 |
31st July 2010
|
 Mayenne English builder and project manager gives top tips on renovationsUsing local tradesmen is key to success
That’s the message from the many satisfied clients of David Evans, owner of Premier Property Care. The firm have been established in the Mayenne area of France since 2001. Before that, David was involved in construction projects for many years - and on a very large scale. Prior to making the move to France, David was Property Director with a British retail giant, in charge of mammoth new builds and refurbishments as the supermarket group rapidly expanded throughout the UK. However, the successful executive decided to swap his suits for his overalls and manage much smaller projects on the other side of the Channel. He and wife Sharon haven’t looked back and are delighted with the quality of life France offers them.
David also enjoys managing very different building projects today compared to those he worked on in the UK. “Supermarkets,” he said: “are built to a set standard and design. It’s quite boring. What I do now certainly isn’t boring.” Originally from County Durham, David relishes the challenge of taking an old, and often unloved, building and converting it into a warm and welcoming family home. As a highly trained draughtsman, David is able to draw up his own plans for a property or can use those already prepared by an architect. He will then call upon a select group of tradesmen he has known and trusts to carry out the necessary work to a very high standard.  In addition, the fluent French speaker will also liaise with utilities providers to ensure water, electricity and other essential supplies are connected. From the very beginning of a project to its conclusion, David offers a building management service that provides peace of mind and value for money. One key feature of his work is David’s preference for using local tradesmen, known as artisans in France. He said: “A lot of the local artisans I work with are second or third generation tradesmen, so they know these types of properties in the Mayenne area, inside and out. “Because they are from the area and their families have worked on properties in Mayenne for generations, they just have a feeling for how things should be done.” This is different from the approach taken by some who arrive in France from Britain. David added: “A lot of people have worked on houses in the UK and they try and do it the same way here in France. But properties are different here. “If there is a problem with a renovation project then often the local tradesmen will have a very good solution. I get a lot of good ideas from them.” There are other advantages to using local workers. “It creates a good impression with your new neighbours to employ tradesmen from the area as people like to see local workers employed on properties here,” added David.
You can also benefit from some unique local customs. “When a dormer window is completed, it’s traditional to put a potted plant in the sill one week before the window goes in. It’s for good luck. So it’s not unusual here to see roofers climbing out of their vans carrying potted plants for their client’s new home.” David also pointed out that many UK clients prefer to have local tradesmen as they feel it is more of an ‘authentic’ French experience. Although, they also like to have a project manager they can speak with in their own language. Money can also be saved as potential problems with a project can be spotted early once David and his tradesmen have a good look at the property. This prevents the waste of time and funds that can occur when faults have to be rectified later. Apart from renovations, David can also assist with smaller projects and can even carry out a pre-purchase survey. Such a survey can be useful when negotiating down the price of a property to take into account the cost of necessary refurbishment work. For additional details on the kind of services David can offer, either visit his website here or email him directly here .
 http://www.premierpropertycare.com Pays de la Loire Property Home Page |
Mortgage help is here
Helping you find finance to suit your needs
 Whether you're wishing to buy a stone cottage in the country, a town apartment, or that chateau you've always dreamed of, we can assist. We work with one of the world's leading mortgage providers that can help you finance your French dream. Contact us with your name and telephone number to find out more.
BGF - a building company you can rely on
 BGF Chateaubriant covers departments 44, 35, 49 and 53 - Rennes, Nantes, Laval, Redon and Angers. Complete or part renovations, no job is too big or too small, planning permission, general building, septic tank installations, roofing, dry-lining, sandblasting, plastering,rendering, pointing and more....
Save a fortune on Euros If you need advice or a Euro currency exchange quote, make a no obligation enquiry to Moneycorp, FrenchEntrée's Currency PartnerVendeepools provide peace of mind
.jpg) Swimming pool installation, security fencing, terraces and walls, landscaping, garden and pool maintenance, swimming pool supplies. Your complete one-stop solution is here.
Travelling to and around the Pays de la Loire There are so many easy ways to reach the Pays de la Loire. Fly, drive or let the train take the strain. The choice is yours.You'll also be delighted with the excellent road and public transport systems in this beautiful part of France. Our comprehensive travel guide will keep you on the right road. Your Loire dream in today’s buyer’s market
 If it's your dream to own a property in the Loire Valley, and you’re short of time, local knowledge, or French, let us search for you. Moreover, as FrenchEntree’s Loire property finder we can also help purchase your property at the lowest price possible.
|
Search FrenchEntréeFrench Property Database Search
Over 12,000 properties for sale throughout France..... More search options Use a property finder |
