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Building & Renovation
Cowboy Builders or Cowboy Clients?
We all know about ‘cowboy builders’ in France, but are the victims of these incidents sometimes the unwitting accessories of their own misfortune?
03 Jul 2012
Use of Chartered Surveyors in France
The French are not accustomed to commissioning a property survey, but international buyers do have a choice, says John Marshall.
01 May 2012
Planning System in France
Some important changes have been introduced to the planning system in France, so we have taken the opportunity to update our comprehensive guide.
05 Apr 2012
Building Construction Costs in France 2010
The average cost of constructing a new property in France in 2010 was €1,035m², slightly down on that for 2009 (€1,048m²)
06 Mar 2012
French Planning System Reforms for 2012
A number of changes to planning regulations and taxes are being introduced, which it is hoped will simplify the whole process.
04 Jan 2012
Boiler Services and Chimney Maintenance
What is the regularly framework for maintenance of your boiler and cleaning of your chimney?
04 Jan 2012
Building Warranties Against Latent Defects
All building work in France comes with a warranty against latent defects, but you would be better advised to put your faith in a good builder.
01 Dec 2011
New Framework for Home Energy Efficiency
The French government has clearly signalled their intention on home energy efficiency for new homes.
05 Oct 2011
Engaging An Architect in France
Engaging an architect should bring substantial additional added value to your building project, provided you set about the process with care.
02 Aug 2011
Complaints Increase Over Septic Tank Surveys
Complaints are on the increase over the obligatory compliance inspections of septic tanks.
01 Jun 2011
Earthquake Zones in France
New earthquake zones have been defined in France, encompassing nearly two thirds of the country!
17 May 2011
Minor Building Works Consent Procedure
Some changes have been introduced in the consent procedure for minor building works to property.
01 Apr 2011
Energy Efficiency Surveys Get Poor Rating
The quality of the energy surveys carried out on house sales has been roundly criticised by a leading French consumer group.
01 Mar 2011
Consult Your Local Plan
Buying the right property is as much about finding out what is happening in the area as it is about the property itself.
15 Feb 2011
Smoke Detectors Obligatory from 2015
The installation of smoke detectors is to be obligatory in all homes from 2015.
01 Feb 2011
Cost of New Homes to Rise by up to 20%
The introduction of new energy efficiency standards will increase the cost of house construction by up to 20% say experts.
01 Feb 2011
Energy Rating on all Property Ads
From 1st January all properties in France for sale or to rent must be advertised with an energy performance rating.
15 Dec 2010
Do Home Improvements Make Sense?
Improving your French property does not always increase its value, so choose what to do with care, says John Marshall, a chartered surveyor living in the Aude.
15 Dec 2010
Planning Taxes to be Merged
There is to be a rationalisation of the current confusing and multiple array of planning taxes and a review of planning laws.
15 Dec 2010
Electricity in Your French Home
At last, a decent guide in English to the rules and techniques of electricity in your French home.
01 Dec 2010
