Your architect for the renovation. From idea to handover.
Whether a whole house, an extension, a flat or individual rooms: our architects advise you on site, plan the renovation, calculate the costs and submit the building application. If you wish, we also take on construction management.
- Specialised in renovating existing buildings
- Cost calculation, also for the bank
- One contact person through to handover
Do you need an architect for a renovation?
Not always. Select what you are planning and you will see our assessment immediately.
What are you planning?
Click on your project.
- Changing the layout, removing or adding walls
- Work on load-bearing components
- Extension, additional storey, attic or basement conversion
- Changes to the façade, windows or use
- Gut or complete renovation
- Bathroom or kitchen without changing the layout
- New floors, walls and surfaces
- Heating replacement without structural work
Whether a project requires a permit is governed by the canton and municipality. We clarify this for you.
What does the architect do in your renovation?
You choose which phases you need: from a single consultation to support throughout the whole project.
Advice on site
- Wishes and requirements
- Preserving and increasing value
- First proposed solutions
Planning & costs
- Sketches and plans
- Detailed cost calculation, also for the bank
- Schedule
Quotes & contract award
- Quotes from a vetted network of tradespeople
- Quote comparison
- Selection of tradespeople
Construction management
- Construction management and site supervision
- Follow construction progress digitally
- Handover
What does an architect cost for a renovation?
The fee depends on the scope of the renovation and the services you need. We charge a fixed fee or on a time basis.
Two fee models, depending on the project:
| Model | Works well if … |
|---|---|
| Fixed fee | the scope is clear and you want cost certainty |
| Time-based | the project is still open or you need individual services |
| Services | Guide value in % of construction costs |
|---|---|
| Planning & building permit | 4 – 6 % |
| Up to contract award | 8 – 12 % |
| Complete incl. construction management | 11 – 15 % |
Finding the right architect for your renovation
Renovating is different from building new. Look out for this when choosing.
Selection checklist
- Experience with renovationsAnyone who often plans in existing buildings recognises risks such as structure, damp or hazardous materials early.
- Comparable projectsAsk to see projects of a similar size and type of construction.
- Traceable costsA cost calculation with line items instead of a single figure.
- Clear feeFixed fee or time-based, in writing and with clearly described services.
- One contact personFrom the first conversation to handover, even when many tradespeople are involved.
Together with our architecture and project management team, he accompanies your project.
«Good sparring partner and always with more than one solution.»
Google review · House renovationHow we work together
Start without obligation, decide step by step.
Advice by phone
You describe your project, we tell you how we can help. Free and without obligation.
You get: a first assessmentSite visit
We look at the building and show you first solutions.
You get: proposed solutionsPlanning
Plans, cost calculation and schedule. Existing plans and the original building permit are helpful.
You get: plans & costsQuotes & construction management
We check quotes, award the work via our platform and manage the site if you wish.
You get: finished renovation
Architect for renovation in Zurich, Winterthur, Basel, Lucerne and Bern
Five locations and architects who know your region.
Questions about architects for renovation
Do you need an architect for a renovation?
Not for every renovation. As soon as walls are moved, load-bearing components altered, an extension added or the façade changed, an architect is strongly recommended, because planning, structural engineering and the building permit come together. Whether a project requires a permit is governed by the canton and municipality.
What does an architect cost for a renovation?
That depends on the scope of the renovation and the services required. We work with a fixed fee or on a time basis. Our fee calculator gives a ballpark figure; you receive a binding quote after the site visit.
Fixed fee or time-based billing: which is better?
A fixed fee gives cost certainty when the scope is clear. Time-based billing suits when the project is still open or only individual services are needed, such as a consultation or the building permit application.
What documents does the architect need?
Existing plans, the original building permit, photos and your wishes are helpful. If plans are missing, we survey the building on site.
What is the difference between an architect and an interior designer?
The architect plans the building as a whole, including the layout, load-bearing components and building permit. The interior designer mainly designs rooms, materials and furnishings. A renovation involving structural work usually requires an architect.
Do you also handle the building permit and construction management?
Yes. We clarify the permit question, submit the building application and, if you wish, take on construction management through to handover.
Guide to renovating with an architect
In-depth information for your planning. Click on a chapter to open it.
Changing the layout: removing or adding walls
If you want open spaces, walls are often removed. If you need more rooms, partition walls are added. Before a wall comes down, it must be clear whether it is load-bearing. Load-bearing walls require a structural solution, and the project usually needs a permit. The regulations differ by canton and municipality.
Renovating for later life
- Wider doors and step-free transitions
- Larger bathroom with a level-access shower
- Bedroom on the entrance level
An architect checks what is possible within the existing layout and plans the stages so that you are restricted as little as possible during the renovation.
Architect, general contractor or renovation platform?
A traditional architect plans and supervises; you award the work to tradespeople yourself or through the architect. A general contractor builds at a fixed price, and the planning is often less flexible. At umbaumanager.ch, our architects plan, and via our platform you obtain comparable quotes from vetted tradespeople. You see costs and progress at all times.
Checklist for the first meeting
- Write down wishes and must-haves
- Roughly clarify budget and financing
- Find plans and the original building permit
- Take photos of the most important rooms
- Set the desired time frame
Talk to an architect.
Tell us about your project. We tell you what is possible and what it costs. Free and without obligation.
Request an initial consultation →