In Switzerland, renovating a flat generally costs between CHF 500 and CHF 1,000 per m² for a minor renovation, and between CHF 1,000 and CHF 2,500 per m² for a full renovation. The key to a successful renovation project is the sequence of works: you start with what’s hidden inside the walls and finish with what’s visible.
How much does it cost to renovate a flat?
| Type of renovation | What it includes | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|
| Refurbishment | Painting, minor repairs, some fittings | approx. 20 to 50 CHF/m² for painting only |
| Minor refurbishment | Painting, flooring, some fittings | approx. 500 to 1,000 CHF/m² |
| Full renovation | Electrical work, plumbing, flooring, kitchen, bathroom | approx. 1,000 to 2,500 CHF/m² |
| Major conversion | Walls moved, new layout of rooms | approx. 2,500 to 3,500 CHF/m² |
Some items that often feature:
| Item | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | approx. 20,000 to 50,000 CHF |
| Bathroom | approx. CHF 15,000 to 30,000 |
| Electrical upgrade | approx. 80 to 150 CHF/m² |
| Flooring (tiles or fitted parquet) | approx. 50 to 200 CHF/m² |
Source: Neho. These figures vary depending on the canton, town and access to the site: only quotes are binding.
Example: for an 80 m² flat, a minor renovation costs around 40,000 to 80,000 CHF, and a full renovation around 80,000 to 200,000 CHF.
Where to start?
1. Carry out a condition survey
Make a list of what needs to be replaced and what can be kept: electrical wiring, pipework, windows, flooring, kitchen, bathroom. In a building constructed or renovated before 1990, arrange for an asbestos survey before any demolition work (Suva).
2. Set the budget and priorities
Divide the work into three categories: essential (safety, electrics, leaks), useful (kitchen, bathroom) and comfort (finishes, decoration). Set aside a contingency of 10–15 per cent for unforeseen costs.
3. Check the building regulations
For condominium ownership (PPE), see the following section. If you are a tenant, you must obtain written consent from the landlord or property management company before carrying out any work.
4. Get quotes
For a comprehensive renovation, you can use a main contractor who coordinates all the trades, or hire each tradesperson separately. The first option is simpler; the second may be cheaper, but requires more supervision.
In what order should the work be carried out?
- Demolition and waste removal.
- Structural work: moving walls, creating openings.
- Services: electricity, plumbing, heating – everything that runs through the walls and floors.
- Windows and insulation, if required.
- Plastering, screeds and waterproofing.
- Kitchen and bathroom.
- Flooring: tiles, parquet.
- Paintwork and finishing touches, last of all.
- Final inspection with the tradesperson: make a written note of any defects to be rectified before the final payment.
Never lay parquet flooring or apply paint before the electrical and plumbing work is complete. Cutting a new groove in a new wall is expensive.
Renovating in condominium ownership (PPE): what you need to know
- Private areas: you alone decide on the work to be carried out within your unit (floors, kitchen, painting), subject to the condominium ownership (PPE) regulations.
- Communal areas: the roof, façade, heating system, load-bearing walls and main pipes are the responsibility of the owners’ association. Maintenance work is generally approved by a simple majority; work that increases the property’s value requires a qualified majority (Raiffeisen).
- Notify the property manager and your neighbours before work begins: noise times, lift use, and waste disposal.
- Renovation fund: for major communal works, this helps to avoid additional contributions. The Swiss Association of Condominium Owners recommends contributing 0.3 per cent of the building’s insured value to this fund each year.
Is a planning permission required?
Interior work that does not alter the structure generally does not require a planning permission. A planning permission may be required to move a load-bearing wall, alter the appearance of the façade or windows, or change the use of a room. Check with your municipality before starting.