Kitchen modernization: Price range and tips
Nowadays, the kitchen is a workspace, a meeting place, and often the heart of the home. Modernizing it therefore pays off twice: it improves everyday life (workflows, storage space, lighting) and increases the value of the property at the same time. But when it comes to new fronts, appliances, or even a completely new kitchen, the key question arises: how much does a kitchen renovation really cost in Switzerland?
The answer depends on how deeply you want to invest in the project. A visual refresh can be achieved for just a few thousand dollars, while a high-quality kitchen with new fixtures can quickly run into tens of thousands of dollars. This guide provides you with reliable price ranges, explains the most important cost drivers, and shows you when a renovation is sufficient—and when a complete replacement makes more sense.
Kitchen renovation in Switzerland and its costs
Kitchen projects vary greatly in scope, because it's not just furniture and appliances that count, but also planning, installation, and technical adjustments. A small kitchenette is naturally cheaper than a U-shaped or island kitchen – and high-quality materials (e.g., stone or ceramic) and premium appliances drive up the price even further. The following four levels will help you to realistically assess your budget.
Budget kitchen (with no or minimal appliances)
A simple kitchen is particularly useful if you have a small floor plan, only want to invest temporarily, or need to furnish a secondary residence. Standard base cabinets, simple fronts, and inexpensive countertops are often used. Installation is usually quick because few special measurements are required.
Suitable for: Studios, rental properties, temporary solutions, tight budgets.
Budget:
- CHF 4,500–6,500 for furniture and fittings
- + approx. $1,300 if some equipment needs to be replaced
- Removal/disposal of old equipment: approx. $1,000–$1,500
Solid standard kitchen (including appliances)
This is the most common category of property. You get reasonable interior fittings, sufficient storage space, a sturdy countertop, and the usual appliances. The price depends heavily on whether the existing connections can be taken over or whether electrical and plumbing work is necessary.
Suitable for: Condominiums, single-family homes, classic kitchen renovations.
Budget:
- CHF 20,000–30,000 in total (furniture, appliances, installation)
- Mid-range devices: $5,000–$7,000
- Delivery/installation: often included, depending on the provider and project
High-quality kitchen (material and comfort upgrade)
Here, materials and fittings are visibly better: high-quality fittings, soft-close pull-outs, interior organization, LED lighting concept, robust surfaces. Natural stone or ceramic are common upgrades. In addition, appliances are often chosen for their energy efficiency and quietness.
Suitable for: larger kitchens, design requirements, long-term value appreciation.
Budget:
- $30,000–$55,000
- Natural stone countertop: $3,500–$6,000
- Premium devices: $10,000–$15,000
Premium/luxury kitchen (custom-made, exclusive finishes)
Luxury kitchens are usually custom-designed and sometimes made by a carpenter. They also feature special materials such as walnut, slate, stainless steel, or high-end designer fronts, as well as additional appliances (wine cooler, steam cooker, vacuum sealer, warming drawer). The price here depends heavily on the project.
Suitable for: high-quality properties, large floor plans, discerning users.
Cost range:
- from CHF 70,000 (no upper limit)
- Additional equipment/professional components: $12,000–$22,000+
Helpful guidelines per running meter and per element
Component prices help with rough cost estimates in the early stages. They show how much the choice of materials and equipment affects the budget.
Guideline values:
- Kitchen furniture per running meter: $2,000–$3,500
- Natural stone slab: $400–600/m²
- Fronts (lacquer/wood): $150–350/m²
- Built-in appliances: $1,000–$3,000 per appliance
What factors determine the cost of a kitchen renovation?
When it comes to kitchen projects, it's not just "how big" that matters, but above all "how complex." Leaving the floor plan and connections unchanged can often save thousands of dollars. As soon as installations need to be moved, walls corrected, or custom solutions required, the cost increases significantly.
Removal and disposal of the old kitchen
Almost every kitchen renovation begins with dismantling. Depending on the type of installation, number of appliances, and connection situation, this can quickly become more work than expected.
Budget:
- Standard kitchen dismantling: $900–$1,300
- Disposal including equipment: $300–500
Kitchen layout: line, L, U, or island
The larger the layout, the higher the material and installation costs. Island kitchens also often require additional electrical and, in some cases, plumbing work.
Orientation:
- Line: from CHF 3,500
- L-shape: from CHF 9,000
- U-shape: from CHF 15,000
- Island: from CHF 22,000
Fronts and countertops (material selection as a budget lever)
Fronts and countertops define the look and are among the most expensive components. Laminate is inexpensive and easy to care for, while solid wood, stone, or ceramic are significantly more expensive but more durable.
Guideline values:
- Plastic fronts: $80–150/m²
- Solid wood fronts: $200–350/m²
- Laminate worktop: $200–300 per linear meter
- Natural stone worktop: $400–$900/linear meter
- Ceramic/quartz composite: $500–$1,300 per linear meter
Device selection and energy efficiency
Appliances often account for 20–40% of the budget. More expensive appliances usually offer greater convenience (quieter, more efficient, longer-lasting), but cost more accordingly—especially if several premium features are desired.
Cost framework (device packages):
- Standard set: $3,500–$5,500
- Middle class: $7,000–$11,000
- Premium/Gastro: $20,000–$30,000
Installations: Electricity, water, and ventilation
If connections need to be moved or replaced, additional tradespeople will be involved in the project. Additional fuses, new sockets, or adjustments to the extractor fan are often required, especially in older kitchens.
