Original features
Restoring stucco: guide & prices
Stucco is the fastest way to devalue an Altbau apartment — by tearing it down. And the cheapest way to upgrade it — by caring for it. Good news: most damage is repairable, and not every chip needs a plasterer.
Typical damage and what it costs
| Damage | Solution | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hairline cracks, chipped edges | DIY: repair compound | 20–60 € |
| Missing profile (1–2 m) | Plasterer: rebuild on-site | 150–400 € |
| Entire rosette/moulding missing | Cast from existing or catalogue | 300–900 € |
| Whole apartment, heritage-accurate | Specialist firm, custom work | 3.000–15.000 € |
DIY in four steps
- Clean and tap-test. Knock along the moulding with a fingernail: anything sounding hollow needs proper re-anchoring or replacement — painting over it just postpones the problem.
- Stabilize the edges. Re-attach loose pieces with gypsum-based stucco adhesive; secure with hidden screws if needed.
- Rebuild, don't replace. For missing sections, moldable repair compounds work: dampen, press in, draw through the profile with a wet spatula. Practice on an inconspicuous piece first.
- Finish and paint. Sand after curing (grit 220), prime, then paint — never apply dispersion paint directly to polished stucco.
When you need a professional
More than 20% damaged area, damp stucco or listed-building status: use a specialist firm with a stock catalogue. Many Berlin firms still hold Wilhelminian-era moulds — ask for the original mould before anyone sells you an expensive custom piece.
Stucco is one line item — how much does it weigh?
Put the stucco cost in the context of your overall plan.
Open the calculatorNote: indicative values, not legal advice. Questions, corrections or additions? Write to the editors: hello@altbau.com