Renovating your kitchen: costs and options
The kitchen is one of the rooms that gets the most use in everyday life—and at the same time, it's the area that greatly influences the quality of living. Even small updates such as new cabinet fronts, a modern countertop, or energy-efficient appliances can significantly increase comfort. At the same time, the range of costs is huge: the difference between an inexpensive refresh and a completely new, high-quality kitchen can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars. To help you plan realistically, this guide shows you typical price ranges in Switzerland, the most important factors behind the quotes, and specific examples of which renovation work is particularly worthwhile. You will also receive clear guidance to help you decide: should you renovate or install a new kitchen?
How much does a kitchen cost in Switzerland?
Der Gesamtpreis einer Küche hängt vor allem von Qualitätsniveau, Material, Ger ätestandard, Planung und Montage ab. Während bei kleinen Küchen oft Standardmodule reichen, steigen bei grossen Grundrissen, Inseln oder Sondermassen sowohl Material- als auch Montagekosten deutlich. Die folgenden Kategorien geben dir eine verlässliche Orientierung von „einfach“ bis Premium.
Beginner's kitchen (with few or no appliances)
This kitchen solution is primarily intended for small floor plans—such as studios, granny flats, or as a temporary solution if you don't want to make a long-term investment. It usually consists of basic base cabinets, simple fronts, and an inexpensive countertop. The design is relatively uncomplicated because few special solutions are required.
Suitable for: small apartments, rental properties, tight budgets, temporary solutions.
Budget:
- CHF 5,000–7,000 for furniture and assembly
- + approx. $1,000 if minimal equipment needs to be added
- Disposal/removal of old kitchen: approx. $1,000–$1,300
Mid-range / standard kitchen (fully equipped)
This is the most common category for condominiums and single-family homes. You get functional storage solutions, solid fronts, a neat work surface, and all the important appliances (oven, hob, refrigerator, dishwasher). In many cases, installation is already included in the quote, provided that no major adjustments to the electrical/plumbing systems are necessary.
Suitable for: modern renovations, family households, property.
Budget:
- CHF 17,000–27,000 for kitchen including appliances and installation
- Mid-range devices: $4,000–$6,000
- Delivery/assembly: often included in the total price (depending on the supplier)
High-quality kitchen (more features, better materials)
This is about greater durability, design, and comfort: more robust pull-outs, high-quality fittings, better interior fittings, practical lighting, and often significantly more elegant countertops. Natural stone, ceramic, or quartz composite are typical cost drivers—but they offer a long service life and a very high-quality look.
Suitable for: large kitchens, design focus, sustainable value enhancement.
Budget:
- $30,000–$50,000
- Natural stone countertop: $4,500–$6,500
- Premium devices: CHF 8,000–12,000
Premium and luxury kitchens (carpenters, special materials, high-end appliances)
This segment features kitchens that are almost entirely custom-designed, often with carpentry solutions, exclusive materials, and very high-quality appliances. These include handle-free fronts, stainless steel or stone surfaces, special pull-out units, integrated lighting concepts, and additional appliances (e.g., wine coolers, steam cookers, vacuum sealers). There is practically no upper limit.
Suitable for: Premium real estate , discerning users, architectural projects.
Budget:
- From CHF 65,000 (significantly more depending on scope)
- Additional equipment/professional features: $15,000–$30,000
Guideline values per running meter and per component
A "modular" approach often helps with early budget estimates: How much does a running meter of kitchen cost? How much do fronts or countertops cost? These figures are no substitute for a quote, but they give you a good idea of the order of magnitude.
Typical reference values:
- Kitchen furniture per linear meter: CHF 2,500–4,000
- Natural stone countertop: 300–600 CHF/m²
- Fronts (lacquer or wood): $150–300/m²
- Built-in appliances: CHF 1,200–3,000 per appliance
The most important price factors in a kitchen renovation
Kitchens are not only calculated based on "cupboard meters." Assembly, installation, and material selection in particular determine whether you stay within a moderate budget or whether the costs quickly rise.
