Chamonix studio renovation - build thread

[Gruffy]

If it's a Sat-Sat ski week, or midweek, then I can offer PH rates but it's already in good demand at these prices so bit difficult to offer much in all honesty.

[Du1point8]

So essentially the apartment is paying itself off big time, will you have an issue during the summer months or will that be just as successful?

When will you get to use it now its doing so well?

[Gruffy]

Summer in Chamonix is 20% busier than winter, so I don't imagine there'll be much let up. Early summer is quieter, along with late autumn, but I really like Chamonix during those periods so I'll use them myself. Probably gather some mates for a bit of cycling.

I've blocked out a couple of short visits for us, which is easy to do now that we have a place to squirrel away our kit. We flew in last weekend - hand luggage only - and had an awesome time. It feels like a proper home-from-home, which means we can relax as soon as we step in the door. When we bought it was only because renting a place for our one-off season seemed like poor value. Anything else is a bonus from here.

The apartment has definitely turned out to be a solid investment and the renovation seems to be paying good dividends. It's very tempting to do another.

[Du1point8]

Im looking to do something similar but OH keeps saying we shouldn't get tied down to one location, how is it with the taxes over there and it being a good money earner, Can you just off set it all against the mortgage without being bent over?

If its not too bad I think I might persuade her its investment only instead.

[Gruffy]

There's a bit of getting used to the French system but it's not too onerous once you're up to speed. I personally wouldn't want to put all of my eggs into a Euro-priced basket as I'm quite pessimistic on the Euro, long-term.

Drop me a PM if you want to chat on the finer points

[HotJambalaya]

Keep a copy of the finer points I may need a look, I'm seriously getting tempted. Just need that euro to tank a little more....

My mate has a small place in Val, looked at that, but prices are pretty hefty.

When you say that you're turning down weekend bookings, when do you start accepting them? There has to be a fine line between rejecting them and hoping to fill up on a week booking, and actually not ending up with anything!

Its getting very very interesting... Looks like it (by process of elimination have to be Cham, all the places I saw online in Cormayeur had silly monthly charges.

[Gruffy]

Chamonix makes good sense. It's a proper town that just happens to have great skiing. It's world renowned and for a lot of the visitors there really is no substitute for the terrain that Chamonix offers. It's also even busier during the summer. Plus, with the high altitudes it's going to remain one of the most snow-sure resorts for the foreseeable future.

As for the weekend question: if I don't currently have a booking for days during the weeks before and after then I'm not going to entertain weekend bookings until the week itself. I wait for week-day or full-week bookings first and then fill in the gaps around those. It's only been two months but (at these prices, at least) demand is high enough that this approach has worked well. The longest unoccupied period I've had is 4 days so far. With airbnb people only seem to be booking 1-4 weeks in advance so I don't worry too much if it's looking quiet.

[KTF]

Do you have a local person to do the check-in/out, look for damage, cleaning, etc. or is that done by a letting agency?

[Gruffy]

I have a dream setup. Last summer I had two tenants (friends of friends) and they now manage the turnarounds. They know the place like only a previous tenant could and they're really reliable and do a great job.

[messa]

Hi Gruffy,

Am I correct thinking this is in a similar building as yours? >

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/overseas-property/prope...

Was browsing around after reading this thread again

[Asterix]

That looks like a bargain considering it's had some work already done.

[Du1point8]

messa said:

Hi Gruffy,

Am I correct thinking this is in a similar building as yours? >

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/overseas-property/prope...

Was browsing around after reading this thread again

The one I was looking at is even better value and is a corner plot.

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/overseas-property/prope...

[Marcellus]

i'll answer on Gruffys behalf, yes both are in the same buildings as his.

I know the Messa one very well as it's a client of mines so if anyone wants a direct introduction (avoiding agents fees) then let me know.

[Du1point8]

Marcellus said:

i'll answer on Gruffys behalf, yes both are in the same buildings as his.

I know the Messa one very well as it's a client of mines so if anyone wants a direct introduction (avoiding agents fees) then let me know.

can you get a floorplan?

Thats what I hate most, not being able to envisage it off a few photos that overseas right move don't do or seem to want to do.

[Gruffy]

Du1point8 said:

can you get a floorplan?

Thats what I hate most, not being able to envisage it off a few photos that overseas right move don't do or seem to want to do.

The floor plans will be identical to my original, except for the mezzanine floor being extended to the window to divide the space into two small bedrooms.

I'm talking to three different parties (including a PHer who followed the thread) interested in buying similar properties and having me design, source and manage the renovations, probably this autumn. I'm also having my apartment valued tomorrow so that I can complete the equation and see just how much value was added.

[eps]

Just noticed this, git!!

Looks great

[Gruffy]

I'm there now. It's a bit blowy today so instead it's lunch with a view.

[eps]

I showed Mrs eps this thread, she was mildly uninterested until I showed her the photos of the end result.

Good work fella

[jonny996]

Stunning transformation. I am thinking about doing the same thing myself but using local trades to do the work, this will be a big commitment for us & it will have to serve as summer holiday base as well.
I see you are in Chamonix, we were thinking Saint Gervaise les bain. which is close by. do you know anything about that resort? we are looking to try it this summer to see what it has to offer at that time of year.

[Gruffy]

Marcellus is likely to have a better insight than me. I've only been to St Gervais once and wasn't paying much attention.

Call it prejudice but I was desperate to avoid using local tradesmen when I did this renovation. "Half the speed, half the quality and twice the cost" was the general advice I received.