Managing construction work correctly
Construction work is often the "core" of a building project: it involves foundations, supporting structures, concrete and masonry work – in other words, precisely those components that determine the stability, safety and service life of a building. At the same time, these services are among the most cost-intensive items in new construction, conversion or renovation projects. Anyone who is too optimistic in their calculations or compares quotes incorrectly risks not only exceeding their budget, but also delays and expensive rectifications.
This guide provides you with a practical overview of what a builder in Switzerland actually does, what the standard costs are, which factors have a particularly strong influence on prices, and when it makes sense to hire a builder as a central authority—instead of coordinating many individual trades yourself.
What tasks does a master builder perform?
A master builder is responsible for work relating to the building fabric and supporting structure —often also for the early phase of the construction site, during which the foundations for all other trades are laid. Depending on the project, the master builder not only takes on the execution, but also coordination, interface management, and quality assurance in the shell construction.
Shell construction, load-bearing components, and building envelope in the basic framework
Builders create load-bearing walls, ceilings, supports, and load-bearing connections. This includes masonry work, concrete components, and often subfloors and shell construction work, which are later supplemented by finishing trades (windows, building services, interior finishing). You can think of it this way: the builder creates the structure on which the rest of the building is "built."
Demolition, dismantling, and structuraladjustments
Renovations often require walls to be removed, new passageways to be created, or old components to be dismantled. As soon as load-bearing elements are affected, supports, structural planning, and safe execution are required. Builders take on such tasks, installing beams, supports, or new walls and ensuring that the building remains stable during the work.
Concrete and reinforced concretework
Floor slabs, retaining walls, stairs, ceilings, or reinforcements in existing structures—concrete is a typical field for builders. It is not only the pouring itself that is important, but also the formwork, reinforcement, compaction, and correct execution in accordance with structural specifications. This is precisely where it is decided whether a component will remain permanently stable or whether problems such as cracking or moisture will occur later on.
Coordination with planners and other trades
In many projects, the builder is the first major trade on site and works closely with the architect, structural engineer, electricians, plumbers, and other contractors. This coordination is particularly important in renovation projects to ensure that cable routing, openings, connections, and construction processes are compatible—and do not become unnecessarily expensive due to conflicts or additional work.
Builders – Costs in Switzerland
There are no "standard values" for construction costs because new builds, conversions, and renovations involve very different risks and processes. New builds are relatively easy to plan, conversions are often full of unknowns, and renovations vary depending on the condition of the building and the package of measures required. The following guidelines can be used as a reference.
New construction: typical reference values per cubic meter and common additional items
In new Swiss buildings, calculations are often based on cubic meters of space. Rough guidelines:
- From approx. 650 CHF/m³ ( e.g., terraced house/standardized construction)
- approx. 800 CHF/m³ (typical single-family home standard)
- From approx. CHF 1,000/m³ ( high-quality construction/villa standard)
A single-family home with approximately 840 m³ often costs around CHF 670,000–800,000 – in many cases without land costs and, depending on the offer, also without landscaping.
Additional costs that often arise separately in new construction:
- Windows: approx. $600–$1,000/m²
- Bathroom: approx. $20,000
- Kitchen: approx. $20,000–$30,000
- Garage (solid construction): approx. $30,000–$40,000
- Excavation/basement: from approx. $150,000 total
Renovation: Modernize, reinforce, improve energy efficiency
Renovations include preserving the substance of the building, modernization, and often energy efficiency upgrades. Depending on the canton, subsidies may be available to support energy efficiency measures, which can improve cost-effectiveness. The costs depend heavily on whether only surfaces are being renewed or whether structural components need to be modified.
Typical reference values:
- Facade insulation: $250–350/m²
- New heating system (example: air/water heat pump): $40,000–$50,000
- Flat roof renovation: approx. $10,000–$20,000 (depending on surface area/structure)
- Flooring: $50–$90/m² + $50–$80/m² installation
- Window replacement: from approx. $280–380/m² (depending on glazing)
Conversion: higher costs per cubic meter due to risk and inventory
Renovations are usually more expensive per unit than new builds—not because of "more expensive materials," but because of the additional risk: hidden pipes, unclear layer structures, structural limitations, and surprises in the existing building. A rough guideline is often around CHF 1,000/m³, depending on the extent of the work and the condition of the building.
As a rule of thumb, if renovation costs approach 70% of the cost of a replacement building, it is worth considering a new build (from an economic and energy perspective).
Examples of common renovation projects (guideline values):
- Increase: approx. CHF 300,000–400,000
- Attic conversion: from approx. $50,000
- Extension (25 m²): approx. $75,000–$100,000
- Kitchen renovation: approx. $20,000–$30,000
- Bathroom renovation: approx. $25,000–$50,000+
What factors have the greatest influence on builders' quotes?
Quotes differ not only because of different companies, but also because of general conditions. If you are aware of these points, you will be able to evaluate quotes much better.
