Builders in Switzerland – services, costs, and when a general contractor really makes sense When you're planning a new build or renovation, you'll likely need to hire a contractor. But what exactly does a contractor do? And when does it make sense to hire one?
From prices and construction types to practical examples—all the important information you need to hire a general contractor in Switzerland.
What does a master builder actually do?
A master builder is essentially responsible for everything related to structural work, load-bearing structures, and often also interface coordination.
They ensure that the construction project is implemented correctly from a technical perspective, that structural requirements are met, and that processes on the construction site run smoothly—
from excavation to the construction of load-bearing components.
Shell construction, supporting structure, andmasonry
Builders create the "skeleton" of a building: load-bearing walls, ceilings, supports, subfloors, and, depending on the project, foundations.
This includes classic masonry work as well as concrete work.
This basic framework is the foundation for all other trades—from window construction to building services to interior finishing.
Concrete work and structuralcomponents
Whether floor slabs, concrete ceilings, staircases, retaining walls, or reinforcement in existing structures: concrete is material- and planning-intensive.
The builder takes care of formwork, reinforcement, correct dimensioning, and professional installation.
This is where it becomes clear whether the work has been done properly – and whether subsequent damage (cracks, settlement, moisture) can be avoided.
Demolition, openings, and interventions in the statics
Many conversions start with demolition: removing walls, creating openings, and removing old components.
As soon as load-bearing parts are affected, structural clarifications, supports, and safe execution are required. Builders then install new beams, supports, or reinforcements and ensure that the renovation does not become a safety hazard.
Coordination and interfacemanagement
In practice, builders are often the first major trade on the construction site – and at the same time the one on which many subsequent works are based.
If demolition, concrete, masonry, insulation, window connections, and building services are to fit together cleanly, a builder helps as a coordinating authority. They often coordinate deadlines, handover dates, and technical details with architects, structural engineers, electricians, plumbers, and other tradespeople—so that no costly conflicts arise.
How much does a builder cost in Switzerland?
The price range for construction work is wide because projects vary greatly.
New builds are easy to plan, while conversions are often more complex and risky, and renovations depend heavily on the condition of the property and the desired measures. The following guidelines will help you get a quick overview.
Guideline values per m³ and typical additional items
In Switzerland, new buildings are often calculated based on cubic meters of space (m³).
Rough guide values are as follows:
from approx. 650 CHF/m³ ( e.g., terraced houses, standardized design)
around approx. 800 CHF/m³ (typical single-family home standard)
from approx. CHF 1,000/m³ (high-quality design/villa standard)
A single-family home with around 840 m³ is therefore often in the range of approx. CHF 670,000 to 800,000 — excluding land and, depending on the definition, also excluding landscaping work.
Frequent additional costs for new builds (depending on the standard of finish):
Windows: approx. $600–1,000/m²
Bathroom: approx. CHF 20,000
Kitchen: approx. CHF 20,000–30,000
Solid construction garage: approx. CHF 30,000–40,000
Basement and excavation: from approx. CHF 150,000 total
Renovation: more expensive per cubic meter—but often with surprises
Renovations are usually more expensive per unit than new builds. The reason: existing structures, unknown cable routing, structural limitations, and higher risks. As a guideline, renovations are often calculated at around CHF 1,000/m³ —depending on the extent of the work, condition, and complexity.
A practical rule of thumb: if a renovation costs around 70% of the cost of a replacement building, you should check whether a new building would be more economical in the long term (also in terms of energy efficiency and future maintenance costs).
Typical conversion examples (guideline values):
Addition of an extra floor: approx. $300,000–$400,000
Attic conversion: at least approx. CHF 50,000
Extension (approx. 25 m²): approx. $75,000–$100,000
Kitchen renovation: approx. CHF 20,000–30,000
Bathroom renovation: approx. $25,000–50,000+
Renovation: from structural preservation to energy measures
Renovations range from partial measures to comprehensive modernization. In Switzerland, energy-related work in particular is sometimes subsidized, depending on the canton (e.g., for insulation or heating systems). Costs depend heavily on whether only surfaces are being renewed or whether
structural components need to be modified.
Typical cost ranges:
Facade insulation: $250–400/m²
New heating system (e.g., air/water heat pump): approx. $36,000–46,000
Roof renovation (flat roof): approx. CHF 7,000–17,000 (depending on structure/size)
New floors: CHF 45–110/m² + CHF 60–80/m² installation
Window replacement: from approx. CHF 300–370/m² (depending on glazing)
The most important cost factors for builders
Why do two quotes for seemingly similar projects differ so greatly?
When it comes to construction work, there are several price drivers that are particularly significant:
Project scope and depth ofintervention
The more load-bearing components are affected, the higher the planning, safety, and execution costs will be.
Wall breakthroughs, additions, foundation reinforcements, or new openings require additional clarification and increase the risk—
and thus also the price.
Building materials and materialquality
Concrete, steel, bricks, insulation materials, and other materials vary in price. There are also significant differences in quality and service life.
