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Building Consultancy
Independent advice for private clients and buyers building or buying property in Switzerland.


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
22 hours 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
22 hours ago14 min read


Objection to a building permit in Switzerland: deadlines, costs, appeals
Objection to a building permit in Switzerland: deadlines of 14 to 30 days by canton, costs and appeal stages. And why Zurich has no objection procedure.

Simon Käslin
22 hours ago12 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
22 hours 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
23 hours 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


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


Client representation general contractor: your interests on the construction site
Client representation general contractor: what it delivers, what it costs and how it differs from owner's advisory. For private clients in Switzerland.

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


Construction contract review in Switzerland: what to check
Construction contract and building specifications reviewed before signing: what private clients in Switzerland should look out for, typical pitfalls, and what SIA 118 regulates.

Simon Käslin
Jul 17 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


Abolition of imputed rental value in Switzerland from 2029
From 2029 the imputed rental value in Switzerland will be abolished. What changes for homeowners in terms of taxes, mortgage and maintenance deductions? Key consequences and recommendations for owner-occupiers, renovators and new-build clients.

Simon Käslin
May 2612 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


When is a building consultant in Switzerland worth it?
When is a building consultant really worth it? Costs, benefits and concrete situations explained by an independent building consultant in Switzerland, plus honest advice on when you do not need one.

Simon Käslin
May 199 min read
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