Ask The Experts – Renovations
Ready to (re)build your dream home from the ground up? From renovation costs to planning permission, Stephen Davies shares some handy tips
Stephen Davies
FrenchEntrée Contributor | Building and Renovation
Follow Stephen Davies:
http://renovateinfrance.co.uk/
About the author:
Stephen Davies is a long-time FrenchEntrée contributor on building and renovation matters in France. He runs “Renovate in France”, a resource of architectural and support services and information for those starting, or already “en-route“ on a renovation, and works full time as a designer, planner and project manager on renovations and new builds.
Contact details:
Tel: +33(0)5 49 63 55 77
Email: stephen.davies@orange.fr
Articles by Stephen Davies
Building in France: from grassy knoll to ground works, foundations and footings
Following on from Building in France: from grassy knoll to approved plans. Renovation expert Stephen Davies shares part two of his case study of a complete new-build in France. In this detailed step-by-step description, we follow the development of…
Building in France: from grassy knoll to approved plans
In this detailed step-by-step description, we follow the development of a new-build from an empty plot to the approval of the building plans.
Building regulations in France: accessibility and handicap
If you are renovating or converting an existing building, are you under obligation to conform to laws regarding accessibility? Or is it enough to apply common sense?
Planning tax in France: taxe d’aménagement
The taxe d’amenagement is a planning tax in France that takes some people by surprise. A bit of research and advance notice can reduce the shock to the system.
Log cabins, chalets and eco-friendly property in France
Our growing awareness of the impact we have on our environment has led to a growing interest in eco-buildings as full-time residences. Wood is a sustainable resource and careful husbandry will allow these products to be available long after the plastic, fossil fuel created windows and doors become uneconomical.
Managing expectations: the planning application in France
Two scenarios to avoid. Seeking advice and guidance at an early stage of the planning application can reduce delays and cost in the renovation process.
Diagnostic surveys
The role that Diagnostic surveys play in the purchase of a house in France is very different from what you may be used to.
Buying a property to renovate in France
Many of the properties for sale come with that key caveat. they ‘need work’. Our expert contributor shares tips for buying a property to renovate in France.
Speed up your French renovation. Don’t snooze through your winter.
“Be prepared”. The motto is not just for the boy scouts, it particularly applies to French property renovations.
Calculating habitable space
Surfaces de plancher and Emprise de Sol are the new ways of working out habitable space and footprint. As for the wider implications, well it could save you a tidy sum.
The basics of French property renovation
Stephen Davies offer an insight into the basics of renovating in France, from the pitfalls to the kinds of property that are currently available to take on as a renovation project
Certificat d’urbanisme (CU)
If you are looking at a conversion project in France, or even a plot of land on which to build, a piece of legislation you will need to be familiar with is the certificat d’urbanisme.
