Modernizing your home with a plan
Viele Wohnhäuser in der Schweiz sind mehrere Jahrzehnte alt und wurden über lange Zeit nur punktuell instand gehalten. Das zeigt sich häufig in steigenden Energiekosten, veralteter Technik und einem Wohnstandard, der heutigen Anspr üchen nicht mehr ganz entspricht. Eine Renovation oder Sanierung ist deshalb weit mehr als eine optische Auffrischung – sie ist eine strategische Investition in Wohnqualität, Energieeffizienz und den langfristigen Wert der Immobilie.
This overview shows you what costs you can expect, how renovation and refurbishment differ, and how to approach a refurbishment project sensibly.
Renovation or refurbishment—what's the difference?
The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different types of procedures. This distinction is crucial for the budget, process, and approvals.
Renovation: Surfaces and appearance
Renovation focuses on improving the appearance of a building. The technical substance of the house usually remains unchanged. Typical work includes:
- Painting or replastering walls
- Replace floor coverings
- Replace doors, kitchen fronts, or built-in furniture
- minor repairs and cosmetic work
- Renewal of surfaces without interfering with technology or statics
Renovations primarily improve living comfort and appearance, but usually have only a limited impact on energy consumption or building value.
Renovation: Renewing technology, energy, and substance
Renovation involves much more extensive work on the building. The aim is to improve safety, energy efficiency, and service life. This includes, among other things:
- Insulation of facades or roofs
- Replacement of old windows
- Renovation of roof, roof truss, or basement
- Renovation of heating, plumbing, and electrical installations
- Repair of moisture, mold, or static damage
- Replacement of old pipes
Renovation means bringing the house up to modern technical standards—often with noticeable savings in running costs.
How much does it cost to renovate a house in Switzerland?
The costs can vary greatly. Age, condition, standard of finish, and choice of materials play just as much a role as energy targets. The following areas are among the most important cost factors for single-family homes.
Building envelope: facade, windows, and sun protection
The building envelope has a significant impact on how much energy a house loses and how comfortable the indoor climate is.
Facade insulation and new surface
Renovating a facade not only improves its appearance, but also significantly reduces heat loss.
Approximate value: approx. 250–350 CHF per m²
The price depends on:
- Facade type (plaster, wood, fiber cement, metal)
- Insulation material and insulation thickness
- Scaffolding and access costs
Replace windows
Modern windows with triple glazing significantly reduce energy loss and increase sound insulation.
Approximate price: approx. $550–750 per window (including installation)
Price depends on:
- frame material
- Safety and sound insulation requirements
- Special shapes or sizes
Sun protection (blinds, shutters, awnings)
Good sun protection significantly improves protection against the summer heat.
Approximate value: approx. $400–$1,400 per element, depending on the system
Roof and roof structure
The roof is one of the most heavily used parts of a house.
re-roofing
Approximate value: approx. $130–170 per m²
Typical single-family home: approx. $25,000–35,000
Factors influencing the cost include the choice of materials, the shape of the roof, and the condition of the sub-roof.
Comprehensive roof renovation
In older buildings, parts of the roof truss often need to be repaired.
Guideline values:
- Complete steep roof renovation: approx. $30,000–$55,000
- Partial or complete replacement of roof truss: approx. $35,000–60,000
roof insulation
Good insulation can significantly reduce energy consumption.
Approximate value: approx. $100–300 per square meter, depending on the structure
skylight
Approximate cost: CHF 2,000–3,000 per window, including installation
Heating and building services
Renovating building services is often one of the most effective ways to achieve long-term savings.
Heating systems (including installation)
- Gas heating: approx. $27,000–$33,000
- Oil heating: approx. $23,000–$30,000
- Air/water heat pump: approx. $39,000–$46,000
- Brine/water heat pump: approx. $52,000–$62,000
Additional work
- New floor heating: approx. $150–230 per square meter
- Replace all electrical components and wiring: approx. $20,000–45,000
Modern heating systems for a single-family home are more expensive to purchase, but significantly reduce running costs and often benefit from subsidies.
Interior work: kitchen, bathroom, and floors
These areas have a particularly strong influence on living comfort.
Install a new kitchen
- Simple design: approx. $20,000–$30,000
- Average standard: approx. $30,000–$55,000
- High-quality kitchen: $70,000–$100,000
bathroom
Approximate values per square meter:
- Simple: approx. $900–$1,400
- Average: approx. 1,400–1,800 CHF
- High quality: approx. $2,300–$3,300
floor coverings
Approximate value: approx. 110–220 CHF per m², depending on the material
How can renovation planning be done effectively?
Good planning is crucial for costs and processes. The following sequence has proven effective:
- Building envelope and building services
- Interior design and surfaces
Before starting, it is worth conducting a thorough inventory. Many weak points are not visible and can only be identified upon closer inspection. A professional analysis prevents expensive surprises during the construction phase.
In terms of time, comprehensive renovation can often be more efficient than many small stages. If the house remains inhabited, it makes sense to proceed in stages—but with clear prioritization.
Partial or total renovation—which makes more sense?
Not every house needs a complete renovation right away. Often, targeted measures such as new windows or modern heating are sufficient.
A complete renovation is particularly worthwhile when several components have reached the end of their service life at the same time. It saves coordination costs and enables a coherent overall concept. Even if you intend to sell, an energy-efficient renovation can significantly increase the market value.
Is a building permit required?
Not every measure requires approval. However, changes to the appearance, statics, or building envelope usually require approval, for example:
- Facade insulation
- Roof extensions or new skylights
- Extensions or terraces
Early clarification with the municipality prevents delays and additional costs.
Conclusion: Renovating or refurbishing your home—it's worth it if you plan it right.
Renovation or refurbishment involves considerable effort, but brings lasting benefits. Lower energy consumption, greater comfort, and a more stable property value are clear advantages. Careful planning, clear priorities, and comparing several quotes are crucial.
This means that renovation is not just a construction project, but an investment in the coming decades.
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