Dismantling and disposal of the existing kitchen
Before the new kitchen arrives, the old one has to be removed—and done properly. Depending on how heavily it is built in, how many appliances are integrated, and whether water/electrical connections need to be cleanly disconnected, the effort involved increases.
Budget:
- Standard kitchen dismantling: $800–$1,200
- Disposal including equipment: 300–400 CHF
Kitchen shape and layout (line, L, U, island)
The shape influences material quantities and installation times. A simple line requires fewer cabinets and less work surface. U-shapes and islands not only increase the amount of furniture, but often also the requirements for electricity or water supply.
Guideline values (highly dependent on the expansion):
- Kitchenette: from $4,000
- L-shape: from CHF 12,000
- U-shape: from CHF 14,000
- Island kitchen: from $20,000
Fronts and countertops: Material as the biggest price driver
The appearance of a kitchen is largely determined by the cabinet fronts and countertops—and this is often where the biggest price differences lie.
Plastic/laminate is inexpensive and easy to maintain. Solid wood, natural stone, or ceramic are significantly more expensive, but also more durable and of higher quality.
Cost orientation:
- Plastic fronts: 100–150 CHF/m²
- Solid wood fronts: 180–380 CHF/m²
- Laminate worktop: 150–300 CHF/linear meter
- Natural stone countertop: 300–800 CHF/linear meter
- Ceramic/quartz composite: 600–1,200 CHF/linear meter
Devices: Comfort and efficiency come at a price—but they pay off
Appliances often account for a large portion of the budget. Those who cook a lot benefit from better performance, quieter dishwashers, more efficient refrigerators, or features such as steam, pyrolysis, or smart programs. At the same time, appliances are an area where
differences in quality are particularly noticeable in everyday life.
Price range (set):
- Standard equipment set: 2,500–4,500 CHF
- Mid-range: CHF 6,000–9,000
- Premium/Gastro: CHF 13,000–25,000
Installations: Electrical, plumbing, ventilation
Many kitchen renovations fail not because of the cabinets, but because of the connections.
If there are not enough outlets, the fuses are too small, the water connections need to be moved, or the extractor fan needs to be adjusted, additional trade costs arise.
Typical costs:
- Electrical system (modifications/wiring): 500–1,200 CHF
- Plumbing (connections/fittings): CHF 300–1,000
- Adjust exhaust air/extractor fan: $400–$800
Assembly and adjustment work
Not every kitchen is "plug & play." Crooked walls, old building corners, irregular floor plans, or custom-made items increase the effort required for cutting, alignment, and fine adjustment. Skirting boards, wall connections, or small corrections are also typical additional items.
Budget:
- Standard installation: 1,500–2,000 CHF
- Complex rooms / custom installation: CHF 4,000–6,000
Delivery, transport, and regional differences
Depending on the region, floor, elevator availability, and access, logistics can be a significant factor. Kitchen builders are often more expensive in urban areas; parking and access situations also influence the quote.
Budget:
- Delivery/transport: 200–600 CHF
- Regional surcharges in cities/hotspots: often +15–25%
Typical renovation measures and their costs
Not every kitchen renovation means "everything out." It is often worthwhile to modernize only those parts that offer the most visual and functional benefits.
Refresh fronts: paint, laminate, or replace
Fronts determine the effect of the kitchen. If the cabinets are stable and the layout is suitable, replacing the fronts is often the most efficient measure. Painting or laminating is cheaper, but replacement is worthwhile if the doors are warped, badly damaged, or if the quality of the old fronts is poor.
Budget:
- Painting fronts: $100–150/m²
- New fronts (plastic): $3,000–$4,000 ( standard kitchen)
- New fronts (real wood): $5,000–$8,000
Renewing worktops (laminate, wood, stone, ceramic)
The work surface suffers the most: heat, moisture, cuts. A new countertop immediately changes the look and can significantly improve usability.
Natural stone and ceramic are extremely robust, while wood has a warm appearance but requires care.
Budget:
- Laminate: $150–300 per linear meter
- Solid wood: $180–380 per linear meter
- Granite/quartzite: $600–$1,200 per linear meter
- Ceramic/high-end: $500–$1,000 per linear meter
- Removal/disposal of old panel: $300–600
Replace back panel/splash guard
A new splash guard is a relatively minor change—but one with a big visual impact. Glass is easy to clean, composite panels are quick to install, and natural stone has a particularly high-quality look.
