Modernizing a single-family home made easy
Many single-family homes in Switzerland were built between the 1960s and 1990s – and for many, minor repairs were carried out over a long period of time instead of genuine renovation. The consequences are often noticeable: higher energy costs, outdated technology, more maintenance – and untapped potential.
Renovation or refurbishment is therefore not just about "more beautiful living," but an investment in comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term value retention.
In this guide, you will learn about the typical cost categories, how to plan a renovation sensibly, and when a total renovation makes more sense than individual stages.
The difference between renovation and refurbishment: Why it matters
These terms are often used interchangeably in everyday language, but they do not mean the same thing. The difference can be crucial when it comes to budgets, schedules, and approvals.
Renovation: Refreshing the appearance and surfaces
A renovation primarily affects the appearance. The building technology and structure usually remain untouched. Typical work includes:
- Painting, plastering, or wallpapering walls
- Replace floor coverings (parquet, vinyl, carpet)
- Renovating doors, fronts, or built-in furniture
- minor repairs and improvements
- Replacement of surfaces without technical intervention
In short: renovation primarily means beautification. Comfort increases—often with little change in terms of energy efficiency or technology.
Renovation: Modernizing technology, energy, and substance
Renovation goes deeper. Building components are replaced or improved to make the building safer, more efficient, and more durable. Typical examples include:
- Insulate the facade or renovate the building envelope
- Replace windows (e.g., triple glazing)
- Renovate roof, repair roof structure
- Modernize heating, plumbing, and electrical systems
- Fix moisture, mold, or static problems
- Replace pipes and installations
In short: renovation means technical renewal—usually with a noticeable impact on energy consumption and property value.
How much does it cost to renovate a house in Switzerland?
Renovation costs can vary greatly depending on the condition of the building, the standard of finish, the choice of materials, and the energy concept. Here are the most important cost categories (guideline values for single-family homes).
Building envelope: facade, windows, and sun protection
The building envelope determines how much heat is lost—and how comfortable the house feels. In houses built between 1950 and 1990 in particular, the facade and windows are often the biggest sources of energy loss.
Facade insulation and new surface
Renovating a facade involves more than just applying a new coat of paint. Insulation significantly improves energy efficiency.
Approximate cost: $250–400 per square meter (including surface area)
Price depends on:
- Facade type (plaster, wood, fiber cement, metal)
- Insulation material (EPS, mineral wool, wood fiber, mineral foam)
- insulation thickness
- Scaffolding and access situation
Replace windows
New windows are one of the most effective single measures: less heat loss, better sound insulation, greater comfort.
Guideline value: $600–$900 per window (including installation, triple glazing)
Price varies according to:
- Frame material (plastic, wood, wood-aluminum, aluminum)
- Safety/sound insulation
- Special shapes (slanted windows, round windows, etc.)
Sun protection (blinds, shutters, awnings)
Good sun protection is often underestimated, but it is extremely important for protection against the summer heat.
Guideline value: $600–$1,800 per element (depending on the system)
Roof and attic: expensive—but crucial
The roof is constantly exposed to weather and temperature changes. Damage often only becomes visible once moisture has already penetrated.
Re-roofing
Guideline value: $120–180 per square meter
Typical single-family home: $22,000–32,000+
Price drivers:
- Material (clay, concrete, fiber cement, slate, metal)
- Condition of sub-roof
- Roof shape and details
Roof renovation including timber construction
In older buildings, rafters, battens, or load-bearing parts may need to be reinforced or replaced.
Guidelines:
- Comprehensive steep roof renovation: $35,000–$65,000+
- Partial/complete roof truss replacement: $40,000–$70,000+
roof insulation
Good insulation can significantly reduce heating energy consumption—it is often the most effective measure you can take on your roof.
Approximate cost: $70–220 per m² (depending on the structure)
skylight
Guideline value: $2,000–$3,500 per element (including installation)
Heating and building services: a major factor in operating costs
In many older houses, heating systems are outdated or inefficient. Modernization is particularly worthwhile if the building envelope is already being improved.
