Core drilling: compare quotes and prices

What core drilling do you need?

Core drilling can create openings for ventilation, plumbing, heating and cables. Enlarging an existing round opening is also a distinct task. Describe what needs to pass through or be installed in the element, and whether the opening is new or needs alteration.

A rectangular doorway usually falls under concrete cutting or a complete wall-opening service. Ground investigation drilling and taking samples for laboratory testing also have a different scope from ordinary installation holes. State a particular investigation purpose explicitly if one is needed.

Hole diameter and pipe diameter are different

The required drilling diameter depends on the later installation. A pipe with a particular outside diameter may need a larger opening for a sleeve or suitable seal. Do not simply transfer the pipe’s nominal size into a hole dimension. Requirements already set by the installer or designer are a better starting point.

The number, known diameters, element thickness or drilling depth and hole locations help the contractor quote. Several holes with different dimensions can be described in one shared text. Technical sizes can remain open where they still need agreement with the contractor.

For an enlargement, the existing and desired diameters matter. Describe a required fall or particular position without having to determine an exact angle or technical method yourself. The future installation establishes the necessary details.

Assess the element, services and drilling position

Concrete, masonry, natural stone and layered walls require different preparation. Describe the existing materials you know rather than diagnosing material or reinforcement from appearance. The opening and later connection may pass through several layers.

Existing services and the effect on the element need consideration before work. No visible pipe is not proof that the drilling area contains no services. The responsible specialists coordinate the position and necessary investigations; a small hole does not make every structural intervention acceptable.

Unknown coatings or older finishes may also need investigation before disturbance. Do not make trial holes yourself. Available documents can help the contractor plan suitable preparation or further assessment.

Manage water, dust and the extracted core

The contractor determines whether a suitable wet or dry process is appropriate. Material, equipment and the surroundings all matter. Cooling water and slurry need collection during wet work; appropriate dust capture matters for dry work. A customer should not have to prescribe a technical method just because nearby furniture is sensitive.

For holes through suspended slabs, the area below and support of the core are particularly important. Clarify access to the other side, occupied rooms and collection of the resulting material. Protection, cleaning and core disposal belong in the agreed scope.

Available electricity and water can help organise the visit. The contractor assesses whether those connections suit the chosen equipment. A brief statement that electricity is available does not replace checking the electrical installation.

Connect the opening to the later installation

A properly drilled hole does not automatically provide a sealed penetration. Where a service crosses the building envelope, the opening, pipe or cable and intended connection need to suit one another. The solution depends on the actual element and its use; an arbitrary filler is not a universal substitute.

Agree who supplies and installs a sleeve, pipe, ventilation component or seal and who reinstates surfaces. Where water, air, acoustic or fire requirements apply, the responsible specialists need to coordinate the detail. A core-drilling quote does not guarantee every property of the finished penetration.

What determines core-drilling costs?

Diameter, depth, material, reinforcement and orientation influence the work. Travel, setup and fixing the equipment add to the cost. Several holes at one visit can share setup; that does not guarantee a particular discount for every job.

A published regional tariff example for 2026 illustrates the calculation. One horizontal hole of 100 mm diameter and 20 cm depth in reinforced concrete produces a subtotal of CHF 314 excluding VAT in the Heinzenberg/Domleschg valley floor area. This comprises CHF 220 per visit/day, CHF 32 for equipment fixing and 20 cm × CHF 3.10 per cm of drilling depth. That tariff’s base charge includes travel, setup and core disposal.

This is not a Swiss average or a final fixed price. Water collection, additional reinforcement cuts, coverings, scaffolding and other work may add costs. Other regions and contractors use different pricing. Compare the final amount with all necessary work and the stated VAT treatment.

Make the request easy to understand

Start with the purpose of the holes and their actual number. Known dimensions help; outstanding technical values can be clarified in conversation or during a visit. Repeated form rows for every individual hole are unnecessary.

• Hole purpose. Identify new holes or enlargements and their purpose.
• Count and dimensions. State the actual number and known diameters and depths.
• Element. Describe the element and material where known.
• Working area. Give the location, floor, access and occupied areas around the drilling point.
• Follow-on work. Define any additional installation or sealing required.

From the requirement to a suitable penetration

Coordination between the intended use, drilling contractor and later installer is essential. It helps avoid a neatly drilled hole that is the wrong size for the required component or remains incompletely connected.

1. Describe the task. Describe purpose, number and known drilling dimensions.
2. Clarify connections. Clarify position, existing conditions and connection detail with the responsible specialists.
3. Compare quotes. Compare quotes including setup, protection and agreed follow-on work.
4. Coordinate trades. Coordinate access, utility connections and the sequence of other trades.
5. Check handover. Check the holes, removal of cores and agreed handover condition.