Master Builder - Costs for New Construction, Conversion & Renovation
- 1. What does a master builder do?
- 2. What does a master builder cost?
- 3. Costs for new construction
- 4. Costs for conversion
- 5. Costs for renovations
- 6. The most important cost factors
- 7. Typical master builder work
- 8. Master builder or several individual trades
- 9. When a master builder is the best choice
Master builder work is among the most extensive and expensive construction services of all – whether new construction, conversion or renovation. At the same time, they are decisive for the quality, stability and service life of a building. So that you can plan your project realistically, you will find here an understandable overview of typical costs, the most important price drivers and concrete examples from practice. This way you know when a master builder is indispensable – and how to compare realistic offers.
What does a master builder do?
A master builder is the central point of contact for everything to do with structural work, supporting structure and construction coordination. He ensures that a construction project is implemented technically correctly, safely and efficiently – from a single-family house to a comprehensive renovation.
Structural work & masonry
Master builders create the load-bearing walls, ceilings and structures of a building. This includes masonry, concrete work, screeds and sometimes also foundation work. In short: They build the basic framework on which all other trades are later based.
Concrete work
Whether base plate, retaining walls or concrete ceilings – master builders take over all work related to concrete. They ensure that concrete components are professionally dimensioned, contain sufficient reinforcement and that the statics are met.
Demolition & supporting structure
Many conversions begin with dismantling work or the opening of load-bearing walls. Master builders clarify how interventions in the supporting structure can be carried out safely, take over demolition work and set new beams, supports or walls.
Coordination with other trades
Master builders are often the first trade on the construction site and coordinate interfaces with electricians, plumbers, carpenters and the architect. This ensures that all trades interlock cleanly and that no unnecessary additional costs arise.
What does a master builder cost?
The costs for master builder work depend heavily on the project: new construction, conversion or renovation differ massively in effort, planning and risk surcharges. For a quick orientation, you will find here the most important guide values – each with the typical cost drivers.
Costs for new construction (guide values per m³ & typical additional costs)
For a new building in Switzerland, the calculation is usually based on the cubic meter of space. Guide values are approx. CHF 800 per m³, for terraced houses from approx. CHF 650 per m³ and for high-quality villas from approx. CHF 1,000 per m³. For an average single-family house (approx. 840 m³), this corresponds to around CHF 670,000 – 800,000 – excluding land purchase and landscaping.
Typical additional costs for new construction:
● Windows: approx. CHF 600 – 1,000 per m²
● Bathroom: approx. CHF 20,000
● Kitchen: approx. CHF 20,000 – 30,000
● Garage (solid construction): approx. CHF 30,000 – 40,000
● Basement & excavation: from approx. CHF 150,000 total
Costs for conversion
Conversions are less plannable and therefore more expensive per cubic meter. From 70% of the costs of a replacement new building, a new building inspection is worthwhile. Guide value: approx. CHF 1,000 per m³, depending on statics, cable routing and surprises in the inventory.
Typical conversion examples:
● Add a storey: approx. CHF 300,000 – 400,000
● Convert attic: at least CHF 50,000
● Extension (25 m²): CHF 75,000 – 100,000
● Kitchen conversion: CHF 20,000 – 30,000
● Renovate bathroom: CHF 25,000 – 50,000+
Costs for renovations
Renovations include energy measures, substance improvements and modernizations. Many of these are state-funded – especially energy projects.
Typical costs:
● Facade insulation: CHF 200 – 400 m²
● New heating systems: Heat pump CHF 35,000 – 45,000 (air-water)
● Roof renovation: CHF 5,000 – 15,000 (flat roof)
● New floors: CHF 50 – 100 per m² + CHF 50 – 70 per m² for installation
● Replace windows: from approx. CHF 250 – 300 per m² (depending on glazing)
Get a master builder quote
Free & without obligation
With just a few clicks, receive up to 3 master builder offers from certified specialist companies in your area.
The most important cost factors for the master builder
Scope of the project & structural interventions
The larger and more complex the construction project, the higher the effort for planning, statics, material and personnel. It becomes particularly expensive if load-bearing elements have to be changed, new openings created or entire components replaced. Such interventions require additional clarifications and increase the construction and safety risk.
Material quality & building material prices
Concrete, steel, bricks, insulation materials or wood differ greatly in price – as well as in quality and durability. High-quality materials are more expensive, but reduce maintenance costs in the long term. Since raw material prices fluctuate, market conditions and supply chains also influence the total price.
Accessibility & statics
If the construction site is difficult to access, the costs increase due to additional equipment, scaffolding or special transports. Static challenges – for example in old houses or complex conversions – also cause additional effort for supports, calculations and safety work.
Labor & machinery
Master builder work is personnel- and machine-intensive. The more hours master builders, foremen and construction workers need, the higher the total costs. The use of excavators, cranes or concrete pumps also has a noticeable impact, especially if they are needed for a longer period of time.
