Our selected properties for this month.
€235400	€299600	€246100

French builders (artisans), masons, roofers, carpenters and general builders.

Builders! In the UK, it's difficult to tell the good from the bad - after all, anyone can put a sticker on a second-hand van and he's in business as a builder or roofer. In France, things work a little differently. For a kick-off, all French registered artisans must provide a guarantee for all work they do. The lengths of these guarantees vary according to the type of work undertaken (new builds, remedial works, extensions etc.).

Generally, if you use a registered French artisan for your building needs, you'll get a dedicated, committed professional who will take tremendous pride in his work and deliver results that either equal or exceed your expectations.

However, there's always the temptation to try and get work done 'on the cheap' and that bloke down the pub has just informed you that he knows a gang of jobbing builders from Brighton who will happily come over to France (for a bottle or two) and take care of your building project for you. They can even start work tomorrow! It goes without saying that employing people 'on the black', cash-in-hand is not the most cautious way of doing business! Most ex-pat Brits that have tried this route will tell you that they have come unstuck somewhere along the way. Oh, and by the way, don't bother turning to the French authorities for any sympathy, because it's the very thing they're trying to stamp out - and rightly so.

No, far better that you budget correctly and only take on work that you know you can afford to have done by a registered, above-board, French artisan or builder. Do get 3 devis (estimates), do ask around before you sign anything (the Mairie or your local ORPI agence are as good a place to start as any) and be a trifle wary of anyone who can literally 'start tomorrow'. Most French artisans worth their salt will be booked up well in advance, so it would be only natural to be a little suspicious of someone who can start work immediately. An aside here is that due to the severe weather that can affect parts of France (storms, violent winds etc.), long waiting lists for some types of work are not uncommon.

The local Mairie (mayor's office). Look after your mayor! When you move in to your new home, you will need to register at the Mairie (check for opening times as in small communes the Mairie is only open a few hours a week). This is a fairly informal procedure where all residents at your address are entered into the local register (the French like to know who's living where). Get to know your mayor - invite him over for lunch or supper. Show him what you would like to do to your new-found stately home; ask his advice and opinion. Before starting major works and demolishing your fourteenth century French barn, ask Monsieur Le Maire! If he likes you and you treat him with a degree of respect, he can make life a lot easier for you - if you upset him, yep..... he can make your life difficult!

Architects. Do consider using an architect for major structural works. TVA (that's VAT, but French) is charged on some building work but not on all, and if you use the services of an architect there is a convention (at the time of writing) allowing a relaxation of TVA on some works. We have known of cases where, through using a local architect, owners have saved the full cost of his services by not paying the TVA. An architect (especially a local one) will be able to advise on the best types of materials suited to your property and location. He will also be able to liaise with the DDE (that's like the local Planning Authority) and get approval for your intended works.

So, in summary :-

do set a realistic goal for what work is going to get done in a particular time-frame;

do budget properly and expect work to go over budget (it always does!);

do spend plenty of time at the planning stage before you start work;

do use an architect if you are going to change the appearance of your house, or anticipate doing any major works;

do use a registered French artisan who understands the local building standards and materials and who is obliged by French law to give you a gurantee on his work;

do get estimates from at least 3 builders or tradesmen (these are normally free);

do talk to your local ORPI agence and Monsieur Le Maire before taking on major work.

do be wary of anyone who can start work the next day or week, unless they have a very good reason or excuse;

don't be tempted to bring in bodgers and cowboys on the cheap;

don't expect an artisan to be able to start work (or even give an estimate) when you click your fingers - it's not Spain, but things do take a little while.

don't go charging ahead with work until you've spoken to the relevant authorities and the mayor;

don't take on more than you know you can afford - the most common mistake made by Brits in France! One step at a time is fast enough.

You do not have to be an ORPI client to avail of these services.

Nearest town	Description	Price	Logo
EYMET	MandarinStone The Largest choice of Natural Stone Flooring,Moisaics,Basins,Showertrays,Jotul Stoves and Floor treatment products 21 Ave De La Bastide, Eymet Open Monday to Friday 9am-7pm non stop and Sat Morning 0553-574007
BERGERAC	A2S batiment. Mr Eric Beze. 0033 553 278 505 GENERAL BUILDER/ ARTISAN. MOST BUILDING WORK UNDERTAKEN.	ASK FOR QUOTE
BERGERAC LALINDE EYMET		Ask for quotation

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