French Renovations - Finding An English Speaking Builder In France

If you are taking on a French renovation project it's nice to use local French artisans if you can

, but for many of us that's not initially a practical solution. When we first arrive in France our command of the French language isn't all it might be. If you are trying to have a friendly chat with your French neighbours that's not really important, but when you are dealing with work on your French home you will quite rightly be concerned about being understood. Mixed messages can end up being very expensive!

Finding an English speaking builder in France is the solution and, with an ex-pat community above 200,000 it isn't really a problem. Quite a few French firms have English speakers among their staff and there are many people from Britain and other countries who have brought their building skills with them when they moved, and have set up their own companies.

So actually finding someone to do your French renovation or other building work isn't the challenge. Making the right choice of who to employ might not be so easy. Unfortunately just like everywhere else there are "cowboys" around. It's bad enough having problems if you are permanently in France and living in the building, for many who are renovating whilst living elsewhere, returning to their French project can be a nightmare.

There's no easy answer, but there are some precautions you can take. Getting a recommendation from someone you trust is great but what if you don't know many people yet?

All properly registered English speaking builders in France - and electricians, plumbers, etc., must have a SIRET - a French business registration number. They must also be prepared to give you a written quote (called a "Devis" in French) which is valid for six months. Additionally, a properly registered builder working in France should be able to provide you with a copy of their "dcenalle" - a ten year insurance-backed guarantee.

You might also ask to see work they have done in the area. A good builder ("mason" in French) is usually proud to show off their work.

I would also strongly advise against having work done for cash, even though it might seem that you can save a good deal of money. "Working on the black" ("au noire" in French), is illegal. Not only will the person taking the cash be prosecuted, so will you. The fines are very heavy.

French Renovations - Finding An English Speaking Builder In France

By: Frank English

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