Renovating your kitchen – tips & costs overview

Your kitchen is getting old and needs to be completely replaced or at least refreshed? The cost of a kitchen renovation varies greatly and depends on factors such as region, kitchen size, choice of materials and amount of work required. New water or electrical connections can also make your renovation project expensive.

A simple renovation involving replacing kitchen fronts and worktops costs between CHF 5,000 and around CHF 10,000, depending on the materials chosen. A medium-sized renovation including replacing old or broken electrical appliances will cost you between CHF 15,000 and CHF 25,000. If you want to completely remodel your kitchen to a luxury standard and change the layout, for example, you are looking at up to CHF 50,000 or more

Cost examples for kitchen renovations

• A simple refresh: New fronts for all cupboards (approx. CHF 3,000), a laminate/artificial stone worktop (approx. CHF 2,000) and a fresh coat of paint on the walls (approx. CHF 1,000).

• Medium-sized renovation: Replacement of the stove, fridge and dishwasher (from CHF 6,000), a large worktop made of natural stone (approx. CHF 5,000) and a new sink with tap (approx. CHF 2,000).

• Complete reconstruction: New fitted kitchen with high-quality materials, made-to-measure solid wood units, electrical appliances such as induction hob with integrated extractor hood, steamer, dishwasher and premium smart oven (brands such as Miele or Siemens) and a new floor plan. Costs: starting from CHF 50,000.

Tips for planning your new kitchen

A new kitchen should not only look impressive, but also fit your needs perfectly in terms of functionality. Good planning is the be-all and end-all. The first thing therefore is to establish what needs your future kitchen has to meet:

Define your requirements

• Storage space and work surfaces: How many kitchen cabinets, drawers and shelves do you need? Do you prefer open shelves or closed storage solutions? Do you need storage cabinets with pull-outs, corner cabinets with rotating systems or narrow drawers for spices?

• Ergonomics and comfort: Should the kitchen be wheelchair-accessible or adapted for people taller than 175 cm? Elevated work surfaces, appliances at eye level or height-adjustable elements can significantly increase comfort.

• Specify electrical appliances: Which devices are essential? In addition to the standard appliances such as a fridge, oven and dishwasher, devices like a steamer, microwave or wine fridge can also play a role in your new kitchen. Do you want smart devices that you can control via an app?

• Keep in mind day-to-day functionality: Need a cooking island for greater freedom of movement? Should the kitchen be open-plan or separated by sliding doors? Do you need a traditional extractor hood or do you prefer a modern cooker hood with integrated extractor and filter?

Realistic budget planning

Next, set yourself a realistic budget and always keep a reserve of 10 to 15 % of the estimated total costs to cover unexpected costs or any cost overruns on the part of the tradespeople. Use free 3D online kitchen planners and kitchen price calculators to get an initial overview of costs and design. You can also save money on your kitchen renovation without compromising on quality with the following tips:

• Reuse components: Upgrading undamaged cabinets with new fronts saves a third to a half of material costs.

• Stagger appliance upgrades: Replace the hob and/or oven first, then the fridge later. 

• Direct purchase from manufacturers: Without an intermediary, you can save up to 20 % on branded devices. Also take advantage of special offers and price comparison sites.

• Shop at the right time of year: Kitchen studios often offer discounts of 10 to 15 % in January/February and August.

• Pitching in saves costs: For example, you can dispose of old electrical appliances or do simple kitchen demolition work yourself – provided your kitchen is free of problematic pollutants.

Michael Hügli is Managing Director of the Swiss trades network Buildigo. It helps to find the best tradespeople in the region. Michael Hügli says: “Continuing to use existing electricity and water connections is a cost-effective strategy for renovating a kitchen.”

Obtain at least 3 quotes

Get detailed kitchen quotes from at least 3 suppliers. Make sure that you present the same requirements so the offers are easy to compare. Compare not only the price, but also the services included. Check whether disposal costs or delivery and assembly are included in the quote, for example. Also compare the warranties and energy labels of the electrical appliances offered, as well as their features.

N.B.: Kitchen renovations often incur unexpected additional costs for electrical, carpentry, plastering, tiling and flooring work. These additional costs are generally not included in a standard “kitchen offer”.

Choose the right materials

The choice of material has a big impact on the cost. Here are 2 examples:

• Worktop: Laminate is cheap (from CHF 80 per linear metre), while natural stone or quartz panels can cost up to CHF 500 per linear metre. The advantage of natural stone is that it is more durable and resistant to heat and mechanical damage than inexpensive laminate worktops. Tip: Never place hot containers directly on a laminate worktop. On the topic of worktops and kitchen materials, Michael Hügli from the trades network Buildigo adds: “Chrome steel is often used in professional kitchens and is not only practical in the home, but also looks good.”

• Kitchen cabinets: In low-cost rental apartments, most kitchen fronts are made with synthetic coatings and resins and, above all, plastic. Kitchen fronts generally consist of a substrate, i.e. MDF or chipboard, which is laminated with foil, painted or coated with other materials. Wood-fibre fronts like these (known as “MDF fronts”) are inexpensive, while solid wood or glass are significantly more expensive. A helpful hint: a high-quality imitation wood made of synthetic resin is now almost indistinguishable from real wood and also comparatively easy to care for.

Tip: Think about the durability: solid wood kitchens are more robust than cheap wood-fibre models. A carpenter’s made-to-measure kitchen usually lasts longer. Dents can be sanded and revarnished. With the right care, it is often better value than a cheap kitchen in the long term.

Don’t underestimate contaminated waste in kitchens

Was your kitchen built before 1990? Then there might be expensive surprises in store. The background: asbestos was banned as a construction material in Switzerland in 1989. This means that buildings built before 1990 may contain asbestos or other harmful substances. For example, if the kitchen tops were laid in 1978, the glue most likely contains asbestos.

Disposing of such hazardous waste can incur high additional costs when renovating a kitchen. A simple DIY asbestos analysis usually costs up to CHF 100. So when you’re getting a quote for your new kitchen, it’s a good idea to ask right away what the situation is for any possible disposal.

Pay attention to energy efficiency

Look for energy-efficient appliances (A++ or better). Refrigerators with no-frost technology prevent ice formation and save electricity. Dishwashers with eco programmes reduce water consumption, and induction hobs are more efficient than conventional models. LED lighting also reduces energy costs. A modern fridge can save up to CHF 1,000 over a period of 10 years. 

Think through investments thoroughly

Not every investment in a kitchen increases the value of your property. Here are some examples:

• Luxury appliances: A professional cooking stove for CHF 10,000 may be impressive, but it’s unlikely to increase the property’s value by the same proportion.

• Exotic materials: Worktops made of unusual materials such as onyx or copper can be expensive, but often have no resale value.

• Excessive individualisation: A design that is too unusual can deter potential buyers. Neutral or timeless colours and things that appeal to general tastes or follow common trends, are often worth more.

Summary

A kitchen renovation is a worthwhile investment if you’re smart about the planning. Make sure you draw up your budget realistically and get professional support for planning and implementation. Invest in quality where it makes sense and avoid spending that doesn’t add value. That way you can be sure your new kitchen is not only beautiful, but also value-enhancing.