Options for LPG or wood. Regarding insurance, you may wish to try Schreinemachers (http://www.insurance.fr/), who seem to be very helpful with all aspects of insurance. ** SEE "Capital Gains Tax in France on Property" FOR REVISED RULES. I have decided not to proceed on this basis. A good notaire will advise whether or not you could benefit from this option. Of course a legal advisor should also be able to help, but this will cost money. Water pressure is greater than in the UK, with a pressure of six bar common. When people talk of renovation in France they can mean all sorts of things, from a substantial redecoration and refurnishing a house that has been unloved for many years, to buying a plot of land where a house once stood - but now has little more than a few stones to remember the original property by. A light point is any connection either on the wall, ceiling or in the ground where you can connect a light fitting. (Installing a swimming pool in France.). Capital Gains Tax for French residents is now set at 16% plus 11% social tax. Additional articles which may be of interest:Life in FranceLiving in France. The Permis de Construire is the full permit to build or develop in accordance with the law. Another possible way of lessening the liability, if your French home is not your principle residence and you are not a French tax payer, includes living in the property for more than five years. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. There are no builders or architects plans available either. Often expectations are high when first looking for a property in France, but after visits to chosen areas have been made and you have looked at innumerable properties with inadequate facilities, your perspective changes. I found your website very useful and informative. How To Decorate Like a Parisian from apartment therepy. Over to you. One final point that you may wish to consider before embarking on your renovation project is the question of costs and profits. of those contemplating renovation work in France. Darty stores specialise in household appliances, TV/audio goods, and phones at competitive prices. Whatever the level of work, plan and budget thoroughly, and always build in a contingency. ), A Declaration de Travaux, or, literally translated, a declaration of works, is a basic form of planning permission which may be all you require, depending on what you are planning to do with your property. My son lives in France and lives in one property and owns another where the roof has collapsed. Is there information anywhere about English speaking project managers (we live in UK, and our French house has been damaged by lightning) working in France? Youll need two sets of bed linen, a TV/DVD, Wi-Fi access (ideally) and some durable garden furniture. Ask at your local town hall (mairie) for the Code de lUrbanisme, which covers all the French planning rules and regulations. If you are going up onto a roof in summer to inspect or to work, take a can of high pressure wasp killer with you. There is a lot of conflicting evidence around regarding this issue, and I have met people who have categorically told me that they have done the renovation work themselves, kept their invoices for materials and had the amount of taxable profit reduced accordingly on sale, yet others have been told that this is absolutely impossible, and that the only renovation costs deductible from capital gains are those incurred and documented by a registered French artisan. Always ask for the following: It is important to keep every single receipt for building work carried out on a property so that these costs can be set against the perceived 'gain' on the resale of the property for French Capital Gains Tax. You need to make sure that your pool conforms to French safety standards, for example, by fencing it or having special alarms fitted. Thanks for contacting us. Electrical systems are considerably different here in France from those that you will be used to in the UK. Hi there - we recently bought a house in the Bordeaux region and are taking quotations for work. If you do not have additional protection, it is a good idea to unplug computer modems and televisions during storms to avoid the risk of burnout due to lightening strikes. What does seem to be clear is that the only way to be sure you are exempt from capital gains tax is to live in the property as your principal residence and to be a French tax payer for at least two years. 3) Financial matters related to building renovations, finding and buying a property to renovate. More important, they can often envisage the best way to restructure a building when all you are looking at is a ruin. It is also good to be aware of the fact that in most areas of France the water can be very high in calcium content, causing problems with lime scale build up in pipes, kettles and other equipment. to ensure that the building is going to plan. Its a good idea to use French-sourced materials in your home. This can also apply to the cutting down or uprooting of trees, so keep yourself on the right side of the law and check it out first. Lastly, make regular visits (if you're not 'camping out' at the property!) Once more, although you can do your own basic plumbing work on a renovation, it often pays to use a qualified local tradesman who will be familiar with the local water pressure and perhaps some of the more outlandish fittings found in very old properties. Find out how to make renovations to your home in France. The first step towards finding out what is likely to be allowed is to seek a Certificat d'Urbanisme. He has now been told by the local council to fix it ( which he can't at the moment due to lack of finance) or he will have to pay them 50,000 francs (sic) for them to fix it. Broadly speaking, this relates closely to an outline planning permission given in England, and will let you know how your proposed changes are likely to be received. I would suggest you contact your Mairie to find out what legal responsibilities you may have, or a legal advisor, as I am no expert in these matters. See renovation projects for a long list of the projects and tasks you willl need to complete, as well as building materials in renovations and barn conversions. This is issued by the Chamber of Commerce and signifies TVA (VAT) registration. If you move around the world by choice, consider helping those forced from their homes by conflict. Had we planned to make a living through owning gtes, this could have made us candidates for disaster television