High-quality solutions cost more, but can reduce maintenance and repairs in the long term.
Accessibility andlogistics
Construction sites that are difficult to reach incur additional costs: special transport, longer crane times, additional scaffolding, or more difficult excavation work. Inner-city situations (narrow access roads, parking restrictions) also drive up costs.
Use of personnel and machinery
Construction work often requires a lot of machinery: excavators, concrete pumps, cranes, supports, cutting equipment. The longer the machinery is needed on site – or the more personnel are required at the same time – the higher the final price.
Regional differences
Wage levels, demand, and operating costs vary greatly. In regions such as Zurich, Zug, or Geneva, quotes are often higher than in rural areas. This can make a difference of several thousand francs for identical services.
Unknown problems in the existing building
When it comes to renovations, "surprises" are a classic cost driver: old pipes, moisture, mold, asbestos, unstable components, or unplanned supports. The older the building, the more important it is to carry out a thorough inventory – in order to minimize additional costs.
Typical construction work and what it costs
Builders carry out work that is crucial for the structure and substance of a building.
The following sections show you the approximate costs you can expect to incur in Switzerland .
Excavation, foundations, andconcrete
Excavation and foundations form the basis of every construction project. Soil type, groundwater, access, and excavation depth have a particularly strong influence on prices. Formwork and reinforcement are added to concrete work—both of which are cost-intensive.
Guideline values:
Excavation: $100–150/m³
Foundations for a single-family home: $13,000–22,000
Concrete work in general: $250–350/m³
Small foundations (e.g., landscaping): $1,200–2,500
Masonry, interior walls, andopenings
Masonry work is almost always an issue in renovations and extensions: new walls, openings, reinforcements, and connections to existing components. It becomes particularly expensive when load-bearing elements are affected and steel beams have to be used.
Guideline values:
New interiorwall built: $140–240/m²
Wall opening (non-load-bearing): $2,000–3,000
Load-bearing wall opening incl. steel beams: $3,000–7,000
Masonry in general: $190–340/m²
Demolition and dismantling, includingdisposal
Demolition is more than just "tearing everything down." Clean separation, dust protection, protection of the building fabric, and professional disposal prevent consequential damage. Logistics also play a role in larger demolition projects.
Guidelines:
Demolition of a small bathroom: $3,500–6,000
Partial demolition of an apartment: $12,000–22,000
Complete demolition of a building: $35,000–80,000+
Disposal of mixed waste: $200–300/ton
Extensions and conversions (new space, additional stories, loft conversions)
Extensions are expensive because they require connections to the existing building, structural transitions, insulation, and often new foundations. At the same time, there are significant price differences depending on the extent of the extension.
Guideline values:
Simple extension (20–30 m²): $60,000–$100,000
High-quality extension: $100,000–$150,00 0
Addition of extra floors: $250,000–$400,000
Attic conversion: $80,000–$150,000
Insulation and energy-efficientrenovation
Energy-efficient measures improve living comfort and value, reduce energy costs, and are sometimes subsidized. Builders take on insulation work, subfloors, and preparatory work around window openings or building services.
Guideline values:
Facade insulation: $30 0–350/m²
Roof insulation (pitched roof): $300 –350/m²
Subfloor/floor renovation: $80–130/m²
Preparation for window replacement: $800–1,500 per opening
General contractor or several individual trades?
Many owners ask themselves: Do I really need a builder—or can I hire individual tradespeople directly?
The answer depends primarily on the complexity and structural engineering.
When a master builder is particularly useful
When many steps are interlinked Demolition , concrete, masonry, insulation, and connections often have to be carried out in a specific order.
A master builder can take on the coordination and responsibility here, reducing downtime and errors.
For structurally relevantwork
As soon as load-bearing walls are opened, ceilings reinforced, foundations supplemented, or extensions planned,
a builder is practically indispensable (including liability and professional competence).
For large projects
The larger the project, the more worthwhile it is to have a well-coordinated team.
Builders are better able to plan material quantities and organize processes more efficiently, which often saves costs in practice.
When individual tradespeople are sufficient
For clearly defined smallprojects
If only one area is affected (e.g., replacing windows, painting, new kitchen, or a garage door),
a specialist company is often the more economical solution.
When no supporting structure is affected
Work that does not affect the statics or shell of the building can easily be commissioned directly from the respective trade.
When only a single trade is required
If the task is clear-cut (e.g., replacing plumbing, electrical work, flooring), there are often fewer overhead costs without central construction management.
Conclusion: When a builder is the best choice
Depending on the design, materials, and features, the cost of a garage in Switzerland ranges from around CHF 6,000 to over CHF 20,000.
Inexpensive solutions serve their purpose, while high-quality garages offer long-term comfort, stability, and added value.
By clearly defining your requirements, carefully selecting any additional features, and comparing several quotes, you can keep costs under control –
and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Tip: Get several comparable quotes.
This will help you identify price differences and service details, and find the solution that best suits your property and budget.
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