The 10 leading renovation trends in Belgium

Renovation trends in Belgium

Renovation today involves much more than installing a new kitchen, updating a bathroom or replacing a floor. Belgian homeowners are paying increasing attention to energy performance, comfort, sustainability and the future value of their property.

Rather than carrying out individual improvements, more people are choosing a carefully planned renovation strategy. The building envelope, heating, ventilation and finishes are then considered as interconnected parts of a single project.

Regulations also play a role, although they differ between regions. In Flanders, new owners of a home with an EPC rating of E or F are currently required to renovate it to at least rating D within six years. Different rules apply in Brussels and Wallonia. Always check which obligations apply in the area where your property is located.

Which developments are currently shaping the Belgian renovation market? We examine ten important trends.

1. Renovating according to a master plan

One of the most important developments is the shift from separate improvements to a phased renovation plan. Homeowners determine in advance which work is required, the order in which it should be completed and how the different systems affect one another.

A logical approach generally begins by resolving structural defects and damp problems. This is followed by insulation and airtightness improvements to the building envelope, ventilation and, finally, the heating system and interior finishes.

A renovation plan can take account of:

• the current EPC rating;

• the condition of the roof, facade and windows;

• damp problems and thermal bridges;

• the existing heating and ventilation;

• the available budget;

• the desired phasing of the work;

• future energy-efficiency requirements.

Looking at the entire project in advance helps prevent recently completed work from having to be altered later.

2. The building envelope takes priority

An energy-efficient home begins with a high-performing building envelope. Roof, wall and floor insulation, high-performance glazing and careful airtight finishing therefore remain important renovation measures.

The improvement with the greatest impact will vary from one property to another. Roof insulation may deliver the greatest benefit in one home, while the facade, windows or floor may require more urgent attention in another.

A professional assessment helps identify heat loss and weak points. This allows you to invest first in the measures that will make the greatest difference to your home.

A properly upgraded building envelope can contribute to:

• reduced heat loss;

• lower energy consumption;

• warmer internal surfaces;

• a more consistent indoor temperature;

• fewer thermal bridges;

• a potential improvement in the EPC rating.

3. Facade renovation combines energy performance with appearance

Facade renovation is increasingly being used to improve both the technical performance and appearance of a property. External wall insulation makes it possible to insulate an existing home without sacrificing interior space.

Possible facade finishes include:

• render or decorative plaster;

• brick slips;

• timber cladding;

• aluminium or composite panels;

• fibre-cement panels;

• ventilated facade systems;

• combinations of different materials.

A new facade system can provide better protection for the underlying structure against rain and other weather conditions. Existing cracks, damp problems and damage should always be assessed and repaired first.

The building’s architecture and local planning regulations must also be considered. Not every colour, material or change to the exterior appearance is permitted in every location. Professional preparation helps prevent unpleasant surprises.

4. The roof becomes multifunctional

Roof renovation today often goes beyond simply replacing roof tiles or a waterproof membrane. Homeowners are using the opportunity to combine several improvements.

These may include:

• additional roof insulation;

• a new, durable roof covering;

• better-insulated roof windows;

• solar panels;

• a green roof;

• external solar shading;

• upgraded guttering and rainwater drainage;

• connection to a rainwater harvesting system.

Planning these elements together allows the connections to be completed more effectively and avoids the need to modify a recently renovated roof.

Whether solar panels, a green roof or rainwater harvesting are suitable will depend on the roof structure, orientation, pitch, available space and local regulations.

5. Homes are being made heat-pump-ready

Heat pumps are playing an increasingly important role in the move towards more sustainable heating. However, not every property is suitable for every type of heat pump without prior improvements.

Performance depends on factors including:

• the insulation of the property;

• the required flow temperature;

• the existing radiators or underfloor heating;

• the building’s heat loss;

• the available electrical capacity;

• correct sizing of the system.

The focus is therefore shifting from simply installing a heat pump to preparing the home so the system can operate efficiently. Additional insulation or modifications to the heat emitters may sometimes be required.

Depending on the property, an air-to-water heat pump, geothermal system or hybrid solution may be appropriate. Always obtain a heat-loss calculation and professional technical advice first.

6. Solar panels become part of smart energy management

Solar panels remain an important element in many energy renovation projects. The focus is shifting from generating as much electricity as possible to using the energy produced as efficiently as possible.

