Building work: finding the right people, devis and legal guarantees

Choosing who will carry out building or renovation work is one of the most important decisions you will make as a homeowner in France. The system, terminology and legal protections differ significantly from those in the UK, and misunderstandings can quickly become expensive.

Some British buyers prefer to work with English-speaking contractors to avoid language barriers. This can be helpful, but language alone is not enough.

Anyone carrying out work in France must be properly registered, insured and compliant with French building regulations. For energy-related renovations, contractors must also hold specific certifications if you want the work to qualify for government grants or subsidies.

Local French contractors (artisans) often have strong ties to the area and well-established working relationships with local authorities and suppliers.

Using local tradespeople can also help avoid neighbourhood tensions, as building work is closely noticed in smaller towns and villages. What matters most is not nationality but clarity: both sides must have a shared, written understanding of what work will be carried out, when it will be done and how much it will cost.

Managing renovation projects

For small projects, homeowners sometimes organise the work themselves. For larger renovations – particularly where structural work is involved – it is often advisable to appoint a professional to manage the project.

This may be:

• an entreprise générale, which takes overall responsibility and subcontracts individual trades; or

• a maître d’œuvre, who coordinates several contractors on your behalf.

Unless you have experience managing construction projects in France, this additional cost can significantly reduce risk and help keep the project on schedule.

Decennial insurance (assurance décennale)

One important difference from the UK building system is decennial insurance, known in France as assurance décennale.

Most construction professionals must carry this insurance, which covers major defects affecting the structural integrity or safety of a building for 10 years after the work is completed.

This includes problems affecting elements such as:

• foundations

• roofs and load-bearing walls

• structural waterproofing

• major building systems integrated into the structure

Before agreeing to any work, you should ask the contractor for proof of their decennial insurance certificate, which should correspond to the type of work being carried out.

Quotes and deposits (devis)

In France, renovation work normally begins with a written quote (devis).

This document sets out the scope of work, materials, timetable and cost. Once it is signed by both parties, it becomes legally binding.

It is common for contractors to request a deposit when the quote is accepted, often around 20–40% of the total price, with further payments made in stages as work progresses.

For larger projects, homeowners often request several quotes before choosing a contractor, which can help compare prices and clarify the details of the work proposed.

As with any building project, clear documentation and written agreements are the best way to avoid misunderstandings later.