FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you want to know about our services
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about kitchen construction, interior finishing and our services. If you do not find an answer here, do not hesitate to contact us – we are happy to help.
FAQ Categories
Planning, Consulting and Process
At the beginning we visit you and get an overview of the situation. If plans already exist, we can skip this step.
Then follows our initial meeting: We listen – what are your wishes, your experiences, what is important to you? Afterwards there is a tour of our showroom. With samples and the existing exhibition kitchens we develop your kitchen together. Allocate 1.5 to 2.5 hours for this.
Afterwards we need 2 to 3 weeks to prepare everything. Then comes the presentation: We show you your kitchen, usually in several variants. A “Premia” that covers all your wishes, an “Optima” that is still upscale, and, depending, a “Basica”, still custom-made but simplified.
Based on the visualization you have the basis to assess whether we should pursue the project together. From here our partnership becomes binding, and we dive into the project.
In the first phase the planning is free of charge. What you need to bring: two visits to us of about two hours each and your commitment to develop your kitchen together.
You don’t need anything fixed in advance – the rule here is: more is more. The more thoughts you have put into it (feel free to use AI images from our guide), the easier it becomes for us. If no plans are available, we take care of it and develop the details together with you.
As often as needed until it fits. Some manage it in two attempts, others need longer – both are fine. Our motto: Not we enjoy this kitchen for the next 20 years daily. With us it is only a guest for a few months, after that it must suit you.
The most helpful are photos and dimensions of your space as well as everything you like – inspiration images and notes on your wishes and habits. If you like, use the steps further up in this guide for that: Collect wishes and Photograph and measure the room, preferably with AI. The more you bring, the more targeted we start – but nothing is strictly necessary.
Yes, an appointment is important. Only then can we take the time you and your project deserve. Just give us a call – appointments are also possible on Saturdays or outside opening hours by arrangement.
Yes. In our showroom – a minute from the Kerzers highway exit – we show you five display kitchens and materials you can touch. Pictures are good, but you can truly assess a kitchen only when you see and feel it with your own eyes.
Materials and Equipment
Each covering has its pros and cons – the choice depends on use, budget and taste:
Ceramic: hard, heat- and scratch‑resistant and completely sealed, so nothing penetrates. However, it is locally brittle – a hard strike on an edge can chip. Tip: Pay attention to a sufficiently high coverage amount in your glass insurance for ceramic (and glass).
Natural stone (e.g., granite or quartzite): robust, but depending on the stone porous and must be impregnated.
Resin / laminate: large selection, easy to maintain and inexpensive – but less heat‑resistant than stone or ceramic.
Solid wood: of course, but must be oiled and carefully maintained.
It's best to view the samples with us and feel the difference.
This is a fundamental question that divides opinions – and it depends on your preference. There is no universally valid answer. The best is to stop by us and truly feel what feels right for you.
For matte, fingerprint‑resistant surfaces, Fenix is the original: matte, velvety to the touch and durable – micro‑scratches can sometimes be repaired with heat. But other surfaces are fine as well. The important thing is that you know what you are getting into and how the surface should be maintained: some people like to refresh an oiled surface now and then with a care spray, others are annoyed by exactly that. We tell you for each front what it means in everyday use.
And indeed. With the synthetic resins alone you have over 800 colours to choose from – and if that isn’t enough, we can practically spray any colour you want. That gives us almost as many colours as a PlayStation 5 ;-) Feel free: we often and gladly implement coloured kitchens.
There are different types:
Wall or island hood: the solution above the hob, available in many versions.
Downdraft / slot ventilation: the extractor sits directly in or next to the hob and draws steam and odours downwards. Ideal for kitchen islands and wherever the view should stay clear. We are staunch fans here – and Bora can do it like no other.
Ceiling fan: integrated into the ceiling, for open plan kitchens, usually less targeted.
Which variant – and whether as exhaust or recirculating (see next question) – fits best, we will determine together.
Both have their merits. Exhaust vents odours, moisture and heat outside and is the most effective – but it requires an opening to the outdoors and sufficient supply air. Recirculation filters the air (fat and activated‑carbon filters) and returns it cleaned to the room; it can be installed almost anywhere, removes moisture and residual odours less well. In airtight buildings with controlled ventilation, recirculation is often the more sensible choice so that no under‑pressure develops.
Our recommendation: If the building envelope permits and it is structurally possible, we go outside – i.e. exhaust. This delivers the best result for odour and moisture.
Yes. Especially in the Seeland region this is an issue. Even though Switzerland has good drinking water, residues from landfills as well as pesticides and hormones are measurably present – foremost nitrate, a persistent problem that can only be removed with a few plants. In our exhibition we show you two systems with which you can obtain filtered water directly from the tap.
Technology and Collaboration
Our 3D visualizations come close to reality and give you an image of your future kitchen. However, they do not replace samples: you experience colours, textures and feel only in person. Therefore we rely on a mix – real samples, supported by the computer.
Exactly there lies our strength. Sloping walls, niches, roof slopes or narrow floor plans are not an obstacle for us, but a task – because we adapt the kitchen to the room, not the other way around. Since we manufacture everything custom, we also get the best out of difficult rooms.
Honestly, that is not our area of expertise. We can adapt a kitchen structurally, but we do not have the expertise required for barrier‑free planning. Together with specialists who set the specifications for us, we have already been able to implement some projects of this kind.
