9 minute read
Building on Experience
BUILDING ON EXPERIENCE
Planning a new build, renovation or extension? There are many, many good artisans in this area but, as with any trade,there is always the odd bad apple. Here we feature a few real-life scenarios describing actual projects that have gone wrong and, just in case, give some helpful tips to ensure you avoid the same, or something similar happening to you.
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Installing a new shower room next to a bathroom involved knocking a hole through, creating a shower and making good. The plumber turned up but refused to start as the opening had not been made. Another artisan was needed to knock through but, also, form the base of the shower tray and make the seat, ready for tiling. Several days later the opening was there but not the plumber, who was now tied up for two weeks. He plumbed the installation but wouldn’t make good. That required the second guy coming back at additional cost and seriously extending the time frame.
TIP: Some artisans can and will only do certain tasks. Check at the quote stage and ensure that the works can be co-ordinated within a specified timeframe.
Having heard a few horror stories and mindful of the need to keep an eye on the costs of quite a large renovation, this couple insisted on a devis. A few items were changed along the way such as electric socket positions, the exact location of a wall, a door opening but, they thought, nothing major and no costs were mentioned. It wasn’t like they had specified new roof tiles or building materials. At the end of the works they received an additional bill for 10,000€! An argument ensued and they finished up paying some of it, but not all.
TIP: Check your devis thoroughly. Ensure any extra costs are quoted and agreed prior to works.
Part of a large renovation job included fitting a wall hung double vanity unit to a newly plastered wall. Three years later, it literally fell off, taking part of the plaster wall with it, revealing a 7cm cavity between the original wall and plasterboard (which was not suitable for use in damp areas). The unit had only been secured to the plasterboard, not the original wall, with short screws and glue. It was a miracle it had stayed up at all! The builder came to have a look and immediately said it was nothing to do with him and wanted 600€ to make good, saying it was down to the plumber, who was on holiday. The builder had brought the plumber in as part of his contract to complete the whole renovation! He suggested the homeowners claimed on their insurance. They argued and found out that not only was the plumber not away but the builder didn’t have any décennale insurance. Not trusting him to do the job properly, they found someone else to make good. (See the legal column in this issue for the legal facts about décennale assurance).
TIP: Make sure your contractor is registered and has décennale assurance, and that your contract is with them, not with third parties that they choose to bring in.
There’s no excuse for not being insured
Changing a square raised flower bed into a pond should have been easy, not a shocking experience. Once the level of the stone walls had been raised, the builder brought in his own electrician to create a secure electrical box and fit the lights and pump. However, the box filled with water every time it rained. An excuse was made that it was because of the flood plain – the house was on top of a hill! The main issue was when the owner put a hand in the water and felt a tingling. A registered electrician was called and said it was lucky no-one had been killed! It turns out that not only was the electrician not registered, or insured, he hadn’t even had proper training.
TIP: Don’t assume that a third party contractor who has been brought in by your builder is qualified or registered. Ask the question.
A boiler repair was quoted and accepted on an hourly rate. The guy turned up with an apprentice who literally just went to and from the van fetching and carrying. The final bill was for two people at the same hourly rate.
TIP: You may think the rate refers to one person, always check.
LOOKING FOR AN ARTISAN
You can find a list of registered, English-speaking trades on our website at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com. However, you should always check that the company is registered, qualified and insured in accordance with the works involved.
LEGAL ADVICE
www.brightavocats.com
Q John P
I have a situation where I employed a local tradesman who, it turns out (and contrary to what I was told), does not have decennial (décennale) insurance. Part of his work has proved to be very shoddy and has fallen down. He is refusing to repair it free of charge, claiming it was down to another tradesman (who he brought in and who has denied involvement).
