Why the process feels different in Switzerland
If you have just moved to Zürich, the way trades and renovations are organised here can feel unfamiliar. Switzerland runs on written quotes, clear scope, and appointments, rather than quick verbal estimates over the phone.
The good news for expats is that the system is transparent once you understand it. You agree on the work and the price in writing before anything starts, so there are few surprises at the end. The main hurdle is usually language, since most documentation and many tradespeople default to German.
At AMS Malergeschäft GmbH, founder Adriano dos Santos handles enquiries directly in English, German, Portuguese, and Italian, so you can discuss the job in the language you are comfortable with.
The Besichtigung: the on-site visit
Most painting work in Zürich starts with a Besichtigung, an on-site visit. The painter comes to your flat or house, looks at the walls, ceilings, and surfaces, measures the areas, and discusses what you want done.
This visit matters because an accurate quote depends on seeing the actual condition of the surfaces. Cracks, old wallpaper, damp patches, or previous coats of paint all affect the work and the price.
You do not need to prepare much. It helps to know roughly which rooms you want painted, whether you have a colour in mind, and your rough timeline. If you are renting, having your tenancy contract or handover details to hand is useful, especially for move-out work.
The written Offerte: fixed price vs hourly
After the visit you receive a written quote, called an Offerte. This is a formal document listing the scope of work, the surfaces involved, the materials, and the price. Take time to read it, and ask questions about anything that is unclear.
There are two common pricing models. A Festpreis (fixed price) means you agree one total price for the defined scope, so the cost does not change unless you change the scope. Hourly billing means you pay for the time and materials used, which can be harder to predict.
For most flats and renovations, a fixed price gives expats the most peace of mind. AMS works with a Festpreis approach so you know the full cost before the work begins, with no open-ended hourly meter running.
- Festpreis (fixed price): one agreed total for a defined scope, predictable.
- Hourly: pay per hour plus materials, useful for small or undefined tasks.
- Always confirm in writing what is and is not included before you sign off.
Move-out painting (Auszug) and Swiss tenancy norms
One of the most common reasons expats need a painter is moving out of a rented flat. Swiss tenancy practice expects you to hand the apartment back in good condition, and walls are a frequent point of discussion at the handover (Wohnungsabnahme).
You are generally not responsible for normal wear and tear, but you may be liable for damage beyond that, such as many drill holes, strong colours you painted yourself, or marks that go past ordinary use. Whether repainting is required often depends on how long you lived there and the age of the last paint job, since walls have an expected lifespan for depreciation purposes.
A practical approach is to get a painter to assess the flat before the handover so you know what is genuinely needed. This helps you avoid both overpaying for unnecessary work and being charged later by the landlord. This is general information, not legal advice, so check your specific contract and any handover protocol.
Timeline and what to prepare
Timelines depend on the size of the job, but a typical flat repaint is a matter of days rather than weeks once it is scheduled. After the visit, you usually receive the quote quickly, then agree a start date that fits your move or renovation plan.
To keep things smooth, plan a little ahead, especially around move-out dates, which often cluster at the end of a quarter when many leases in Switzerland end. Clear access, parking for the team where possible, and decisions on colours all help the work start on time.
Before painting begins, it helps to remove or pack fragile items, take down pictures and curtains if you can, and let the painter know about any furniture that needs to stay and be protected.
- Book early around quarter-end move-out dates.
- Decide on colours before the start date.
- Clear walls and protect or move furniture where you can.
- Confirm access, keys, and any building rules in advance.
How to get a quote in English
Getting started is straightforward. Describe the rooms or surfaces you want painted, mention whether it is a move-out, a renovation, or a refresh, and share your rough timeline. From there an on-site visit is arranged to confirm the details.
AMS Malergeschäft GmbH is based in Zürich and provides a free quote, normally within 24 hours of the visit or your enquiry. Communication can be entirely in English, which removes the usual language barrier for newcomers.
Once you have the written Offerte and a fixed price, you can compare it calmly, ask any remaining questions, and only then decide. No commitment is needed to request a quote.