O
N THE FACE OF IT, A
new property purchase might just
seem to need a
few minor cosmetic tweaks
to make it your perfect
French home - alternatively the
charming old property of your
dreams might require total renovation
but how to start?
Affordability and location
are always going to be key
drivers when you look for a
home. In France, affordability in
terms of bricks and mortar in the
right location might well include
property restoration.
You've got to respect old
buildings - if you're renovating
don't remove all the charm and
character - remember it's character which probably
attracted
you to buy your home in the
first place. Knocking through
walls is seldom a simple process
- you're unlikely to find a
stud wall you can demolish in
an afternoon here unless it's a
modern addition.
Always start with the basics
- a good survey to understand
exactly what needs to be done
is essential. Ensure your roof is
sound, get electricity (French
standards are different to the
UK) and plumbing checked - if
you've a septic tank (fosse septique)
make sure it conforms.
When it comes to renovations if you
want to extend,
an early visit to the Mairie and
planning office are a must. They
can tell you what you're allowed
to do and whether planning permission
will be necessary. If you
want to change external dimensions, fit
additional windows,
alter the structure or façade it
will require a visit to the Mairie
and a Declaration Préalable - the
French equivalent of planning
permission - and services of a
registered architect.
Should your plans be larger - over
€50,000 - then you
definitely need an architect as
well as quantity surveyor (economiste en batiment)
to price the
job. The architect will send out
tenders (appel d'offres) to obtain
"You could say property
is in our DNA..."
TREVOR AND MIKE LEGGETT
26 LEGGETTFRANCE.COM