Renovating your French home
Instead of buying a house that’s ready to move in, another option is to buy a building plot or a derelict property and build or have built or renovated a property, to one’s own specification.
The buyer can either employ a builder to take responsibility for the whole project and sub-contract as necessary, or contract directly with each different tradesman to carry out a part of the project under the supervision of the owner.
The latter course is usually undertaken either by people well experienced in the supervision of building work in France … or fools.
Artisans have to have a qualification to be able to register their business, so making sure the business is registered and has a Siret/Siren number is a key starting point if you want to avoid dodgy workers. Making a few basic checks will save time and money in the long run.
In the full Moving to France helpguide, we explain:
- How to find a good tradesman
- Obtaining quotes
- Drawing up a specification
- Making a planning application
- Ensuring the work adheres to French standards
Download the guide as a PDF now from this link
…or ask a question about this topic in the comment box below.
I own a plot of land in 62770 WAIL Pas De Calais and am proposing to build an ECO House for the retirement home for my wife & myself, it is proposed to build a three bedroom bungalow(approx 100 sq mtrs).
I have prepared some sketch options and would like to establish my next step, logically I am proposing to meet with manufacturers of prefabricated ( pasive house) to establish best specification and estimates for either a) Shell only OR b) total finished house.
Can you suggest local companies I should contact, can you suggest a local architect / project manager.
Please advise your suggestion of how i should proceed.
best regards
John Butcher.
[Reply]
Moving to France editor Reply:
February 1st, 2012 at 5:09 pm
Hello John,
Take a look at our directory of English-speaking tradespeople and businesses in France.
http://www.connexionfrance.com/expatriate-information-France-directoryX.php
Some results for architects:
http://www.connexionfrance.com/directory-resultsX.php?x_Directory_Category=9&z_Directory_Category=&x_Areas=2%2C3&z_Areas=
And builders:
http://www.connexionfrance.com/directory-resultsX.php?x_Directory_Category=11&z_Directory_Category=&x_Areas=2%2C3&z_Areas=
[Reply]
Any questions or comments on this subject?