Home Renovations in France: What To Consider
Renovating a home in France can be an exciting project, but it’s important to be aware of certain aspects to ensure a smooth process. Here are some key points to consider:
Check the Structure and Infrastructure: The most important thing when you buy an old house is to make sure the structure and the infrastructure are fine1. Look under the roof to see if there is any halo of humidity, ask when the roof was last renovated1. Check the walls, inside and outside to see if there are any deep cracks1. However, don’t be afraid of cracked paint or dirty floors, these can easily be dealt with1.
Services: If the house is really old and doesn’t have any services to it (power, water internet, sewage), then check where the nearest supply is located1. An Architect will be able to provide you with an estimate for supplying the services to the house1.
Budget: Fix your aims and your budget2. It’s a good idea to pay for an architect to come up with initial plans and an estimate of costs2. If you do not know the structure of your building or how it might look after the work, it is a good idea to pay for an architect to come up with initial plans and an estimate of costs2.
Select Good Firms: The best way is to ask around2. French people are usually proud of the country’s artisanal history and happy to share details of good masons, carpenters, joiners, plasterers or electricians2.
Get Detailed Estimates: This can be harder than it sounds2. Even though the building industry has stabilised, many good firms have work lined up for two or three years and little interest in spending the time, often half a day, drawing up estimates for more work2.
Remember, every renovation project is unique and may present its own set of challenges. It’s always a good idea to seek professional advice before embarking on a renovation project. Good luck with your renovation!
