Refurbishing a retail space or office in Switzerland is not comparable to a simple cosmetic update. It is a project that combines technical constraints, regulatory requirements and commercial imperatives: minimising closure periods, staying within budget and preserving the brand’s identity. Understanding what influences costs and timelines allows businesses to make informed decisions from the outset.
The three main types of commercial refurbishment
A cosmetic refurbishment is limited to visible finishes: painting, wall and floor coverings, furniture and lighting. Typical duration: 2 to 4 weeks. It is the quickest and least expensive option, but it does not allow for structural or spatial modifications.
A major refurbishment affects the layout, partitioning and sometimes even the structure itself. Typical duration: 2 to 4 months. It often requires planning permission and the coordination of several specialist trades.
A full refurbishment completely transforms the premises, including building services such as electrical systems, plumbing and HVAC. Typical duration: 4 to 8 months depending on the size of the property. This is the most complex scenario, but also the one that delivers the greatest added value.
The factors that influence costs in switzerland
Four key factors have a particularly strong impact on the budget of a refurbishment project in Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich or Basel:
- The age of the building: a property built before 1970 may conceal hidden constraints (asbestos, lead, non-standard structural systems) that can extend project timelines and increase costs by 15 to 30%.
- Local regulations: each canton applies its own approval procedures, particularly strict in protected city-centre areas.
- The closure schedule: refurbishment works carried out outside peak trading periods (summer for fashion retail, January for offices) generally cost less, as they reduce the need for overtime and night work.
- Sector-specific requirements: a luxury boutique or jewellery store requires a much higher level of finish than a standard retail unit, with a direct impact on the overall budget.
The challenge of closure during works
For a retail business, every day of closure represents a loss of turnover. Refurbishment planning must therefore take this constraint into account from the earliest design stages. Three approaches are possible:
- Full closure with concentrated works: faster completion, but complete loss of revenue during the project.
- Phased works with partial opening: allows reduced business activity to continue, but extends the overall timeline.
- Night-time and out-of-hours works: preserves turnover, but increases costs by 20 to 40%.
The role of the main contractor in a refurbishment project
Coordinating a refurbishment project means simultaneously managing deadlines, budget, quality standards, permits and unforeseen issues. This is precisely the role of a main contractor: taking overall responsibility for the project and allowing the client to remain focused on their business operations.
Specific challenges of multi-site refurbishment projects
Brands refurbishing several retail locations simultaneously in Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, Basel, Bern or Lugano must maintain consistent finishing standards while adapting to local constraints. Working with a contractor operating throughout Switzerland ensures this level of consistency.
Since 2005, EMI Conseil has been managing commercial refurbishment projects for premium brands across Switzerland. To learn more about our approach, visit our Works page or contact our team for a bespoke project.
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