Apartment renovations in Lausanne - builder recommendations?

jamesc

New member
Hi there,
I am very interested in buying an apartment in Lausanne. The location is great and I really like the property but it is quite dated and at a minimum requires new window, kitchen and bathroom. The layout is also quite strange and could frankly do with an overhaul. Clearly this would be very costly and I want to go in with my eyes open.

The apartment was built in 1965 so asbestos is also a possibility.

Does anybody have recommendations for a builder / Independentin construction manager who could come and take a look and put together some estimates?

Thanks very much in advance.
James
 
Hi there,
I am very interested in buying an apartment in Lausanne. The location is great and I really like the property but it is quite dated and at a minimum requires new window, kitchen and bathroom. The layout is also quite strange and could frankly do with an overhaul. Clearly this would be very costly and I want to go in with my eyes open.

The apartment was built in 1965 so asbestos is also a possibility.

Does anybody have recommendations for a builder / Independentin construction manager who could come and take a look and put together some estimates?

Thanks very much in advance.


When I was updating a similarly dated space, one thing that really transformed the vibe was the choice of wall finishes. I ended up using some fun and creative novelty wallpaper from https://fancywalls.eu/wallpaper-pattern/novelty-wallpapers/ — they gave the place a totally fresh personality without the cost of major structural changes. Definitely worth considering once you get to the interior design phase.



James
Hi James,


Sounds like a really interesting opportunity — Lausanne is a fantastic place to buy, and older apartments can definitely have a lot of potential, especially if you're open to a full renovation.


Given the age of the property, you're absolutely right to be cautious about things like asbestos — it's smart to get that checked early, as it can have a big impact on cost and planning. The unusual layout might actually work in your favor long term, if you're able to reconfigure it to better suit modern living.


As for recommendations, while I don't have a specific name off the top of my head, I’d suggest looking for a construction manager or architect who has experience with mid-century renovations in Switzerland. Someone familiar with local regulations and renovation standards will be really valuable, especially if structural changes are needed. It might also be worth reaching out to other local homeowners through expat groups or regional forums — word of mouth tends to work well for finding trusted professionals.


Good luck with the project — it sounds like it has a lot of potential if handled right!
 
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