What are the rules about fitting electric shutters at my home in France?

Reader question: Some properties in the village where we have a second home have electric roller shutters. Are they a good idea?

Fans of electric roller shutters praise their convenience, with some systems offering a ‘one-click’ option to open or close all the shutters in a house at the same time.

This can be especially convenient for older owners or those whose properties have a large number of windows.

They are usually better insulators than traditional wooden shutters and, if they have secure locks, offer better security against burglars. Aluminium slat shutters are usually more secure than PVC ones.

More expensive systems can be programmed to open and shut at pre-set times and controlled via a smartphone.

This may appeal to second-home owners who want their property to look occupied in their absence.

Advantages and disadvantages

These smart systems require a good internet connection, which must be left on for remote control to work. If you have a UK mobile phone, double-check that this system works with UK numbers.

Like manual roller shutters, most electric systems offer more ‘half-light’ options than traditional shutters, with total blackout only when fully closed.

One disadvantage is that they are vulnerable to power cuts as many cheaper shutter kits do not have a manual opening system.

The prices of both electric and manual roller shutters have fallen by between 30% and 40% in the last five years as large French companies, which made their name in double glazing, have entered into the market. Prices for entry-level electric systems can be as low as €280 per shutter.

Manual roller shutters can be fitted by the homeowner but electric systems should preferably be installed by a certified professional. This means that installation costs will probably be higher than the shutter kit, and it might be difficult to find someone to do the job.

Annual servicing is recommended, including removing the mechanism covers, greasing moving parts and checking for signs of wear.

Shutters are not only functional but are an important aesthetic aspect for French properties, so make sure you are happy with how they look before proceeding.

Choosing a colour other than standard beige is possible, but more expensive.

If you are near a historic monument or in a commune with strict controls on how properties look, you may not be allowed to change your shutters.

In any case, you should submit a déclaration préalable de travaux to the mairie as the installation will modify the appearance of the building (tacit approval is given after a month, or in some protected areas two).

Where a shutter project is part of a changement de destination – converting a garage into a living space, for example – a full permis de construire is necessary.

You must also inform your household insurer as a shutter change is considered a significant modification under insurance law.