Kitchen Renovation in Switzerland: Budget, Steps and Tips

The kitchen is the centrepiece of the home — and the most complex room to renovate. Plumbing, electrics, gas, ventilation, tiling, joinery: many trades overlap here. In western Switzerland, the cost of a renovation varies enormously with the scale of the project, from a light refresh to a high-end bespoke kitchen. This guide helps you plan your project step by step, understand the Swiss standards that apply and prepare your quote requests to professionals.

What makes the budget of a kitchen renovation vary

There is no standard budget: two kitchens of the same size can represent very different investments. Here are the main factors to consider before asking for quotes.

The first step is to define what is essential and what is a comfort. A kitchen whose layout stays the same costs markedly less to renovate than one where the sink, water supply and electrical outlets are moved.

Steps of a kitchen renovation in Switzerland

1. Design and kitchen plan

The design phase shapes the whole renovation. Decide on the type of layout you want (straight, L-shaped, U-shaped, parallel or with a central island) according to the space available. In a small kitchen, an L-shaped or straight layout is often the obvious choice. In a large room, a central island becomes possible and greatly improves how the space is used.

Have a dimensioned plan drawn up by a kitchen specialist or an interior designer before ordering. Many kitchen specialists offer this service as part of selling the kitchen; ask about its terms. A good plan avoids costly layout mistakes — notably the position of the water risers and electrical outlets.

2. Demolition and removal

Demolishing an existing kitchen (units, tiles, wall coverings) also includes removing the rubble and the old fittings. The cost depends on the size of the room, the nature of the finishes to be removed and site access. Before demolition, shut off the water, electricity and gas (the last two must be shut off by authorised professionals).

In PPE buildings, check the co-ownership rules: some impose working hours, protection of shared areas and prior notification to the managing agent. For work in a rented home, the landlord’s written consent is essential before any structural change.

3. Plumbing and sanitary installations

Kitchen plumbing covers connecting the sink, the dishwasher and possibly a built-in coffee machine. If you keep the existing positions, the work is limited to simple connections. Moving the sink, however, means moving the pipes embedded in the slab or walls, which makes the job and the bill noticeably heavier.

The SIA 385/1 standard (SIA is the Swiss society of engineers and architects) sets requirements for domestic hot water quality, notably protection against legionella. In new installations or major renovations, pipework is made from materials that comply with Swiss regulations, such as copper or multilayer pipe (PEX-AL-PEX).

4. Electrics: NIBT standard and the Swiss kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most demanding rooms electrically. The NIBT (SEV 1000) standard, the Swiss low-voltage installation standard, requires several dedicated circuits:

• Dedicated circuit for the cooker (16 A or 32 A depending on power)
• Dedicated circuit for the built-in oven (16 A minimum)
• Circuit for the dishwasher (16 A)
• Circuit for the fridge (10 A, ideally not cut by the main switch)
• Work sockets above the worktop (16 A circuit with a 30 mA residual current device)
• Under-unit and general lighting (separate circuit)

The electrician must be authorised under the NIBT and issue a safety report on completion of the work. The cost depends on the number of circuits to be created and the condition of the electrical panel: an old panel may need to be replaced or extended.

5. Gas installations: AEAI rules in Switzerland

If your kitchen has a gas cooker or you want to install one, the AEAI guidelines (Association des établissements cantonaux d’assurance contre l’incendie, the cantonal fire insurers’ association) and the gas suppliers’ rules apply strictly. Only an installer holding a cantonal gas certificate may connect or modify gas installations. Commissioning must be checked by the local supplier.

Please note: several cantons in French-speaking Switzerland, notably Geneva under its energy-climate plan, are gradually restricting new gas installations in residential buildings. Check with your municipality before planning a gas connection. Many projects now opt for an induction hob, which avoids any gas-related procedure.