Size and complexity of the project
More volume means more material, more working hours, and more machine time. Interventions in the supporting structure are particularly expensive: new openings, supports, beams, foundation reinforcements, or bracing.
Material prices and qualitylevels
Concrete, steel, bricks, and insulation materials vary in price. In addition, systems differ in quality and durability. Low-cost solutions are not automatically bad, but for highly stressed components, quality can save on maintenance in the long term.
Access and construction sitelogistics
Narrow access roads, difficult terrain conditions, or inner-city construction sites increase the amount of work and equipment required. This often makes transport, crane time, or scaffolding solutions more expensive.
Use of machinery andpersonnel
Excavators, concrete pumps, cranes, cutting equipment, supports: construction work involves a lot of machinery. The longer the equipment is on site or the more personnel have to be deployed at the same time, the higher the quoted price will be.
Location and regionaldifferences
Wages and operating costs are higher in regions where demand is high. This has a direct impact on hourly rates and logistics costs—identical services can be significantly more expensive depending on the region.
Unexpected defects in the property
Renovations often reveal surprises: damp, dilapidated pipes, mold, asbestos, unstable components, or old, undocumented renovations. These issues require additional investigations and addenda and are one of the most common reasons for budget overruns.
Typical construction services with guide prices
Builders cover services that are crucial for load-bearing capacity and substance. The following examples show you typical cost estimates that are common in Switzerland.
Excavation, foundations, and concrete
Excavation and foundation work depend heavily on soil conditions, groundwater, access, and depth. Concrete work also involves formwork and reinforcement, which significantly increases the cost.
Guideline values:
Excavation: $80–$150/m³
Foundation for a single-family home: $10,000–$18,000
Concrete work in general: $220–$360/m³
Small foundations (e.g., for gardening): $1,500–$3,000
Masonry work and structural openings
New walls, openings, and reinforcements are among the most common construction tasks during renovations. Securing and installing beams is a major cost driver, especially in the case of load-bearing walls.
Guideline values:
- Brick interior wall: $150–250/m²
- Non-load-bearing breakthrough: $2,500–$3,500
- Breakthrough including steel beams: $4,000–$9,000
- Masonry in general: $200–300/m²
Insulation and energy efficiency measures
Energy-efficient renovations improve comfort and reduce consumption. Builders take on insulation work, subfloors, and preparatory work on openings, baseboards, or connections.
Guideline values:
- Facade insulation: $300–400/m²
- Roof insulation (pitched roof): $300–400/m²
- Floor renovation/subfloor: $90–150/m²
- Preparation for window replacement: $500–$1,300 per opening
Decommissioning and demolition, including disposal
Professional dismantling prevents damage to adjacent components and ensures clean separation and disposal. Depending on the scope and type of waste, the costs can rise significantly.
Guideline values:
Renovation of small bathroom: $2,500–5,000
Partial demolition (apartment/floor): $10,000–$20,000
Complete building demolition: $25,000–$60,000+
Disposal of mixed construction waste: $150–$300/ton
Extensions, additions, and room expansions
Extensions and conversions are costly because transitions to existing components, foundations, and insulation must be taken into account. The degree of completion (shell vs. finished) makes a big difference.
Guideline values:
- Simple extension (20–30 m²): $50,000–$90,000
- High-quality cultivation: $90,000–$150,000
- Increase: CHF 250,000–350,000
- Attic conversion: $50,000–$120,000
General contractor vs. individual trades: Which is smarter for your project?
Whether you hire a general contractor or individual companies directly depends on the scope and coordination requirements. Both approaches can be right—if they suit the project situation.
When a builder is often the better solution
Complex processes with manydependencies
When demolition, concrete, masonry, insulation, and connections need to be coordinated in terms of timing and technical requirements, a master builder can help with central coordination. This reduces interface problems and waiting times.
Working with statics andliability
Load-bearing interventions require expertise, support, and clear responsibilities. In this case, a master builder is practically standard—also because they ensure execution in cooperation with structural engineers and planners.
Larger projects involving multipletrades
For extensive projects, a builder with experienced teams and efficient organization can actually be cheaper than coordinating many individual trades yourself—especially if delays and additional work can be avoided.
When specialized companies are sufficient
Small, clearly defined projects
Replacing windows, renovating the kitchen, painting, or installing a new garage door are typical examples of projects that do not necessarily require a builder.
If only one trade is affected
A single problem (e.g., plumbing, electrical, flooring) can usually be solved more directly and cost-effectively by a specialist.
If no supporting structure is altered
As long as no load-bearing elements are affected, the risk is lower and coordination is easier.
Conclusion: When a builder is the right investment
A builder is particularly worthwhile if your project involves load-bearing components, many interlinked work steps, or if the construction site is organizationally demanding. You benefit from clear responsibilities, better coordination, and often more realistic quotes because important items are not overlooked. For small, clearly defined individual jobs, however, specialized tradespeople are often sufficient.
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