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Architecture and Planning


Forest distance in Switzerland: metres, exceptions and the procedure
Forest distance in Switzerland: 10 to 30 metres depending on the canton. Why the forest setback line counts in Zurich and when an exemption is possible.

Simon Käslin
2 days ago13 min read


Development plan in Switzerland: the special land use plan for quality and density
Development plan in Switzerland across eight cantons: minimum area, bonus, inspection periods and an added value levy of 20 to 40 per cent. With sources.

Simon Käslin
2 days ago14 min read


Avoiding objections in Switzerland: what really helps as a client
Avoiding objections in Switzerland: why the window before publication decides, what bothers neighbours and how a building application becomes attack-proof.

Simon Käslin
2 days ago11 min read


Building lines in Switzerland: The invisible boundary to the road
Building lines in Switzerland in eight cantons: where they are regulated, why they override the distance from the road and what applies without a line.

Simon Käslin
2 days ago16 min read


From preliminary project to building application: the path to a building permit
From preliminary project to building application: how to refine plans, certificates and costs, involve the building department and neighbours early.

Simon Käslin
Aug 2014 min read


Feasibility study in Switzerland: from plot to building volume
A feasibility study in Switzerland on a real plot: how it becomes building volume and living space, with variants, hidden potential and a first cost range.

Simon Käslin
Aug 1710 min read


Feasibility study multi-family house: getting the maximum out of your plot
Feasibility study multi-family house: how to use Swiss building law to the full, gain more usable floor area and find the best apartment mix.

Simon Käslin
Aug 1712 min read


Material selection in a Swiss house build: where quality is decided
Material selection in a Swiss house build sets the fit-out standard. Learn how to decide consciously, spot every extra cost and keep your budget on track.

Simon Käslin
Jul 186 min read


Construction cost control in Switzerland: avoiding variations and additional costs
Construction cost control in Switzerland: how private clients avoid variations during the build, with a sound contract, a reserve and ongoing cost tracking.

Simon Käslin
Jul 186 min read


GEAK and renovation subsidies in Switzerland
GEAK and renovation subsidies in Switzerland: what the GEAK shows, how the Buildings Programme works and which measures are funded, with guide values.

Simon Käslin
Jul 16 min read


Architect contract in Switzerland: SIA 102 fees explained
How the architect's fee is calculated under SIA 102, what the architect contract in Switzerland covers and what clients should check. With benchmarks.

Simon Käslin
Jul 17 min read


Architect cost estimate in Switzerland: accuracy, tolerance and liability
How binding is an architect cost estimate in Switzerland? Tolerances under SIA 102, when the architect is liable for cost overruns and what exceptions apply.

Simon Käslin
Jul 18 min read


Utilization ratio in Switzerland: AZ, BMZ and GZ explained simply
Utilization ratio in Switzerland: building mass, site coverage and green space ratios explained clearly, with worked examples for private clients.

Simon Käslin
Jun 156 min read


Costs, permits and timing when adding a story in Switzerland
When adding a story in Switzerland pays off, what the building regulations allow, what it costs and how the process works. The key answers on building law, structural engineering and costs.

Simon Käslin
May 2613 min read


Renovate or demolish in Switzerland: decision-making aid for private clients
Renovate or demolish in Switzerland? This guide shows private clients which factors really count: building law, building fabric, costs and energy.

Simon Käslin
May 2614 min read


Buying a new build in Switzerland: what private buyers must check
Buying a new build in Switzerland: what does the purchase contract say, what really counts in the building specification, and why is the handover the decisive moment? Independent advice for private buyers.

Simon Käslin
May 198 min read


Building application and building permit in Switzerland: what private clients really need to know
Building permit in Switzerland: what belongs in the building application, how the procedure works and which mistakes private clients should avoid.

Simon Käslin
May 1910 min read


Buying land in Switzerland: what private building owners really need to know
Buying land in Switzerland: zoning law, servicing, costs and hidden risks explained clearly. A well-founded guide for private building owners.

Simon Käslin
May 1910 min read


Preliminary project in Switzerland: content, costs, process and quality criteria
A preliminary project in Switzerland clarifies building law, volume, use and costs early, so your project becomes tangible and costly errors are avoided.

Simon Käslin
Jan 516 min read


Feasibility and volume study in Switzerland: what private building owners need to know
Feasibility and volume study in Switzerland: content, costs, process, risks and quality criteria. For single and multi-family houses, clearly explained.

Simon Käslin
Jan 414 min read
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