The RGE reform of 2026 and the planned end of single actions MaPrimeRénov’ change the game for anyone considering renovation. Finding coherent work, sequencing it correctly, and securing financing requires mastering a few mechanisms that general guides overlook.
Constructive nodes and thermal bridges: the technical point that undermines renovations
An energy renovation project often hinges on the junctions between walls, floors, and joinery. These constructive nodes, when poorly treated, generate thermal bridges at wall corners that negate a significant portion of insulation gains.
Related reading : Mastering Digital Transformation: Tips and Tools for Successfully Navigating Your Digital Transition
We regularly observe sites where attic insulation and window replacement have been carried out separately, without addressing wall-floor or wall-roof connections. The result: localized condensation, mold in less than two winters, and a stagnant DPE.
Before launching any work package, have an infrared thermography of the existing structure performed. It reveals actual heat losses at the nodes and allows for sizing corrections (thermal breaks, insulation returns, sealing of shutter boxes). This initial diagnosis determines whether you can find work on Oh Brico suitable for your configuration or if a thermal study office needs to intervene upstream.
Further reading : How to Invest in Real Estate in France: Tips and Tricks for Beginners
Treating thermal bridges costs little compared to overall insulation, but the impact on final performance is disproportionate. Without this step, even a well-financed package of work remains underperforming.
Work package and end of single actions MaPrimeRénov’ in September 2026
The government has confirmed the gradual exclusion of isolated works (attic insulation alone, window replacement alone, stove installation alone) from the MaPrimeRénov’ scheme starting in September 2026 for individual houses. Each action must be part of a comprehensive renovation package combining insulation, heating, and ventilation.
This structural change requires thinking of the project as a coherent whole. In practical terms, a homeowner planning to insulate only their attic in 2027 will need to couple this item with at least one decarbonization action for heating to access subsidies.
Mandatory decarbonization of heating
Any new MaPrimeRénov’ application for a single-family home undergoing extensive renovation submitted from September 1, 2026, must include decarbonization of heating and hot water. Heat pumps, connection to a heat network, renewable solutions: applications now installing a gas boiler will no longer be eligible.
We recommend preparing the Anah file from the design phase, not after selecting the contractors. The reverse order (choosing the company, then assembling the file) exposes you to refusals if the package does not meet the new coherence requirements.
Strengthened RGE label: what this changes for choosing contractors
The reform of the RGE scheme in 2026 imposes a significantly higher level of traceability and information on each site for certified companies. For individuals, choosing an RGE company conditions access to MaPrimeRénov’, CEE, and eco-PTZ.
Checking the RGE mention is no longer sufficient. We advise checking three points before signing:
- The validity of the RGE certificate for the relevant work area (insulation, heating, joinery), as a qualification in heat pumps does not cover external thermal insulation.
- The company’s ability to provide an energy audit compliant with the requirements of extensive renovation, or to work in tandem with a certified auditor.
- The existence of a ten-year insurance specifically covering the planned work packages, with a certificate dated less than three months ago.
A competent contractor but not RGE can work on self-financed projects. However, integrating them into a MaPrimeRénov’ package is impossible, which significantly reduces the overall financing plan.
Sequencing the renovation project: the order of work packages that avoids rework
The sequencing of work determines both the final quality and the choice of materials. An illogical order generates costly rework and conflicts between trades.
The sequence we systematically apply to comprehensive renovations:
- Structural work (masonry repairs, moisture treatment, floor reinforcement) before any cladding.
- Thermal insulation (walls, attics, lower floors) and treatment of constructive nodes, then installation of external joinery to ensure airtightness.
- Technical networks (electricity, plumbing, double-flow ventilation) before finishes, to avoid drilling freshly installed partitions.
- Finishing work and final touches (partitions, coverings, painting) last, once all networks have been pressure or voltage tested.
Reversing insulation and joinery, for example, creates airtightness defects at the junctions between the frame and insulation. Reversing plumbing and partitions requires chases that weaken plasterboard and delay the project by several weeks.
Additional work not included in the quote
On a renovation site in an occupied environment, discoveries during demolition (old pipes, degraded framework, unrecognized asbestos) are common. An initial quote that does not provide for contingencies exposes the project owner to non-negotiable amendments.
We recommend allowing for a budget margin for unforeseen expenses from the financial setup, separate from the work budget. This provision should be negotiated before signing, not in the middle of the project when the balance of power has shifted.
The reform of September 2026 makes each renovation project more demanding upstream, but also more transparent once the package is correctly defined. Addressing constructive nodes, respecting the sequencing of work packages, and anticipating the new RGE conditions remains the technical foundation on which everything else relies.