Building Costs in France

February 21, 2008

Where do you find good people to do work, supervise and how much should they charge.

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Good Evening Tony,

I have just visited your web site and read some of the issues etc. I wonder if you could assist with some advice?

My wife and I have been looking at buying a property in France. We have seen a partially renovated property (New Roof and Septic Tank) and are very intrerested in buying. The work has been carried out by French trades to a very good standard.

The property is in the south of Normandy

I wish to employ an architect/project manager to finish the rest of the renovation using French trades.

What is the best way to select this person?

What are the average rates for renovation work?

Are there any price guides available?

Many Thanks

John

Hello John,

Thank you for using my sites and for writing to me.

By having work done by registered French craftsmen you will benefit from their full insurance and indemnity - when you buy a property be sure to get the original invoices for any work done in the preceding ten years.

Finding good workers, architects or a “maitre d’ouvrage” is likely to be a very localised thing and best done by personal recommendation - ask at the local Mairie - they will know all registered artizans and are likely to be “cautious” in only recommending people they know. You can also look at local newspapers and local Internet magazines - be sure to only to consider a correctly registered company or person - ask for their “numero Siret” or even their “kbis” which allows you to see any local judgements or problems they have had registered against them.

To find the “going rate for the job” you can buy and access information from this blog post I wrote
http://www.twiku.com/2008/01/12/building-and-construction-costs-in-france/

These are “official” rates - the sort of costing the government will pay - in most cases a local builder will be much more competitive, but it gives you a bench-mark.

I have written about this a few times in my blog including
http://www.twiku.com/2007/09/05/cost-of-renovations-in-france/

Let me know how you get on
Best wishes

Tony