before we even got off the ground. This means that as mentioned in the previous paragraph, it can actually be cheaper in the long run to employ an artisan to do the work than to do it yourself. Follow some simple and perhaps blindingly obvious 'ground rules': If there is some renovation work to do, no matter how much or how little, if you are employing a builder rather than doing the work yourself, try to use local tradesmen if possible and always ensure that the builder you use is properly registered in France. You will also have to commit a fair amount of time and attention throughout the project. Thanks for contacting us. However I have a question for which I am having difficulty finding an answer. If in doubt about what you wish to do structurally, go and talk to the French officials at the D de D though regretably you can't do this if you have not the lingo. I have been in contact with my colleague Joanna who says that if the property is not lived in it shouldn't be an issue, there are many derelict properties about. Hello - I wonder if you can help me. Challenges along the way include language issues, financial problems and budgets, desigining the layout - especially challenging if you are renovating an unusual building such as a barn or castle - plumbing and wiring, walls and ceilings, doors and windows, insulationand hundreds of other little things that will demand your immediate response when your contractor comes calling! Keep dcor simple and fresh (think about cleaning and maintenance). We have erected danger signs, but we are also keen to protect ourselves from any potential liability from someone ignoring our signs and injuring themselves. A new lowered ceiling has been installed with small halogen lights set into it and an extraction fan over the cooker and been inset into the ceiling. The good news is, with a bit of planning the whole process can be great fun, a fascinating learning experience, and also extremely rewarding. If you are not living permanently in France, and will have to oversee the project from a distance, then it may be worth employing a project manager who can take on the burden of organising everything for you. (Tax in France.). While most of the DIY stores sell laminate and wood flooring and tiles, Mondial Moquette offers a wider range of flooring as well as carpets, while Saint Maclou specialises in flooring, carpets, wallpapers, and paints. I am told by the immobiliser that there are no permits for any of this work and that they are not necessary. Do not underestimate either, the potential difficulties you may encounter with the French language. I think the tips are great but ignore the bit about keeping walls white. Rustic spaces - desire to inspire - desiretoinspire.net, L Kae Interiors - desire to inspire - desiretoinspire.net, An award-winning French farmhouse restoration | Period Living. I am currently drawing up plans and the dossier for the "Permis de Construire" for a friend who has bought a tiny house in south-west France. I would suggest you get in touch with some builders in France, perhaps using our Business Directory, to get an idea of costs. Clearly it is necessary to decide, realistically, what you are able to tackle, and you should perhaps listen to the advice of those who know you best on this one, as it can be hard to take an objective view when your heart is crying out for a beautiful wreck! Search again now! Your architect or Maitre d'Oeuvre should be present to explain progress. 1) If I want to create bedrooms in the attic space do I need planning permission? There are strict rules about owning a swimming pool in France. But its far more likely that youll want to make a few changes or even undertake major renovations. It is absolutely necessary (whatever your enthusiastic immobilier agent may tell you) should you wish to make any alterations or additions to your property that will affect its taxable value. (Building or extending property in France. A final word of warning. Respect the local traditions. See stages of a renovation project. Most of these can support several sockets and fittings, but large household appliances such as washing machines must function from their own individual spur. Get the tips in how to decoarate in the Parisian style. It is important to remember that frequently in France local regulations prevail, and therefore it is impossible to give definitive conditions as many are dictated by local authorities and exact locations. There are drawbacks, and it certainly isn't the easy way to a fast buck as it has become in the UK. It is a very rural area and there are only two neighbours. Any help/advice would be very much appreciated because we are in shell shock right now! Ensure that if you need the services of an architect and/or builder that they are registered. Many people who contemplate buying a property in France have already considered undertaking a restoration or renovation project to some degree. Firstly, the power supply for any individual property will probably be set at nine, twelve, fifteen or eighteen kw. Just about the only items you wont find here will be indoor furniture, carpets, flooring and curtains. Check that he has a Siret number, and this will be your guarantee that he is registered, qualified and accountable. But that is unless this property poses a danger to passers by, maybe then the council can insist. It can, however, be very satisfying to see your dreams taking tangible shape, and to restore an unloved house to its true glory. You may wish to contact some of the builders listed in our Services section of our site to see if they may be able to help, or at least point you in the right direction: Either way, youll probably need to buy a whole host of household items to furnish and equip your new home. The estimates for everything are through the roof! Heres a guide on how to go about renovating, decorating and furnishing your new home; your legal obligations to maintain the safety of your property; and how to make a little spare money by renting out an empty outbuilding. The following is some advice from qualified electrician Nigel Green, who has been working in the Aude and the Arige departments of southern France for three years. It is certainly advisable to use a good, qualified and experienced electrician for the electrical work in your renovation project. A ballpark figure? Here are some of the main places to go to buy what you need. The tiling on the floor has apparently been changed with sub-floor heating installed (although oddly they