Life-Cycle Costs of a Minimally Invasive Refurbishment Approach in Comparison to a Standard Refurbishment

Abstract

The decision on constructing or renovating buildings is often based on construction costs; consequently, follow-up costs are not considered. Life-cycle cost analysis is a common method for assessing the economic viability of buildings over their entire life-cycle. In this project, life-cycle costs of a minimally invasive refurbishment with component activation are compared with those of a standard refurbishment approach with an external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) and radiators. Although the follow-up costs approximate the life-cycle costs after a period of 50 years in this analysis, the additional erection costs of the minimally invasive refurbishment approach cannot be compensated. In order for the system to become economically competitive, the erection costs regarding the facade system and the associated building technology must be reduced by 36 %, assuming that the nominal follow-up costs remain the same. Since the current implementation is still a prototypical one, cost-saving potential is expected on basis of the experience of the executing companies. However, in addition to the economic efficiency, the non-monetary added value of the system in the form of a more homogeneous heat output, more ecological building materials, less stress for the inhabitants due to the minimally invasive approach, reduced use of floor space and increased sound insulation due to the sound insulation facade, should also be taken into account in the decision-making process.