Renovating
Renovating a bathroom in Switzerland
Updated 2026-07-28 · 7 min read
No room brings together more trades per square metre than the bathroom: plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, electrics, ventilation. In Switzerland, buildings add a further constraint: the condominium's approval as soon as work affects risers or waterproofing.
Budget by scope
| Project type | Price (CHF) | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | 8,000 – 15,000 | Fittings, taps, partial tiling, paint |
| Full renovation, 5 m² | 20,000 – 35,000 | Strip-out, plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, fittings |
| High-end renovation | 35,000 – 60,000 | Branded equipment, walk-in shower, underfloor heating |
| Creating a walk-in shower | 6,000 – 12,000 | Tray, waterproofing, drainage, screen |
These figures are well above French prices, reflecting Swiss labour costs. They include 8.1 % VAT and assume a standard bathroom of 4 to 6 m².
In a condominium: what needs the community's approval
This is the Swiss particularity not to overlook. In a condominium, soil stacks, main pipework, waterproofing and structure are common parts, even where they run through your flat. Touching them requires a decision of the general meeting.
- Replacing fittings, taps, furniture or tiles: your exclusive part, no approval needed
- Moving a drain or altering the connection to the stack: community approval required
- Redoing floor waterproofing: a common part under most regulations
- Breaking through a load-bearing wall or slab: approval required, with an engineer's opinion
- Altering ventilation connected to a shared duct: approval required
Sequence and duration
- Full strip-out and disposal
- Renewing services: plumbing, electrics, ventilation
- Levelling and screeding
- Waterproofing beneath the tiling
- Wall tiling then floor tiling
- Installing sanitary appliances and taps
- Joinery, vanity unit, mirror
- Grouting and finishing
Allow three to four weeks for a full renovation, longer in an apartment block where work on risers must be coordinated. Drying times between screeding, waterproofing and tiling cannot be compressed: a tradesperson promising one week is skipping a stage.
What budget for a bathroom renovation in Switzerland?
CHF 20,000 to 35,000 for a full 5 m² renovation, and CHF 8,000 to 15,000 for a simple refresh.
Is condominium approval needed?
Not for replacing fittings, tiles or taps. Yes as soon as work affects risers, floor waterproofing, structure or a shared ventilation duct.
How long does the work take?
Three to four weeks for a full renovation, longer in an apartment block. Drying times cannot be shortened.
Are there grants?
Not for a cosmetic renovation. Only equipment improving energy performance, such as a heat-pump water heater, may fall under the Buildings Programme.
What warranty covers the waterproofing?
Defects in immovable works become time-barred after five years under art. 371 CO. If the contract refers to SIA 118, a two-year warranty period also applies.