Replace heating system (including installation)
Guideline values:
- Gas heating: $27,000–$35,000
- Oil heating: $25,000–$35,000
- Air/water heat pump: $37,000–$44,000
- Brine/water heat pump: $48,000–$58,000
Frequent additional items
- New floor heating: $180–250 per square meter
- Complete electrical system/wiring replacement: $20,000–$40,000
Heat pumps cost more to purchase for single-family homes, but can often pay for themselves in around 8–12 years (depending on the property) thanks to lower operating costs and subsidies.
Interior work: kitchen, bathroom, and floors
Here, you can feel the comfort right away—and the budgets vary accordingly.
Install a new kitchen
- simple: $17,000–$27,000
- Average: $30,000–50,000
- High quality: $65,000–$95,000+
bathroom
Approximate values per square meter (depending on finishing):
- simple: $800–$1,300
- average: 1600–2200 CHF
- High quality: $2,200–$3,200
Flooring: Parquet and ceramic tiles – materials and labor included
Guideline value: $90–180 per square meter
(parquet flooring is usually more expensive, vinyl/carpet is cheaper)
How do you plan a home renovation sensibly?
Renovation work is significantly cheaper and less stressful when the steps are structured logically. The following approach has proven successful:
- First, the building envelope and technology (roof, facade, windows, heating)
- followed by interior finishing (kitchen, bathroom, surfaces)
It is also important to carry out a thorough assessment. Many problems only become apparent once the cladding has been removed. An early analysis (e.g. by an energy consultant/construction expert) prevents expensive surprises.
When it comes to scheduling, a total renovation is often faster and more efficient than many small stages because the trades can be better coordinated. If the house remains inhabited, it may make sense to carry out the work in stages—but then with a clear sequence so that nothing is done twice.
Partial renovation or total renovation: which is better?
Not every house needs "everything" right away. Often, individual measures are sufficient:
- Replace windows if the facade is still in good condition
- Renew heating if the shell is already in good condition
- Insulate the roof if a lot of heat is lost
A complete renovation is particularly worthwhile when several areas are reaching the end of their service life at the same time (roof, facade, windows, pipes, heating). This creates synergies: fewer construction sites, less coordination effort, and a harmonious overall system.
Targeted renovation can also help when selling or renting: buyers are paying increasing attention to energy efficiency, heating systems, and expected operating costs.
Subsidies and taxes: How to reduce the effective costs
Energy efficiency measures are often subsidized at the cantonal level in Switzerland—e.g., insulation, window replacement, or switching to renewable heating systems. It is usually important to submit your application before starting construction .
In addition, renovations that preserve value are usually tax deductible—often including planning, demolition, scaffolding, and many labor costs. Some owners spread larger projects over several tax years to smooth out the progression.
Another point: some banks offer special terms for energy-efficient renovations (e.g., "green" models). This can also make a noticeable difference over the years.
Do you need a building permit?
Not every renovation requires approval—but many measures do, as soon as they affect the exterior appearance or structural integrity of the building:
- Facade insulation / facade modification
- Roof conversion, dormers, larger skylights
- Changes to shape/height/appearance
- Extensions, terraces, large openings
Replacing a heating system is often easier, but may still be subject to regulations depending on the canton/municipality. It is best to check with the building authority at an early stage—this saves time and prevents construction stoppages.
Conclusion: Renovating or refurbishing your home is worthwhile—if you prioritize correctly.
Good renovation costs money, but brings measurable benefits: lower energy costs, greater comfort, less maintenance, and a more stable property value. Especially in older houses, heat loss can often be significantly reduced by taking the right steps in the right order.
Those who first plan the substance and technology carefully, then tackle the interior work and compare several quotes, will end up not only with a "more beautiful house," but also with a building that will suit their needs for decades to come.
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