We can take care of that for you. Through our partners – for example for electrical and plumbing – we coordinate the necessary work so that everything fits together on your construction site.
As long as no openings in the building are altered (such as windows or exterior walls), a permit is rarely needed. An exception are properties with restrictions, for example due to heritage protection. If in doubt, we will clarify it together with you.
Sure – after arrangement you may take a look into our production. Some customers have even gotten hands‑on and assembled a cabinet themselves.
Yes. We also realize new construction projects, work together with architects, and are also active for property management.
Prices and Payment
That’s true: a kitchen with a single line that only needs to provide the essentials is often cheaper in a kitchen studio. But if you’re looking for that certain something, you’re in the right place with us. With us the product is not fixed in advance – you don’t just pick the best line, we develop a solution together like a custom suit. Such details cannot be represented in a ready‑made kitchen – and if they can, only for an extra charge because it is less flexible.
We do not offer installment payments directly – they would have to be arranged through external providers. Often the financing can be clarified with your bank, for example via an advance withdrawal from the 3rd pillar or other tax optimizations.
As a rule of thumb: Whoever replaces an existing kitchen with an equivalent one in their own home may generally deduct the costs as maintenance preserving value from taxable income. If the kitchen is significantly upgraded (for example a row becomes an island) or installed for the first time, it is considered value‑adding and is not deductible from income – such investments are, however, taken into account for the real‑estate capital gains tax upon a later sale. It is often a mix of both.
Important: The regulation varies by canton and is currently undergoing change (keyword abolition of the imputed rental value). We are carpenters, not tax advisors – therefore clarify your case in advance with your cantonal tax office or your auditor. A tip: photos before and after the remodel help to prove the value‑preserving portion.
Delivery Time, Installation and Renovation
Once the order confirmation is in place, it usually takes between 5 and 12 weeks for your kitchen to be installed at your home.
The installation follows a construction schedule, with each tradesperson arriving as discussed. For the transition period we provide a provisional solution – from the cooktop to a cart with an integrated oven and cooktop. Your cooking options are limited during this time.
Usually we dismantle the old kitchen ourselves. Sometimes the customer wants to do it themselves or sell the kitchen, for example via Ricardo. We dismantle as needed and dispose of everything properly with the local specialist.
During a renovation we plan the process so that your daily life is disturbed as little as possible. First we dismantle the old kitchen, then we prepare walls, floors and connections – followed by installation and commissioning. To make everything fit together, we coordinate the tradespeople through a construction schedule.
Depending on the scope, a renovation takes at least about two weeks. If structural adjustments are necessary, it can extend over several months. We set the schedule in advance together with you.
We are happy to take care of that for you – it depends on your situation. If you are handy yourself and want to co‑manage, you lead the construction site. Otherwise you hand over the construction management to us for an agreed fee.
Warranty and Service
For many appliances we have a 5‑year Zurich warranty, which extends the standard warranty by three years – covering almost everything. Liebherr offers a 10‑year warranty in phases; this must be registered by the customer themselves.
The statutory warranty of two years applies to our kitchens and furniture. However, we are flexible and put ourselves in your shoes: For example, if a hinge is no longer functional after four years of normal use, we will replace it.
No. You do not have to register the appliances yourself – we will take the necessary steps for you. An exception is the extended 10-year warranty from Liebherr, which you must register yourself.
Due to our warranty extensions it is not always immediately clear whether a case is still covered. Just contact us – we will handle the communication and organize the necessary service.
Yes, we will find a solution for the replacement of appliances. Usually we assess the situation on site to determine the steps and the quote. What helps us: the serial number of your existing appliance – have it ready.
Yes. We lift kitchens and refresh existing kitchens – with new fronts, new appliances and more. Often the kitchens are hardly recognizable afterwards.
Care, Everyday Life and Sustainability
For most cases a dishwashing liquid like Ajax is enough. For tougher stains a stain remover (dirty remover) helps, like the one available at Migros or Landi – first test on an inconspicuous spot on glossy surfaces. For surfaces such as oiled surfaces we have the appropriate care products in stock. Just ask us, then you are on the safe side.
Our tip: Use dishwasher powder instead of tabs. With powder you can adjust the amount of load and soiling – a tab cannot do that. Insider tip: Also add a small amount of powder (about a quarter teaspoon) loose into the interior, not into the dispenser chamber. This helps for the pre‑wash phase.
And: Do not rinse your dishes too thoroughly by hand beforehand. Dishwashers and detergents need a certain amount of dirt to work – removing coarse food residues is enough. Also make sure there is enough rinse aid and regeneration salt and clean the sieve and filter area regularly.
Usually between 15 and 35 years – but the range is large. Some customers still have a flawless kitchen after 45 years, while others, depending on use, look more worn out sooner.
We produce everything ourselves and work with many Swiss suppliers, such as Kronospan or Formex. Sometimes a grain even comes from the region – hardly any more Swissness possible. Moreover: A carpenter's kitchen is built for durability and can be refreshed later instead of being replaced.
We also train apprentices. This ensures the next generation and we have our own talent forge.
Region and Brands
We want to cover everything locally and are active within a radius of about 30 km – in the Bern, Freiburg and Seeland region. This gives us short distances and we can react quickly when something happens.
We work with brands such as V‑Zug, Bosch, Siemens, Miele, Electrolux and Liebherr, as well as sinks and faucets from Franke and Suter Inox and cooking systems from Bora. Which appliances suit you, we will find out together.