Artisans, or Tradesmen

If you have a house in France, whether you renovate or buy a house ready to move in to, the chances are that you’ll need some work doing at some point!

There are many English and other European artisans in most regions, but some people prefer to use French artisans on principal.

If you use a tradesmen who speaks English, as long as you make sure you follow the proper procedure of getting and signing a written devis (quote) and you understand the devis, all should be well. A devis should always, legally, be written in French, but there may be an English translation as well.  If you get a devis in French only you MUST make sure that you understand it fully, and that it includes everything you asked to be included. Don't be fooled into thinking that because someone is welcoming and friendly and speaks your language, that they are automatically trustworthy.

Many works also need legally to be covered by an ‘assurance decennale’ or ten-year guarantee, so ask to see the artisan’s insurance certificate if appropriate.

A common problem is that once having signed the devis, the tradesmen don’t turn up as planned, despite verbal assurances and you having paid the agreed deposit. There are time limits on what is reasonable and standard ways of dealing with this situation legally if the problem can’t be resolved verbally. You may need to write specific letters cancelling the works. What you definitely should not do, is to employ another artisan without cancelling the original contract first.

If you need help in finding and communicating with an artisan in the area where I work, I can help. I can attend meetings, make sure the scope and description of the works are understood by both parties, translate devis etc.

If you are away I can keep an eye on the works, let you know that everything is going according to plan (or not!) and alert you to any problems that may arise in your absence. I can also intervene in cases where artisans don’t carry out the works as planned.

Be wary of employing anyone ‘on the black’, for cash. This IS very common practice, amongst the French and the English, but not without risk. You as the employer can get into more trouble than the person doing the work. Be aware too that it’s not uncommon for tradesmen or others to report working on the black. Remember too that you have no guarantees, no comeback should anything go wrong, not be done to the standard you expected, or in some cases not be done at all!