Typical costs:
- Electrical work (adjustments, new wiring): $300–$1,000
- Plumbing (connections, fittings): $400–$1,000
- Exhaust air/extractor fan: $400–$700
Assembly, cutting, and adjustments on site
Walls in older buildings are rarely perfectly straight. Uneven floors, crooked corners, or special dimensions also increase the amount of work required. In addition, adjustments must be made to baseboards, trim strips, or wall connections.
Budget:
- Standard installation: $2,000–$3,000
- Complex installation/custom kitchen: $4,000–$7,000
Logistics and regional price differences
Transport routes, floors without elevators, or narrow access points affect the quote. Prices also vary by region—they are often higher in metropolitan areas.
Guideline values:
- Delivery/transport: $300–$600
- Metropolitan areas: often +10–25%
Typical renovation work: prices and benefits
A kitchen does not need to be completely replaced to look modern. Especially with solid cabinets, a gradual upgrade is worthwhile: visually noticeable, but significantly cheaper than a total replacement.
Renewing fronts: painting, laminating, or completely replacing them
If the cabinet bodies and hinges are still in good condition, new fronts are one of the most effective measures. Painting or applying foil is cheaper, but replacement is worthwhile in cases of warping, damage, or if you want to change the style completely.
Costs:
- Painting fronts: $120–$150/m²
- New plastic fronts: $2,500–$3,500 (standard kitchen)
- New real wood fronts: $4,500–$7,500
Replace countertop
The countertop is used daily and is often the first area to show signs of wear. A new countertop instantly transforms the kitchen—both visually and functionally.
Costs:
- Laminate: $200–300 per linear meter
- Solid wood: $200–350 per linear meter
- Granite/quartzite: $500–$1, 300 per linear meter
- Ceramic/high-end: $400–$1,200/linear foot
- Removal/disposal of old slab: $400–$600
Modernize rear wall/splash guard
A new splash guard can be installed relatively quickly and has a powerful effect. Glass is hygienic, composite panels are inexpensive, and natural stone looks elegant.
Costs:
- Glass back wall: $600–$1,200 per segment
- Composite/laminate panel: $400–700
- Replacing tiles: $150–250/m²
- Natural stone backsplash: $400–$900 per linear foot
Replace devices
Devices are usually the first to become outdated. Replacing them often brings immediate benefits: lower power consumption, quieter operation, and better programs.
Costs:
- Dishwasher: $1,000–$1,500
- Oven: $900–$1,500
- Induction hob: $1,000–$1,700
- Refrigerator with freezer compartment: $1,000–$2,000
- Installation/connection: $150–350 per device
Improve lighting and electrical planning
A well-lit work surface and enough power outlets are worth their weight in gold. LED under-cabinet lighting and additional power outlets in particular make a huge difference to convenience.
Costs:
- LED under-cabinet lighting: $200–500
- Spotlights/ceiling lights: $300–$800
- Minor electrical work: $150–$500
- Major electrical modernization: $800–$2,500
Small updates with a big impact
If the kitchen is technically OK, small measures can make a surprising difference: new handles, fresh wall paint, new seals, silicone joints, or readjusting drawers.
Costs:
- Painting walls: $150–400
- Replacing handles: $80–250
- Renewing silicone joints: $80–150 per area
- Minor repairs/adjustments: $150–400
Renovate or replace: How to make the right decision
Whether renovation or complete replacement makes more sense depends less on the desire for "new" and more on the condition of the structure and whether several expensive areas are affected at the same time.
When is it sensible to renovate your kitchen?
If the basic structure is sound, renovation is often the most economical option. You save yourself major installation work and can invest your budget in visible upgrades.
Renovation is often worthwhile if:
- The bodies are stable and have not swollen.
- Layout fits and no new layout is necessary
- Devices are still modern or only a few need to be replaced
- Budget in the range of CHF 2,000–10,000
- primarily the appearance and individual functions are to be improved
When a new kitchen is the better choice
When materials and technology become outdated, renovation quickly becomes piecework—and the individual items add up. Even when changing the layout (e.g., island), there is usually no way around new planning.
A complete overhaul often makes sense when:
- several devices are old/defective
- Cabinets are damaged or unstable
- Electrical/plumbing needs to be replaced anyway
- the floor plan no longer fits (more storage space, island, better ergonomics)
- Long-term value appreciation and comfort are priorities
Prize question: Which is cheaper in the end?
Renovating is usually cheaper, as long as you proceed in a targeted manner. However, if fronts, countertops, several appliances, and installations need to be replaced at the same time, the cost of renovation often approaches the price of a new kitchen. In this case, it is worth requesting a counteroffer for a complete replacement—as a realistic comparison.
Conclusion: Kitchen modernization is worthwhile—if you use the right levers.
Whether it's a minor refresh or a complete overhaul, renovating your kitchen can significantly improve your everyday life and increase the value of your home. If you want to use your budget efficiently, you should first check whether the cabinets and layout are still suitable. You can then invest in areas where the impact and benefits will be greatest – often the fronts, countertops, appliances, and lighting.
Comparing several quotes helps to make price differences transparent and find the best solution for your floor plan and budget.
How RENOVO24 works
Find the right service provider without any detours! We make it easy for you: Here's how our service works, from inquiry to appointment booking.
1
Answer questions about the order
Answer a few questions about your desired work in our form. It only takes a few minutes.
2
Receive and compare offers
Receive up to 3 free, no-obligation quotes from verified companies in your area.
3
Hire your preferred service provider
Compare prices and choose the offer you like best. Hire your preferred service provider.
Find the right service provider in just a few steps.
Request a service now free of charge—with no obligation to place an order.
