In Switzerland, a qualified bricklayer generally charges between 70 and 90 CHF per hour. Prices vary considerably depending on the work: a few dozen francs per m² for a partition wall, and several thousand francs to knock through a load-bearing wall. Here are the approximate costs for the most common jobs.
How much does a bricklayer cost in Switzerland?
Interior
| Work | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Labour costs for a qualified bricklayer | approx. 70 to 90 CHF/h |
| Opening in a load-bearing wall (approx. 5 m²) | approx. 7,500 to 15,000 CHF, including engineering survey |
| Non-load-bearing partition | approx. 20 to 25 CHF/m² |
| Load-bearing wall (up to 30 cm thick) | approx. 550 to 600 CHF/m³ |
| Interior render | approx. 25 to 40 CHF/m² |
| Basement waterproofing (detached house) | approx. 2,000 to 5,000 CHF, plus joints charged per metre |
Exterior
| Work | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Scaffolding | approx. 10 to 25 CHF per square metre of façade |
| Minor plaster repairs | approx. 50 CHF/m² |
| New façade render | approx. 50 to 150 CHF/m² |
| Natural stone wall | approx. 200 to 250 CHF/m², plus labour |
| Concrete low wall | approx. 500 CHF/m² (a 6 m × 1 m low wall ≈ 3,000 CHF) |
| Garden path (foundation and paving slabs) | approx. 80 to 120 CHF/m², excluding labour |
| Extension | approx. 3,000 to 4,000 CHF/m² |
Source: indicative prices published by Houzy in 2023. Prices may have changed since then and vary depending on the canton, town and site access: only quotes are binding.
Opening up a load-bearing wall: the rules to follow
A load-bearing wall supports the floors or the roof. Altering it without taking the necessary precautions can compromise the stability of the entire building.
- Consult a structural engineer: they will calculate the required beam or lintel.
- Apply for planning permission: depending on the canton and the scale of the work, a permit from the municipality may be required. In condominium ownership (PPE), the owners’ association’s consent is essential, as load-bearing walls are considered common areas.
- Shore up the ceiling whilst the work is being carried out.
- Install the beam, then open up the wall.
- Restore the finishes: render, paint and flooring.
Don’t rely on the thickness of a wall to determine whether it is load-bearing. Only the building plans or a structural engineer can confirm this.
External work
- Low walls and retaining walls: a retaining wall that holds back earth requires foundations and drainage; above a certain height, an engineer is often required.
- Terraces and driveways: the cost depends mainly on the surfacing. Concrete slabs and paving stones are the cheapest, whilst natural stone is the most expensive.
- Facade render: this needs to be redone when it cracks or crumbles; ideally at the same time as installing external insulation to make shared use of the scaffolding.
Do you need planning permission?
Often yes, for work affecting the structure, the façade or the external appearance: opening up a load-bearing wall, extensions, walls on the property boundary, or a garage. The rules depend on your municipality and canton: check before signing the quote.
Beware of asbestos
In buildings constructed or renovated before 1990, render, adhesives and certain building materials may contain asbestos. Have a test carried out before demolition (Suva).