Property Inspections & Seasonal Care
Owners aren’t always able to be at their mountain property when conditions change. Regular visual inspections provide a practical way to stay informed about the property’s general condition and identify areas that may need attention.
Bridging the Distance to Your Mountain Home
Owning an alpine chalet often means living hundreds or thousands of kilometres away for months at a time. The difficulty is that mountain environments do not remain static while you are absent. Sudden storms, deep freezes, autumn leaf fall blocking hidden box gutters, or sudden spring thaws can rapidly create conditions that require physical attention.
Our scheduled property walkthroughs provide you with reliable visual confirmation of what is happening on site. We walk through every room, check perimeter walls, inspect windows and doors, look for damp marks, and verify that mechanical baselines are being maintained.
The Four-Stage Seasonal Framework
How our inspection scope adapts to the distinct seasonal phases of mountain life:
BEFORE WINTER
Preparing the building envelope before the first freezing temperatures arrive.
- Visual check of ground-level exterior drainage and grates.
- Testing external tap shut-off valves and draining exposed pipe runs.
- Checking perimeter window weatherstripping and door draft sweeps.
- Verifying boiler frost-protection modes and thermostat programming.
- Storing or securely tarping outdoor terrace furnishings.
DURING WINTER
Monitoring the vacant chalet through severe storms and sustained freeze periods.
- Checking indoor temperatures to ensure heating has not tripped out.
- Checking for interior pipe weeping or radiator valve seepage.
- Observing snow accumulation depths against lower windows and terraces.
- Verifying access doors and emergency exits open without jamming.
- Photographic status summary sent directly to the owner.
AFTER WINTER
Evaluating the property as the snow melts and mountain water flows freely.
- Inspecting lower timber foundations and masonry for meltwater moisture.
- Checking ground gutters and runoff trenches for winter gravel blockages.
- Inspecting decking and exterior stairs for frost heaving or loose boards.
- Airing out interior spaces to clear winter mustiness and condensation.
- Compiling an off-season repair and maintenance priority list.
BEFORE PEAK SEASON
Getting the residence pristine and fully functional ahead of heavy occupancy.
- Full interior walkthrough of all appliances, lights, and water fixtures.
- Testing terrace water taps, outdoor furniture setup, and barbecues.
- Coordinating seasonal deep cleaning and linen inventory updates.
- Verifying key boxes, digital locks, and access instructions.
- Final walkthrough sign-off before owners or high-season guests arrive.
The Annual Inspection Timeline
How We Report and Coordinate Follow-Ups
An inspection is only as good as the clarity of its communication. We follow a clear, four-step routine on every property check.
OBSERVE
Walk every zone of the chalet against a consistent, standardised inspection route.
DOCUMENT
Capture timestamped photographs and clear, straightforward written notes of any anomalies.
PRIORITISE
Classify observations into cosmetic notes, planned seasonal jobs, or urgent repairs.
COORDINATE
Present actionable recommendations to the owner and grant access to agreed local trades.
Factors Influencing Inspection & Care Plans
Because every mountain residence is unique, care schedules are tailored rather than packaged into rigid tiers. Key factors influencing the scope and frequency of visits include:
Square meterage, number of bedrooms, standalone chalets vs. multi-unit apartments.
Valley floor residences versus high-altitude ridges with wind-swept exposure.
Frequency of owner stays, commercial rental turnarounds, or long off-season vacancies.
Presence of extensive timber decking, hot tubs, exterior saunas, or private access roads.