Changing flooring in Sion: A practical guide for homeowners

7 °C. Changing floor coverings is strategic to optimize insulation and indoor comfort against these constraints. With 2737 heating degree days per year, a well-chosen floor directly influences your home's energy efficiency.

It is ideal to plan these works during intermediate periods. Replacing flooring not only modernizes your interior aesthetics but also integrates materials compatible with efficient underfloor heating.

Taking temperature variations into account, these works ensure better thermal inertia, essential for a housing stock subject to regular frost cycles. Anticipating the change during a global renovation is often more effective.

The selection of a floor covering depends heavily on the nature of the existing substrate, whether it is a raw cement screed, old tiles, or parquet. The existing substrate often determines the cost more than the covering itself, as preparation and leveling works are crucial.

It is necessary to check the flatness and moisture of the substrate before any installation.

In the case of a co-ownership property (PPE), sound insulation under the covering is often required by the co-ownership regulations to limit noise nuisance.

If your home is equipped with underfloor heating, choose a compatible covering, such as tiles or certain types of thin parquet, which offer low thermal resistance and allow optimal heat distribution.

In Sion, the housing stock is diverse. For older buildings, it is essential to check the condition of the sublayers and the possible presence of old materials under existing coverings. Special attention must be paid when renovating buildings constructed before 1990 regarding the potential presence of pollutants.

Thermal insulation of floors in older buildings is often insufficient. When replacing the floor, it may be appropriate to consider thermal upgrading to reduce heat loss, especially in winter.

Heating networks must be inspected by a professional before installation to ensure that no leaks or corrosion threaten the durability of your new flooring.

Sion has a rich architectural heritage, especially in its old town. Although changing interior flooring does not systematically require a building permit, it is imperative to inquire with the municipal administration for any project that alters the structure or appearance of a protected building.

If your building is located in a heritage protection perimeter or is listed, specific constraints may apply, even indoors. It is strongly advised to contact the Sion urban planning department to verify if your project complies with current regulations.

This preventive step helps avoid subsequent administrative blocks and ensures that the work fits respectfully into the city's built environment.

Regarding aid, it is advisable to always check the current cantonal and municipal programs before starting work, as the general rule requires an application prior to any site work. For taxation, the municipal tax rate of Sion is 176 for the year 2024.

Be aware that certain renovation costs aimed at maintaining the value of a property can be deducted from your tax return. It is recommended to keep all invoices and receipts related to your flooring renovation work carefully to be able to claim them during your next tax declaration.

Inquire with your accountant or tax authorities to know the precise conditions for deductibility according to your specific situation.

A flooring renovation project begins with an accurate assessment of the existing conditions. After obtaining quotes and confirming dates, the first steps consist of removing the old covering, followed by substrate preparation, including cleaning, leveling, and drying.

This drying time is crucial to avoid any subsequent cracks.

The actual installation follows, then finishing touches like installing baseboards and grouting. It is preferable to avoid scheduling installation during periods of intense cold, even if interior work is protected, because humidity levels can vary significantly.

Planning outside of frost peaks makes it easier to respect drying times for adhesives and leveling compounds, thus ensuring better longevity for your new layout.

Avoid the classic mistake of installing a new covering on an unstabilized or damp substrate, as this compromises durability. Never forget to check compatibility with your heating system. Before requesting quotes, ensure you have defined the exact area and room type.

Check your co-ownership requirements regarding sound insulation. Inspect the current substrate to detect potential major unevenness. Specify whether removal of the old floor is included in the price. Ensure you have a clear idea of the desired aesthetic finish. Always ask if finishes like baseboards are included.

Finally, check if the chosen floor type is adapted to Sion's temperature constraints.