didn't put in air-conditioning). Thinking of renovating a property in France? A house in France, unless it is your principal residence, will potentially be liable to capital gains tax on sale if you have developed it and made a profit. Whether you want to build or decorate an entire house or just need a hook to hang a picture, then head to giants like Bricorama, Leroy Merlin, Mr. Bricolage or Point P. Ciffro Bona specialises in building materials, and Kiloutou has for hire all the equipment or machinery you need, from a digger to a damp detector. This is in addition to buildings insurance and covers you against the builder or one of his men having an accident on your property. Once you have obtained the necessary permission to renovate your property there are a few more things to consider. Internal alterations, such as adding extra internal walls to split a room, may be carried out under the terms of a Declaration de Travaux, as may the installation of a swimming pool (under 20 square metres or above ground), the erection of a garden fence, the addition of a small terrace area, and the building of a temporary structure such as a garden shed or a small workshop or garage extension. The process of creating a home (or second home, or a thriving gite business) from little more than a derelict shell or a pile of stone in a field in France might just be the most exciting thing you have ever done, and should be if you plan ahead and have realistic expectations about the time and cost involved. Cosmetic changes (new color scheme or decorations) may be enough; if youre planning on staying longer term, then you may want to carry out more major work. Balancing the tastes and preferences of 10 different people won't be easy. Make sure the kitchen is well equipped with plenty of utensils and crockery that can be easily replaced. Couldn't find what you are looking for? If you are renovating a house you will have to deal with technical language, decipher legal terms and fill in forms, instruct craftsmen, and also be able to understand directives and advice from local authorities. I do not quite understand the conditions you bought your house under, but I assume you have chased the person who provided the quote and the person you bought the house from. You may do a lot of DIY in France but certain items must be installed by a competent person to comply with the "Normes" (like UK Building regs). Thanks for contacting us. Once you have decided that you have, indeed, the physical, emotional and linguistic capability to renovate, before you decide to commit to the purchase of a property, it is vital to make preliminary enquiries as to its potential for renovation or development. Learn the French property safety standards and how to create a holiday sublet for rent. One of the main and most important things we need to do is change some of the floorboards (woodworm - predictably). I would suggest you also get confirmation from your future Mairie. Euro Trades and Services We'd love to help out! See if you can organize someone to project manage in your absence. What is the average cost if installing a WC in France? Donate to the UN Refugee Agencytoday. I think it depends on various criteria, such as the age of your property, but I would suggest you contact your Mairie about this, to see what might be possible. There are of course, degrees of house renovation needed, and projects can vary from complete ruins requiring total rebuilding to almost finished projects and those needing nothing more than a lick of paint and a little updating. Thanks for contacting us. This needs to be regulated, ideally to three bar, and this is done by fitting a pressure reducing valve at the entry to the property. Don't forget, some alterations to the house will require planning consent. Do you hope to make money from this development, or is it intended primarily to provide you and your family with the home of your dreams? However, you may like to contact a relevant specialist from the Services section of our site (https://www.frenchpropertylinks.com/members.asp, to see if they can advise at all. For lights, again you must have a circuit breaker for up to a maximum of 8 light points using 1.5 mm cable. Maintenance is essential, as storms and high winds or deterioration of underlying structures can cause slippage and gaps. The benefit and satisfaction of renovating a property is that you finish with a home that pleases you because your ideas and designs have gone into it. Using French builders and craftsmen may earn you Brownie points with the local community, as there can be resentment against hordes of English coming into an area and promptly offering all the work to other ex-pats especially if these happen to be working "on the black" and not paying the appropriate taxes and social charges. This is covered in another article (Jobs in France) so I won't go into detail here, but do be aware that if you are caught employing anyone who is not properly registered, you will bear heavy fines. All homeowners in France have a legal obligation to maintain their property to certain regulated standards. French chains selling sofas, beds, and other household furniture, household appliances large and small, and garden furniture, include BHV, BUT and Fly (also sells nicely designed kitchens). (Connecting utilities (water, gas, electricity, telephone and sewage) in France.). The third option is to do your house renovation all by your own fair hand. Changes that affect the look of the property from the outside may be significant, such as installation of windows and doors where none previously existed, or extensive alterations to the roof. It is for you to decide. (Nigel can be contacted on nigelgreen@free.fr). "Windows usually require permission as they change the look of the exterior of a building. If you are bent on doing the work yourself you will need to be aware of major differences between France and the UK in terms of important areas such as electrics, plumbing and roofing. "Anti tarte" devices can be fitted to counteract this, and it can also pay to use water softening equipment, although this must not be applied to the drinking water as calcium is necessary for good health. (If you're sending photos please don't forget to mention the location! ), Whatever changes you wish to make to your property, it is wise to seek approval from the Mairie before you begin. Buying and renovating a property in France can be stressful, time-consuming and expensive - but get it right and it will be the most exciting decision