6. Kitchen ventilation: mechanical ventilation and extractor hood

Ventilation is often neglected but essential in a Swiss kitchen. The SIA 382/1 standard sets the airflow rates required. An extractor hood vented to the outside (not recirculating) is clearly preferable: it removes moisture, grease and odours. The cost depends on the model, the length of the exhaust duct and any opening needed through a wall or slab. If venting outside is impossible (an apartment without a duct), a recirculating hood with a charcoal filter is the alternative, provided the filters are replaced regularly.

7. Surface finishes: floor and splashback

For the kitchen floor, tiling remains the most common solution in Switzerland: easy to clean and durable. The final price depends on the quality of the porcelain stoneware, the tile format, the preparation of the substrate and the complexity of the laying (cuts, diagonals, fine joints). Moisture-resistant laminate flooring or LVT vinyl (luxury vinyl tile) are increasingly popular alternatives, quicker to lay. For the splashback, metro tiles, ceramic tiles or lacquered glass are the most common choices.

The cost items to compare in a quote

To compare several offers properly, ask for each quote to itemise the following and check that none has been left out:

• Kitchen units (carcasses and fronts): generally the largest item, it depends on the range, the fittings and the method of manufacture.
• Built-in appliances: a very variable item depending on brands and features; some kitchen specialists supply them, others leave them to you.
• Worktop: the material and thickness make all the difference, as do the cut-outs for the sink and hob.
• Plumbing: connections, taps, sink, any moving of pipework.
• Electrics: dedicated circuits, sockets, lighting, any bringing of the panel up to standard.
• Surface finishes: floor and splashback, supply and laying.
• Extractor hood: supply, fitting and exhaust duct.
• Demolition and removal: stripping out the old kitchen and disposing of waste.

Also check what is not included: protection of shared areas, final site cleaning, paint touch-ups, replacement of skirting boards. These items are often overlooked at signing and reappear during the works.

Choosing materials: what lasts in Switzerland

Worktops

The worktop is where quality really makes a difference in the long run. The popular options in western Switzerland:

• HPL laminate: economical, wide choice of finishes, sensitive to knocks
• Composite quartz (Silestone, Caesarstone): very hard-wearing, easy to maintain, non-porous
• Natural granite: elegant, heat-resistant, needs regular treatment
• Polished concrete: fashionable, made to measure, needs regular maintenance
• Stainless steel: hygienic, favoured by professionals, but scratches remain visible

Unit fronts

Lacquered fronts (polyurethane or UV lacquer) are very popular in Switzerland for their ease of maintenance and contemporary finishes. More economical, melamine or textured PVC fronts offer good value for money. For a rustic or traditional kitchen, solid wood fronts (oak, beech, walnut) remain a safe choice but need regular oiling in the humid environment of a kitchen.

Appliances and ergonomics

Think about everyday use before choosing: the height of the oven and dishwasher, the width of the drawers, worktop lighting, and the space to move between the sink, hob and fridge. A high energy-class appliance reduces consumption over time, which counts in the overall calculation of the project.

Tips for a successful renovation in Switzerland

A few good practices specific to the Swiss market:

• Ask for several quotes: the differences between Swiss kitchen specialists can be large for services that seem similar. Compare the specifications precisely (brand of carcasses, type of fittings, thickness of worktops).
• Plan the order of the trades: coordination between plumber, electrician, tiler and kitchen fitter is decisive. A delay for one holds up the others. For a complete kitchen renovation, a general contractor can coordinate all the parties involved.
• Order the units early: lead times for bespoke kitchens are often long. Failing to coordinate delivery dates with the progress of the site is a frequent cause of delay.
• Think about tax deductibility: in Switzerland, maintenance work is in principle deductible from taxable income. Get detailed invoices that separate labour from materials.
• Check the credentials of the tradespeople: for gas and electrics, ask for the certificate or authorisation required before work begins.
• Keep a margin: a kitchen site sometimes reveals surprises (a dilapidated pipe, a substrate that needs repair). Set aside a reserve in your budget for the unexpected.

Once your project is defined, you can describe your needs in a quote request: it puts you in touch with professionals in your area, whom you remain free to compare and choose.