French homeowners issue warning after €37,000 roof repair deposit dispute

A retired French couple in Dordogne say they have not been able to return to their home after an artisan hired to repair their roof following a fire abandoned the project after receiving the initial €37,000 deposit. 

Christiane and Alex Pelandakis had moved to Lanouaille in 2022 but a couple of years later their house was damaged by a fire. “We moved to Lanouaille (24270) in December 2022, hoping to enjoy a peaceful retirement. Unfortunately, on December 22, 2024, our home was damaged by a fire,” the couple said in their fundraising account. 

However, their insurer agreed to cover the repairs, and a local tradesman was hired to replace the damaged roof sections and carry out the necessary work, reports Sud Ouest.  

After the couple paid a 30% deposit of €37,000, the artisan reportedly returned to the site only briefly before stopping work. With the temporary roof covering no longer protecting the property, water entered the house, causing extensive damp, mould and damage.

“The roof was improperly covered, and as a result, our home has been exposed to rain and water damage for the past 17 months,” the couple said. 

The couple have since taken legal steps to seek a resolution. Their experience shows how important it is for homeowners in France to carefully check contractors, understand payment arrangements and know what action to take if a building project is abandoned. 

Things to check before hiring a professional 

While every situation is different, there are some steps that property owners can take to reduce risks. 

First of all, it is essential to always ask for a detailed quote before work begins called a devis. This is because in France the devis is not only an estimate of how much it will cost but a contractual agreement signed by both parties. 

It should include the work that is going to be carried out, the materials, the total price, expected timeframe and the period that the offer remains valid. This step is very important as a vague quote can make disputes harder to resolve. 

Another thing is to check the builder’s insurance before signing. For many building works, particularly those affecting the structure of a property, professionals must have a garantie décennale. 

This insurance covers some serious defects that may appear within 10 years after formal sign-off of the work. 

Homeowners should ask for a copy of the builder’s attestation d’assurance décennale before work starts and check: that the company name matches the contractor carrying out the work, the insurance covers the type of work planned and the policy was and is going to be valid on the date the project begins. 

It is also common in France for tradespeople to request an advance payment (deposit) before starting work, especially when it comes to large projects. However, you should avoid paying large sums without safeguards.  

These include: agreeing payment stages according to the progress and ensuring that your payments correspond to these stages, avoiding paying the full cost before work is completed, and keeping copies of all invoices.

There is generally no fixed legal percentage for the deposit, but in practice a 20% to 30% of the total cost is commonly requested. 

Finally, you should research the company before hiring them. Ideally you should check how long the business has existed, whether it is registered (SIRET number), customer reviews, previous projects, professional qualifications, and if possible references from previous clients. 

What to do if a builder disappears 

If an artisan stops coming to the site or stops responding, homeowners should act quickly.

The recommended first step is usually to contact the professional in writing and request that work resumes.

If there is no response, a formal letter known as a mise en demeure should be sent by registered post (lettre recommandée avec avis de réception). Here is an example. 

Homeowners should also consider arranging a report by a commissaire de justice (formerly a bailiff) to document the state of the property. Photographs, invoices, emails and messages should all be preserved.

Depending on the circumstances, legal action may be necessary before hiring another company to finish the work.