modification
Conversion designated building the structural change of an existing Bauwerkes . The fee schedule for architectural and engineering services ( HOAI ) also calls this building in existing buildings and allows for surcharges for the fee . The renovation is intended to adapt the structure to current or future requirements.
Delimitation of new construction, renovation and conversion
The demarcation of the term renovation from the replacement of individual components (renovation) and the new building can cause difficulties, but is significant in terms of building law.
The replacement of defective windows does not in itself define a conversion. If the listed facade is retained in a building, all walls and ceilings inside are demolished and rebuilt in a modified manner, this is legally a conversion.
During the renovation of the Volksparkstadion (1997/98), the east, south, west and north stands were demolished one after the other and replaced by new buildings. No component was preserved, the playing field was also rotated by 90 °, but these construction measures are still considered to be conversion. In the case of a new construction, more stringent requirements are usually to be met (example: in the case of a new stadium construction, the selected location would also be checked in terms of urban planning, traffic engineering, etc., but not in the case of a renovation).
The building regulations of most federal states require building applications for conversions if this changes the use of a room, or changes the fire protection, the supporting structure or the external appearance. Some federal states name conversion measures in their state building regulations which are procedural and for which no building application is required.
Types of conversions (examples)
Demolition : breaking off a part of a building or component (e.g. wall).
Extension : erection of a new part of the building. The constant expansions of the Palace of Versailles , which resulted in the extensive palace complex from a small hunting lodge, were all conversions.
New building when building in an existing structure : erection of a component (e.g. wall with door opening). If an open- plan office is divided by new walls, this has consequences for fire protection (escape routes) and possibly the supporting structure . If the new wall turns an office into a copy or storage room, the use changes and the effects on fire protection and load-bearing behavior must be proven in a building application.