Solar panels are therefore increasingly being combined with:

• a smart energy meter;

• energy-management software;

• a heat pump;

• a heat-pump water heater;

• an electric vehicle charging point;

• smart control of household appliances;

• potentially a residential battery.

A battery is not automatically the most cost-effective choice for every home. The household’s consumption profile, solar production, energy tariffs and the cost of the installation all help determine whether a battery is worthwhile.

A thorough assessment allows the system to be matched to the household’s actual energy consumption.

7. Ventilation becomes an integral part of renovation

When a property is better insulated and made more airtight, indoor air quality also requires careful attention. Everyday activities such as cooking, showering and breathing produce moisture and affect the quality of the indoor air.

A well-designed ventilation system removes humid, stale air and brings in fresh air. This helps maintain a healthy indoor environment and reduces the risk of condensation.

Depending on the property, possible solutions include:

• natural air supply with mechanical extraction;

• a central ventilation system;

• ventilation with heat recovery;

• local or decentralised ventilation;

• demand-controlled ventilation.

Ventilation is not only relevant to new construction. Solutions are also available for integration into existing homes. Buildwise additionally stresses the importance of correct commissioning and regular maintenance to ensure lasting performance.

8. Greater attention to summer comfort and a changing climate

Renovation has traditionally focused on retaining heat during the winter. Today, comfort during warmer periods is becoming equally important.

Possible measures include:

• external solar shading;

• solar-control glazing where appropriate;

• night-time ventilation;

• sufficient thermal mass;

• correctly installed roof and facade insulation;

• green roofs;

• trees and vegetation around the property;

• rainwater harvesting;

• permeable paving.

External shading can be particularly effective because it blocks solar heat before it enters through the glazing. Active cooling can be useful, but it is generally best considered after passive measures have been assessed.

A future-focused renovation therefore takes winter cold, summer heat and heavy rainfall into account.

9. Circular and environmentally responsible materials gain ground

In addition to the energy consumed while a home is occupied, the environmental impact of construction materials is receiving more attention.

Homeowners and designers are increasingly choosing:

• reclaimed bricks and roof tiles;

• timber from responsibly managed forests;

• wood-fibre and cellulose insulation;

• recycled insulation materials;

• lime and clay plasters;

• materials with a long service life;

• finishes that can later be removed or reused.

Not every material described as sustainable is automatically suitable for every application. Technical performance, moisture behaviour, fire safety, maintenance requirements and service life remain important considerations.

Buildwise notes that reuse can provide environmental and socioeconomic benefits, but requires careful planning and a detailed inventory.

10. Smart technology becomes practical rather than luxurious

Home automation is no longer reserved exclusively for large or luxurious properties. Affordable smart applications are increasingly being integrated into renovation projects.

Examples include:

• smart thermostats;

• room-by-room temperature control;

• automatic lighting;

• automated control of external shading and shutters;

• electricity-consumption monitoring;

• smoke, carbon monoxide and water-leak detectors;

• digital access and security systems;

• automatic control of solar panels and charging points.

The added value does not come from installing as much technology as possible. It comes from selecting systems that save energy, are simple to operate and work together reliably.

Compatibility, software support, privacy and the ability to continue operating important functions manually should also be considered.

Which renovation trend is right for your home?

Not every property requires the same improvements. The right choices depend on the building’s age, existing structure, technical condition, EPC rating, household situation and available budget.

A professional building assessment and a clear step-by-step plan are therefore more important than blindly following individual trends. Resolve structural and damp-related problems first, then consider the building envelope, ventilation and heating as parts of one integrated system.

You should also investigate planning permission, grants and financing in advance. The conditions differ according to the region, income, property and application date, and may change regularly.

Invest in a home that is ready for the future

The common theme running through today’s renovation trends is clear: homeowners want properties that consume less energy, feel more comfortable and are better prepared for the future.

Facade and roof insulation, efficient heating, ventilation, solar energy, climate-adaptation measures and sustainable materials can all contribute. The best results are achieved when these improvements are carefully coordinated.

Would you like to know how facade renovation or insulation could fit into your renovation plan? Faccader’s specialists assess the condition of your facade and recommend a solution that takes account of the property, the available budget and the desired appearance.

Contact Faccader for a no-obligation assessment and discover which facade improvements could make the greatest difference.