It’s a common stereotype and an often repeated trope. Unlike most stereotypes and generalizations, when it comes to German engineering it’s all true! Hard work, diligence, and meticulous attention to the details are ingrained in German culture. It’s just as true for automotive engineering as it is for house-building and construction. If you were looking at buying a place of your own in Germany but you were holding back because you were worried about build quality, then let us put your minds at ease!
Before we begin, let us throw some facts at you.
Firstly, when it comes to house building, the Germans know what they’re doing. There are houses for sale in Germany that are considerably older than the United States. Some of these old houses are better built than modern US homes, and many of them are going to remain standing for a lot longer too.
Secondly, European construction methods are different from the US so when you’re viewing a property you will have to walk around with a different mindset. Construction materials that you may be used to using may not be the norm in the property you’re looking at. In the US, we’re used to using timber all over the place. In Europe, wood isn’t as cheap, and concrete is the weapon of choice.
Lastly, German building codes are pretty strict. And if we know we know anything about the Germans it’s that they are a sucker for the rules. These rules and regulations are strictly adhered to, and you’ll very rarely stumble across a cowboy builder who cuts corners. It’s virtually unheard of. If you’re looking to buy in Germany then you can rest easy knowing that you’re buying a house that’s built to last.
Now that you’re reassured about the quality of German homes, what is it that makes them so different from US houses?
#01. Building Materials
In the US, wood is readily available, cheap, and used in almost every typical American home. While Germany does have vast areas of woodland, there’s not enough of it for timber to be a viable construction material for modern homes. Instead, German house builders use a mixture of concrete and rebar, with sand and limestone block-work for the walls, and plenty of insulation too. The result is a strong and well-insulated home that will stand the test of time. What’s more, the concrete walls keep the house cool during summer, warm during the winter, and it keeps the house nice and quiet too.
#02. Windows
Another interesting difference between US houses and German ones is the windows. All new German houses are equipped with energy-efficient double or even triple-paned windows. In fact, many older houses have been updated with these new windows to make them more weatherproof! These windows are very thick and open two ways. They can swing inwards for a fully open window, or they can open vertically on a slant, leaving only the top of the window open. These windows are great, and every home should have them. Another cool feature of German homes are their “rolladens”- external rolling shutters that can be used to help regulate the temperature of the house and control the amount of light entering a room. They’re pretty neat and really useful.
#03. Heating
We’ve talked about insulation and super-efficient windows, but what about heating? There are a variety of heating methods used in Germany. Most modern houses use under-floor heating or radiators, which use hot water to heat the house. Older houses may rely on oil heating or log burners, but thanks to government energy efficiency grants, it’s possible to obtain government help to install more modern and efficient heating systems. The heating systems are one of the biggest differences between US and German houses, and when you’re house hunting you should give some serious thought about how you’re going to heat your house in the future.
#04. Ventilation & Cooling
Air conditioning might be the norm in the states, but it’s not the standard in Germany – not in private houses, at least. German houses stay cool thanks to the insulation used in their construction. The difference is that most German houses don’t have in-built ventilation systems to circulate air around the property as American houses do. Instead, Germans simply open the windows and “air-out” their rooms instead. This allows for real fresh air to enter the home, rather than the same old stuffy air getting re-circulated.
#05. Kitchens
This could be a topic all by itself. When you buy or rent a property in Germany, it usually comes without a kitchen. Or rather, the kitchen room will come without the usual kitchen furniture such as cabinets, countertops, drawers, and all appliances. Understandably, this can come as a shock to foreigners. When Germans buy a kitchen, it’s their kitchen, not the house’s kitchen, and the previous house owners or tenants will rip out their kitchen and take it with them to the next place. When buying a property, you might want to factor this into your finances before sealing a deal. As for the rest of the kitchen, the usual fittings are left installed: electricity, water, and drainage. If you’re looking for mains gas though, you will be disappointed. While mains gas does exist in some areas, it’s not common. Gas stovetops aren’t the norm, and if you must cook on gas you may need to install a gas tank in your yard or connect your stove to a bottle.
Of course, there are many more differences between German and American houses, but these are arguably some of the most talked-about points.
Purchasing a home in a foreign country is an adventure, and there will always be cultural differences, different approaches, and unfamiliar rules to learn and follow. At Barone Estate Management, we’re here to make that learning curve smoother, and make your journey a little easier. With over 10 years of experience in the German housing market, we’re here to give you the advice and support you need here in Germany.
As an expert in the field of international real estate and housing quality, I have extensive knowledge of the factors that distinguish German homes from their American counterparts. My expertise is grounded in firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the construction and housing markets in both Germany and the United States. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about German housing quality compared to US homes.
#01. Building Materials: In Germany, the prevalent use of concrete and rebar, along with sand and limestone block-work for walls, sets the construction apart from the traditional American reliance on timber. This choice of materials contributes to the durability and insulation of German homes. Concrete walls not only enhance strength but also provide excellent thermal regulation, keeping the house cool in summer and warm in winter.
#02. Windows: The article highlights a notable difference in windows between German and US homes. German houses are equipped with energy-efficient double or triple-paned windows, contributing to enhanced weatherproofing and insulation. The unique feature of "rolladens," external rolling shutters, adds both temperature control and light regulation to German homes, showcasing an advanced approach to window design.
#03. Heating: The heating methods in Germany differ significantly from those in the United States. While modern German houses often incorporate under-floor heating or radiators using hot water, older houses may rely on oil heating or log burners. The availability of government energy efficiency grants facilitates the transition to more modern and efficient heating systems, making it a crucial consideration for prospective homeowners.
#04. Ventilation & Cooling: Unlike the widespread use of air conditioning in the United States, German homes rely on insulation for cooling. The absence of built-in ventilation systems in most German houses makes natural ventilation through open windows a common practice. This approach ensures the entry of fresh air, distinguishing it from the reliance on air conditioning prevalent in the US.
#05. Kitchens: The article points out a unique aspect of German homes related to kitchens. When purchasing or renting a property in Germany, it is common for the kitchen to be without furniture and appliances. Germans consider the kitchen their personal property, and previous owners or tenants often take the kitchen with them when they move. This cultural difference underscores the need for financial planning and consideration when acquiring a property in Germany.
These highlighted differences represent just a few aspects of the broader contrast between German and American homes. Understanding these nuances is crucial for individuals considering real estate transactions in foreign countries, and expertise from professionals like Barone Estate Management can prove invaluable in navigating the complexities of the German housing market. With over 10 years of experience, Barone Estate Management stands as a reliable source of advice and support for those venturing into the German real estate landscape.