Budget:
- Glass back wall (custom-made): $700–$1,000 per segment
- Composite/laminate panel: $350–600
- Replacing tiles: $150–220/m²
- Natural stone backsplash: $500–$1,000 per linear meter
Replace appliances (oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, cooktop)
Devices usually have the shortest lifespan. Replacing them brings immediate improvements in energy consumption, noise levels, and comfort. It makes sense to replace them if they are defective, old energy guzzlers, or if new functions are desired.
Budget:
- Dishwasher: $1,000–$1,400
- Oven: $800–$1,800
- Induction hob: $1,500–$2,200
- Refrigerator with freezer compartment: $1,000–$2,500
- Installation/connection: $150–250 per device
Lighting, sockets, and electrical update
Many older kitchens have insufficient lighting and too few outlets. LED under-cabinet lights, spotlights, and better electrical planning increase comfort and safety—especially in frequently used work areas.
Budget:
- LED under-cabinet lighting: $200–500
- Spotlights/ceiling lights: $300–$800
- Minor electrical adjustments (sockets/wiring): $150–$500
- Total electrical modernization: $800–$2,500
Small cosmetic upgrades with a big impact
If you're on a tight budget, small details can still make a big difference: new handles, a fresh coat of paint, new silicone seals, or adjusting drawers.
This extends the useful life and improves the overall impression.
Budget:
- Painting kitchen walls: $150–400
- New handles: $80–$250
- Renewing silicone joints: $80–150 per area
- Minor repairs/adjustments: $150–$400
Renovate or completely replace the kitchen?
Many owners are faced with a fundamental question: should they modernize parts of their kitchen or replace everything at once? The right decision depends on how good the kitchen still is in terms of technology and construction—and whether individual updates can be sensibly combined.
When renovation is usually sufficient
Renovation is particularly worthwhile if the structure is sound: the carcasses are stable, the hinges and pull-outs work, and the layout suits your everyday life. Then you can achieve a lot with fronts, worktops, and appliances—without the effort of completely redesigning everything.
Renovation often makes sense when:
- Fronts are visually "worn out," but bodies are intact
- Devices are already modern or only individual ones need to be replaced
- Budget is limited (e.g. , $2,000–$10,000)
- Floor plan/ergonomics are suitable, no layout changes necessary
- mainly the appearance and individual functions are to be improved
When a completely new kitchen is the better solution
When many components are problematic at the same time, "partial renovation" quickly becomes expensive. Especially in kitchens that are 20 years old or older, the electrical, ventilation, and water connections are often no longer up to date. Even if you want an island or the entire room layout no longer suits your needs, a new kitchen is usually more efficient.
A complete overhaul often makes sense when:
- Equipment is old/inefficient or several items are defective
- Cabinets are swollen, damaged, or unstable
- Layout no longer fits (e.g., desire for an island or more storage space)
- Wiring/fuses need to be replaced anyway
- you prioritize long-term comfort and value appreciation
Which is cheaper—renovation or new construction?
Renovation is usually cheaper in the short term—but only if you don't do "a little bit of everything." When you add up the cost of cabinet fronts, appliances, countertops, installations, and assembly, a new kitchen can quickly become financially comparable. In that case, it's worth comparing both scenarios as quotes.
Practical tip: If you need to renovate several large areas (e.g., fronts + appliances + countertops + electrical), a complete replacement is often more economical—and easier to plan.
Conclusion: Kitchen renovation—targeted modernization or consistent redesign
A kitchen renovation can make a huge difference: with new fronts, a sturdy countertop, and more efficient appliances, a kitchen can often be modernized for a fraction of the cost of a complete remodel. However, if the structure and technology are outdated or the layout no longer suits your needs, a new kitchen is often the more sustainable solution—also in terms of comfort, energy efficiency, and value. If you want to make the most of your budget, you should clarify early on which parts are really "at the end of their life"—and then compare several quotes. This will give you a solution that suits your everyday life and will bring you long-term enjoyment.
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