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Don’t Move to France ... until you’ve done your homework. |
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French Property: Renovation Costs: That cheap hulk of a barn may cost peanuts, but it will cost a small fortune to renovate. Get someone in-the-know to explain in detail the bureaucracy involved in getting new windows (you have to have the approval of your neighbours - who will probably be very charming up to this point), or a pool installed (I hope you are on good terms with the mayor (and you better be sure you bought the pool from his brother rather than the cheaper guy down the road)). It seems builders everywhere have a reputation that leaves a lot to be desired. French artisans have a particularly bad reputation amongst British people who have bought a French property. We are yet to speak to one Brit who has a good word to say about French builders (mind you, you could say the same thing about British builders). In our experience, effective communication is an important part of any housing works and if your French is not good, then you are at an immediate disadvantage. See our section on Language. Put yourself in the position of a foreigner with poor English in Britain trying to get the most out of British builders. The task is hard enough with good communication skills and English as your mother tongue. Without these strengths, the process will probably be more frustrating, it is more likely you will be taken advantage of and your requests ignored. Recommended books: Buying a Home in France ; Living and Working in France- A Survival... Click here to return to the main Don’t Move to France section.
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