A Hi John
Unfortunately, your experience is not uncommon, despite the French fact that with it is a criminal friends builds offence for a builder not to have a decennial insurance. You have a recourse against the builder, even if he doesn’t have decennial insurance. In this case, it means that the builder will have to pay the condemnation, not his insurance. The first step is to petition the court to obtain the appointment of a legal construction expert who will come to the property, assess the issue and set a figure for the repairs. Based on that report, the second step is to petition the court to obtain compensation based on the expert’s report. We often advise clients to first and foremost obtain a quote to repair the issue. As construction litigations are expensive procedures, the costs to repair are sometimes not worth the costs of the litigation. However, you can let the builder know that if he does not carry out the repair you have the option of filing a criminal complaint against him.
Sarah Bright Thomas is an Avocat Associé and Partner at BrightAvocats.
www.brightavocats.com
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TRAVERTINE and Burgundy Limestone
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Just Kitchens
Michael Staines began installing kitchens in the UK in 1990. He opened his first showroom in Mielan, France in 2008 and in 2013, a second showroom in Marciac.
With many years of experience, Mike and his son, Tim, can offer you a complete design and installation service, taking your initial ideas through to the reality of a beautiful and functional fitted kitchen.
4 Place Jean Senac 32170, MIELAN, France OR 3 Place Hotel de Ville, 32230, MARCIAC, France
If you have any questions at all, or just want to chat about kitchens, please call or send an email...
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Just Kitchens
Artisans & Services Business Directory
www.grahamhavas.com
www.mandmblasting.com
Blasting away years of dirt, grime and shoddy paintwork to bring your project back to life. We undertake personal and Commercial blasting
Tel: 0642233857/0555635885 Email: mandmblastinglimousin@gmail.com
www.mandmblasting.com
greyrobert4.wixsite.com/ quercy-oak
NEW BUILD & RENOVATION
07 80 58 39 60 or 06 75 51 89 13 laquercyoak@gmail.com
www.jon-the-carpetman.com
www.jon-the-carpetman.com
www.jon-the-carpetman.com
www.enershop.eu
Enershop have been installing renewable energy systems in France since 2008. Each system designed and installed is specifically for your needs, whether your property is a new build, extension or a renovation, whether it is a cottage, chalet or château – the flexibility of our systems means there is a solution for all. We offer a free devis, with no obligation and no hard sell. Now is the time to consider a renewable heating system. There are reduced rates of TVA available and significant tax credits (credit d’impôts) for systems installed by Enershop as we hold the QualiSol and Qualibois accreditation.
Our website www.enershop.eu has lots of information on our services which include:
• Solar thermal domestic hot water • Wood gasification boilers • Wood / Pellet boiler stoves • Pellet boilers • Accumulation tanks • Air source heat pumps • Central and underfloor heating systems • Swimming pool / hot tub heating
Tel: 07 67 04 07 53 Email: info@enershop.euwebsite
www.enershop.eu
www.marsdengroundworks.com
www.marsdengroundworks.com
Excavation & Levelling Vegetation, Tree & Woodland Clearance
En Chêne - Charpente Traditionnelle
SARL 839 094 0001224160 Assurance décennale
www.enchene.com
06 77 21 50 72 jez@enchene.com
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PM CARPETS AND FLOORING
www.pmcarpetsandflooring.com
• We supply and fit a wide range of carpets from the UK • We also fit Karndean, vinyl, and laminate flooring • Over 30 years’ experience, 100% customer satisfaction • Now selling a selection of wool and mixed fibre rugs
Contact Paul on 06 60 07 54 78 or 05 45 84 27 75 https://www.facebook.com/PMCarpets/www.pmcarpetsandflooring.com
M&M Excavation
We are here to help with all types of groundwork, driveways, foundations, fosse installation, trenching, patios, tree and earth removal. Plus digger, tipper, dumper and cherrypicker hire.
Tel: 0642233857/0555635885 Email: mandmexcavationlimousin@gmail.com
The Local Buzz is the only A4 glossy magazine and comprehensive website covering these departments. Lifestyle focused, the magazine is informative, fun and highlights what’s on in the region. Looking for a local business, more listings of what’s on, articles, blogs and local information? Then visit our website at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com
By the way, if you can’t pick up a copy, every issue can be read on the website at www. thelocalbuzzmag.com/ read-online, and postal subscriptions are available.
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