Renov'Assist by S R

13/05/2026

Buyer Tips for Renovation Projects in France!

If you’re considering buying a renovation property in France, here are a few things worth thinking about before committing:

• Always budget for more than just the visible works. Roofs, electrics, insulation and drainage can quickly change the overall cost once work begins.

• Don’t underestimate timelines. A full renovation is rarely a quick project, especially once planning, permissions and artisan availability are factored in.

• Try to understand whether the property will require structural work or planning approvals before purchase.

• Obtain realistic renovation advice early, ideally before making an offer, not afterwards.

• Keep a contingency budget aside. Older French properties nearly always reveal surprises once opened up.

• Be cautious of relying on UK renovation pricing or DIY television programmes as a comparison. Renovation costs, regulations and labour structures in France can be very different.

• Consider how much project management will realistically be needed, particularly if you are renovating from abroad.

We recently helped a client assess a property before purchase, and the reality of the project ended up being very different from their original expectations once the likely costs and timescales were properly broken down.

12/05/2026

Character is often what makes people fall in love with French property.

Original cupboards, old timber, worn stone floors, shutters and details that simply can’t be recreated easily today all add to the charm and story of a home.

But older properties can also come with hidden work behind the scenes, which is why understanding the full scope of a renovation before committing is so important.

We regularly help buyers assess renovation projects before purchase, giving realistic guidance on likely costs, timelines and what may need attention once works begin.

Sometimes the biggest surprises are the things you can’t immediately see.

03/05/2026

Renovating a property in France is a big commitment, and the reality is often very different from what buyers expect at the point of purchase.

For a typical 100m² full renovation, budgets now commonly fall between €150,000 and €250,000 when using qualified artisans, with timelines often reaching up to 18 months once planning and preparation are included.

These are not worst case figures, they are realistic ones based on how projects actually unfold.

One of the most common things we see is buyers underestimating both the cost and the time involved, which can lead to difficult decisions once work is underway.

We help clients understand the true scope of a renovation before they commit, so there are fewer surprises down the line and better decisions from the start.

We’ve created a more detailed renovation guide based on real projects in France.
If you’d like a copy, just send us a message or email [email protected]

02/05/2026

Buying a property in France should feel exciting, not uncertain

With Renov’Assist, we offer pre purchase consultation visits to help you look at a property with a more practical, renovation-focused perspective before you commit.

If you’re currently house hunting in France or getting closer to making an offer, it can be really helpful to take a step back and talk things through, from how the space might work, to what to keep in mind moving forward.

Sometimes it simply gives reassurance.
Sometimes it helps you see things a little differently.

Either way, it means you can move forward feeling more informed and confident in your decision.

📍 Covering the Gers and South West France
📩 Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to find out more [email protected]

29/04/2026

When viewing a property, it’s easy to focus on how it looks and feels in the moment.

Renov’Assist offers a different perspective, helping you step back and consider how the property might work in practice, from a renovation point of view.

During a visit, we talk through the layout, practical considerations, and how your ideas might fit within the space, so you have a clearer understanding before moving forward.

Sometimes it simply reassures you.
Sometimes it helps you refine your plans.

Either way, it gives you a more informed starting point.

If you’re currently house hunting in France, feel free to get in touch to find out more.

28/04/2026

Buying a property in France is exciting, but understanding what a renovation project may involve is just as important.

With Renov’Assist, we offer pre purchase consultation visits to help you view a property from a practical renovation perspective before you commit.

We discuss the layout, condition, and how a renovation in France might be approached, giving you a clearer picture as you move forward.

If you’re currently house hunting in France or preparing to buy, feel free to get in touch to find out more.
Email: [email protected]

30/01/2026

🏡 Mini Blog: Should an Artisan Have an Online Presence in France?

In 2026, it’s completely reasonable to expect a business to have some form of online presence - a website, a page, or at least visible reviews.

An online footprint helps with transparency and reassurance, particularly if you’re buying or renovating from abroad.

That said, an online presence should be a starting point, not the final decision.

What matters just as much is:
• a clear and detailed written devis
• a valid SIRET number
• appropriate assurance décennale
• realistic timescales and payment stages

A polished website doesn’t replace proper paperwork, just as a skilled artisan shouldn’t be dismissed purely because their online presence is modest.

The safest approach is combining online visibility with on-the-ground checks and knowing how to assess both.

This balance is often what makes the difference between a smooth renovation and a stressful one.

28/01/2026

🏡 Mini Blog: A Note on Recommendations in Local Facebook groups

Local Facebook groups can be a really useful place to ask for recommendations, especially when you’re new to an area or a new country.

That said, something we often notice is that people are recommended for work they’re not officially registered or insured to carry out.
This might be:
• a general handyman suggested for structural or regulated works
• a business insured for one activity but carrying out another
• someone well known locally, but without the correct insurance for the specific job

This isn’t about competence or intention, many people recommended are skilled and well meaning but in France, registration and insurance are linked very closely to what someone is legally allowed to do.

Recommendations are a helpful starting point, but they shouldn’t replace basic checks such as:
• declared activities
• assurance décennale covering the exact works
• a clear written devis

Taking a little time to verify these points can make a big difference later on, particularly if issues arise or when the property is sold.
This is one of the areas we regularly help clients navigate before works begin.

26/01/2026

🏡 Mini Blog: How to Find Good Artisans in France (Without the Stress)
Finding reliable artisans in France can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with how the system works.

One of the biggest differences compared to the UK, US or Australia is that recommendations matter more than online presence. Many excellent artisans have little or no social media, and some don’t appear on large platforms at all.

A few things we always recommend checking before committing:

• A clear, written devis with a breakdown of works
• A valid SIRET number
• Assurance décennale (this is essential for structural and building works)
• Payment stages, rather than full payment upfront

It’s also important to remember that two quotes at very different prices are rarely offering the same thing. The cheapest option can sometimes mean missing elements, lower quality materials, or unrealistic timescales.

Good artisans absolutely exist but knowing what questions to ask and what “normal” looks like in France makes all the difference.

This is often where a bit of independent advice early on can save time, money, and a lot of stress later.

20/01/2026

We’re sharing this podcast episode as it covers many of the questions and challenges we regularly help our clients navigate.

Episode 3 focuses on early stage decision making, feasibility, and the realities that can complicate a renovation or property purchase in France if key checks are missed.

The hosts - Sue, who co-founded SASU S.R. Charpenterie, along with Rosie from Maison Bretagne and Micala from Marketingfortradesmenfrance - share perspectives from both client and project experience, making this a very grounded and practical discussion.

👇 Full episode available via the original podcast page post below.

In this episode of French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED, Rosie, Michaela and Sue pull back the curtain on reality TV renovation shows and glossy YouTube channels - and compare them with what actually…