Regional price differences
In cities and regions with high demand (e.g. Zurich, Zug, Geneva), wages, rents and logistics costs are significantly higher than in rural areas. This has a direct impact on offers – identical projects can differ by several thousand francs depending on the location.
Surprises in the inventory (often expensive!)
Especially during conversions, unexpected problems can arise: dilapidated pipes, mold, asbestos, leaky pipes or unstable components. These “hidden defects” massively increase the effort and often lead to unplanned additional costs. The older the building, the greater the risk.
Typical master builder work and what it costs
Master builders take over all load-bearing, decisive work on a building – from excavation to energy-efficient renovation. The following categories show you in a practical way what typical work costs, where the price drivers are and when a master builder is absolutely necessary.
Excavation, foundation & concrete work
Excavation and foundation work are the basis of every construction project. Depending on the soil conditions, accessibility and required foundation depth, the costs vary significantly. Concrete work also includes formwork, reinforcement and the pouring itself – all very material- and labor-intensive steps.
Costs (typical guide values):
● Excavation: CHF 90 – 140 per m³
● Foundation for single-family house: CHF 15,000 – 25,000
● Concrete work in general: CHF 200 – 350 per m³
● Small foundations (e.g. for gardening): CHF 1,000 – 2,000
Masonry work (walls, openings, masonry)
Masonry work is almost always required for conversions, extensions and renovations. This includes new interior walls, wall openings, static reinforcements and classic masonry work. The price is determined by the scope, statics and the effort required for securing.
Costs (typical guide values):
● New brick interior wall: CHF 120 – 250 per m²
● Wall opening (non-load-bearing): CHF 1,500 – 2,500
● Wall opening (load-bearing + steel beam): CHF 3,500 – 8,000
● Masonry in general: CHF 200 – 350 per m²
Demolition & dismantling (incl. disposal)
Dismantling work is more important than many think – improper demolition increases the risk of damage and makes later steps more expensive. Master builders take care of demolition, sorting and professional disposal.
Costs (typical guide values):
● Dismantling small rooms (e.g. bathroom): CHF 3,000 – 5,000
● Dismantling apartment / partial dismantling: CHF 10,000 – 25,000
● Complete building dismantling: CHF 30,000 – 70,000
● Disposal of mixed construction waste: CHF 180 – 300 per ton
Extensions & conversions (extensions, new rooms)
Extensions and conversions are complex master builder jobs because they have to take into account statics, foundation connections and existing building structures. The price ranges are large – depending on size, material, insulation and expansion.
Costs (typical guide values):
● Extension (simple, 20–30 m²): CHF 50,000 – 80,000
● High-quality extension: CHF 80,000 – 140,000
● Storey addition: CHF 200,000 – 350,000
● Convert attic: CHF 60,000 – 120,000
Insulation & energy-efficient renovations
Energy-efficient renovations are supported by subsidies and significantly increase the value of the house. Master builders carry out insulation work, replacement of components and preparatory work for building technology upgrades.
Costs (typical guide values):
● Facade insulation: CHF 250 – 300 per m²
● Roof insulation (pitched roof): CHF 250 – 350 per m²
● Floor renovation / screed: CHF 70 – 140 per m²
● Preparation for window replacement: CHF 700 – 1,400 per opening
Master builder or several individual trades?
If you are planning a construction project, the question quickly arises: Do I need a master builder – or is it enough to directly commission individual craftsmen? The right choice saves you time, money and, above all, nerves. The following points will help you make your decision.
When a master builder makes sense and is often cheaper
Coordination of complex construction processes: If several trades have to work simultaneously or one after the other (e.g. demolition → concrete → masonry → insulation), the master builder takes over the planning, coordination and responsibility. This avoids delays and costly mistakes.
Statics & safety-relevant interventions: For load-bearing walls, foundations, extensions or structural reinforcements, you absolutely need a master builder because specialist knowledge, liability and static safety are paramount.
Large construction projects: As soon as the effort is increased or many trades are involved, a master builder is usually more efficient and often even cheaper because he has well-coordinated teams and can use quantity discounts on materials.
When individual craftsmen are completely sufficient
If the scope is small and clearly definable: For example: new windows, renovate kitchen, painting work, small masonry work or a new garage door.
If you only need one trade: Individual work can be carried out more cheaply directly by the specialist, as no higher-level construction management is necessary.
If no static interventions are necessary: Everything that does not concern the supporting structure can be easily taken over by the respective specialist craftsman.
When a master builder is the best choice
A master builder is always the right decision when projects become large, complex or statically demanding – i.e. wherever bricklayers, carpenters, painters & co. come together and have to be cleanly coordinated. Due to the central responsibility, you have clear responsibilities, fewer interface problems and a realistic cost estimate from a single source. For smaller individual orders, however, specialized craftsmen are completely sufficient.
Get a master builder quote
Free & without obligation
With just a few clicks, receive up to 3 master builder offers from certified specialist companies in your area.