you ever made, with a lovely home or alifetime of great holidays to follow! Should anyone reading this be able to help, please do get in touch. So just to clarify things, if you work on the property yourself, and are not a registered artisan working in a "rel" system of taxation, you will have to pay the higher rate of TVA (19.6%) on all purchases of materials. For regulations about having an AGA cooker, perhaps you could use our Business Directory and contact some builders who may be able to help. It hasn't cost more than you can afford because you have controlled the expenditure. If you accept this devis then you should sign a second copy with the builder which then becomes a fixed price contract if work is started within three months. Looking for some temporary accomodation while you renovate your dream place in the French sun? Also searching internet forums. Builders providing a service in France. Fortunately the process of upgrading is quite straightforward, although the price of your electricity will rise accordingly. don't go for gold-plated taps and William Morris wallpapers (unless you want to, of course) - you will finish with a property with a higher re-sale value in comparison to the money you will have put into the project. When youre planning what to do with your outside space, bear in mind the level of maintenance a garden will need, especially if youre not going to be living in France all year round. Lots of rural French properties have a dependence (outbuilding) that can be converted into a money-spinning gte, considering the following points: Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. It matters little where, but wherever we are seeking, it is quite likely that what we are seeking is a house renovation project. Go to Gamm Vert or Botanic for garden plants, equipment, tools, furniture, fencing and ornaments, even solar panels as well as everything you might need for your pets (even livestock). What are her rights and what does she need to do to go ahead with the work? Please could you advise on our legal responsibilities and also if you know of an insurance company that would provide public liability cover. Good maintenance and emptying every four years is advisable, and this must be carried out by a registered and approved company. The adjoining building is falling down and causing considerable damage to hers. Any competent architect or builder can see major defects in buildings and warn you. My partner and I have just purchased a ruin to restore. Thanks for contacting us. Oddly in the UK the planners love the Co-planar velux style windows for attic (grenier) conversions and dormer windows would not get through. A great number of the older stone houses on the market are in need of work to put them in good order having either been left empty for years or just generally neglected. Once again, the Mairie will advise. Thousands of people have already done it successfully - and others have found themselves embroiled in years of expenses and problems! Having just removed the brambles surrounding the buildings, we are aware that it is easily accessible to curious passers-by. The main disadvantages are that the work to your home may take some months to complete and you will have to patiently wait until you can use it. It seems the property is not covered by any insurance. The only way to be sure of your own liability is to take professional advice, preferably with a local expert who will be aware of all current legislation. Thanks for contacting us, though I'm afraid I am not familiar with any relevant websites or publications. In France all traders must have a SIRET NO and you can verify the trader's registration by using the MINITEL 3617 code SIRENE. Most of the labour will be done by friends and family. Congratulations if youre the new owner of a French property! If you have photos or information that you'd like to add to this page (or if you've spotted something we've got wrong) then please enter your comments and/or select your photos and click "Send". Thanks for contacting us. I wouldn't think you would need planning permission, just a Declaration of Works, but it may be worth reading our article "French Planning - new laws from 1st January 2012" in case you haven't done so. I'm afraid we don't have any English-speaking project managers listed, but you could try some companies we have listed in our Business Directory for their advice. Can you get grants in France for insulating your home? I would hope you could get someone else to take down the trees and forward the bill to the previous owner of the property, if this was all in the contract. Heating and other complex systems must be installed by a registered plumber. You may require professional help in preparing this schedule which should relate to the 'survey' you had carried out when you bought the house. There are questions I hope you are able to answer or point me in the right direction: If you're thinking about having an electric power shower this will increase your EDF standing charge substantially. The same applies if you are employing an artisan who is only registered under the new auto entrepreneur scheme. Wasps and hornets frequently nest in roof tiles and can present a real hazard to roofers. Thanks for contacting us. French Legal Services If you are adapting farm buildings to form part of living accommodation ie: changing use, you need consent.". The satisfaction of having "done it yourself" can be great, but it is not necessarily the cheapest option. This means that in certain circumstances it is actually cheaper, or at least financially equivalent to employ a tradesman to do the work than to buy the materials and do the work yourself. This can be very difficult and a long drawn out process, but ultimately, if you are skilled and experienced it is another option to consider. Planning to keep the property for a relatively short time? Joanna Simm moved to the Languedoc area of south-west France in October 2004 having found her property through French Property Links. The burning question in renovation among ex-pats is whether or not you should use French or English tradesman and indeed, whether it is better to dispense with them all and go it alone. Castorama sells all things practical for inside and outside the house including the kitchen sink. Should anyone reading this be able to advise, please do get in touch. On balance, then, is house renovation a good or a bad idea? In France the reverse is now true.
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