Jos Deuling,  Saturday, 19 November 2011

 

Renovating an old house in France

Often, expectations are high when you first start looking for a house in France. However, after a while, you'll see that you come across many charming houses, but with some issues. Many old stone houses, for example, need renovation. This is often because they have been vacant for years or the current residents have simply neglected them. Due to the depopulation of the French countryside, more and more inexpensive houses with deferred maintenance are available in France in recent years.

There is a risk involved in buying a renovation project. Many things can go wrong. However, a renovation can go smoothly if you consider a few things in advance and follow certain rules.

Spending some time upfront to research will pay off later. Searching for and buying a house is more exciting than all the preliminary research, but keep in mind that thorough research can save you a lot of trouble. So never buy on impulse, but try to gather as much information as possible from real estate agents, architects, contractors, and even surveyors before the viewing.

Follow a few simple rules:

Determine your maximum budget in advance and stick to it.
Don’t buy on impulse. It's better to return later to view the house again.
Take notes and photos so you can review them calmly later.
Check if electricity is available and whether there are enough outlets.
If there is a
septic tank
(fosse septique), check its condition. And if there isn’t one, how difficult would it be to install?
Is there a connection to the municipal water supply network?
Make sure you have a copy of the property’s cadastral registration. It’s useful to refer to during the viewing.
Check if the roof is in good condition, if the ridge is straight, and if the roof beams are in order.
If you suspect that significant renovation is needed, don’t be swayed by claims that it’s a minor issue. Renovations in France are just as expensive as in the UK.
If you have doubts about the structural condition of the property, have a structural survey conducted. It may cost a bit, but it will give you absolute certainty about the condition of your future home. You’ll also get an estimate of any renovation costs. It’s advisable to be able to communicate in English when it comes to buying your holiday home or second property.
Talk to people who live nearby. They can likely tell you interesting details about the house and the area—details you’d rather not hear after the purchase.