Structural and energy work
Chalet and house renovation in the Alps
Old chalets, village houses and second homes: structural repair, insulation, timber work and complete interior refurbishment.
A chalet built before 1980 rarely meets current expectations: low ceilings, small openings, electric heating, no insulation, sometimes a roof that has been repaired in stages. Renovating it means deciding what to keep — the frame, the stone base, the beams, the façade — and what to rebuild. That decision drives the budget more than any finish.
We work on timber and stone structures in the Sallanches valley and around Chamonix, including buildings in protected areas where the exterior appearance is regulated. In those cases we establish what can change before designing anything, and we document the existing structure with the owner rather than discovering it during demolition.
In protected areas, exterior work may require authorisation. We provide the technical elements for the file; the application is submitted by the owner.
Sallanches, Megève, Combloux, Chamonix and the Arve valley.
What is included
What the service covers
- Structural assessment and repair of timber frames, floors and staircases
- Roof repairs, gutters, snow guards and flashings
- Insulation of roofs, walls and floors, with ventilation designed accordingly
- Window and door replacement, double or triple glazing
- Heating and hot water: replacement, distribution, radiators
- Bathrooms, kitchens and complete interior layouts
- Timber cladding, terraces and balconies
- Exterior joinery and finishes that respect the local architecture
A requirement that is not listed? It can usually be added to the quote.
Questions
Questions about this service
Can an old chalet be brought up to current energy standards?
Yes, but not by adding insulation everywhere. In a timber chalet the order matters: airtightness, ventilation, then insulation, then heating. Insulating a poorly ventilated structure traps moisture in the frame. We define the sequence before the first quotation.
Do you work on second homes while the owners are away?
Yes, with a written schedule, weekly photos and a single contact. Payments follow milestones. Access, keys and alarm codes are agreed in writing at the start.
Is a full renovation always cheaper than rebuilding?
Not always. When the frame is sound and the plan can stay, renovation is usually the better route. When foundations, roof structure and networks all need work, a comparative estimate is worth doing before committing. We say so when that is the case.
House and chalet renovation project?
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