Les Flamands

vituperative Lovely word - what does it mean? Seriously though, there are some 'dickheads' on this forum but it is also a shame that the site is linked to the commercial interests of Living France which, I think, in the end will conspire to terminate this forum or perhaps transfer it to the apparantly non-commercial Total France operation. This site is a great FREE service and I personally think the DC scripts software is much better than ???? standard forum software. It would be a great shame if this Forum were to close due to pressure from LF advertisers who at the end of the day call the tune.

>Does fitting a larger fuseboard need >to be done by the >EDF, a certified spark or >can I do it myself? Doing it yourself is fine >We're installing a 40amp 230v kiln >in one of our backrooms. >Obvoiusly I'll have to get >our supply lifted, but can >anyone else see any prob's >involved in this? No Problem, use a 45A fuse/CB and 10mm2 cable. Regards Charles

I thought this was the purpose of the Frequently Asked Questions Conferences at the top. I'm not sure how it is meant to work - I suggest it would need someone at Forum Admin to copy useful postings on such subjects as Carte de Sejours, Septic Tanks, Registering a business etc.etc. to the FAQ conferences and a clear message somewhere on the Forum asking people to check these before posting the same old question for the hundreth time. Regards Charles

Use 'Leutec' 2000 or 3000 longue duree, available from most builders merchants sometimes to order. If they only have the 'court duree' in stock that is OK as well (about 30 mins working time if it's not too warm). Regards Charles

Normally each Artisan quotes and bills you (the client) directly and as such any claim is directly to him. A helpful Maitre d'oeuvre would help with any claim but "without prejudice". Regards Charles

What you have is a mains pressure cistern. These are quite expensive installations but do give a good flush and probably use less water. The downside is that they look a bit industrial and can be a bit un-nerving the first time you flush. Regards Charles

I've not read the article but I have noticed that French Property News is publishing more DIY related articles and often the information given is misleading or just plain wrong. When dealing with dangerous stuff like electrity I think they have a responsibility to check the accuracy of the information provided and not hide behind the usual 'not necessarily the views of the Editor' type of disclaimer. Regards Charles

I'm sure that you will find there is plenty of work, but it does take time to get established. You will not be able to move from the UK one day and carry on working the next. It will take between 2 to 6 months to go through the process of registering with the 'Chambre de Metiers' and you need to spend some time finding out how things are done in France and where to buy materials etc.. Perhaps the best idea would be to try to find a job initially with a local carpenter/builder as this would give you some income, improve your French and give you time to sort out registering as self employed. Regards Charles

20 an hour for fitting plugs - nice work if you can get it! I know some of us on this forum bang on about only using properly registered and insured tradesmen and then everyone else complains that all the tradesmen are too busy, but if there is one trade where you must use a properly insured Artisan, it is your Electrician. A small electrical fault can burn your house down. If you don't have an invoice from a registered Artisan for any recent work carried out you may noy be able to claim on your house insurance. Regards Charles

Do you already have the lintel in place? It is usual to build up the stonework to the dimensions of the window, fit or cast the lintel and then fit the window. You might like to look at my webpage with photos of the way we often do window openings - http://www.lesflamands.com/hr3. You can find sand/cement mix in the bricos in small sacks - I imagine you would need a lot of them, try 'mortier a batir tout pret'. Use a mix of 'Tradifarge' and sand for re-pointing ( plus colourant if necessary to match existing). Regards Charles

Brand name paints are more expensive here but taps, sanitary ware and kitchen sinks are cheaper. Away from the Bricos, if you use proper builders merchants you will find everything is about the same price or cheaper than the UK. Regards Charles

Standard Vapourising shell burner needs 28sec fuel (kerosene/paraffin) which is not available in France. PJ (Pressure Jet) models are available, the recommended fuel is 28sec kerosene but they will run well on French 35sec diesel. These burners make some noise but should be readily available secondhand, if not new. Regards Charles

Basically if it is more than 170 m2 then get an Architect to do the plans for the 'Permis de Construire' only. This would normally cost about 2-3000 but shop around as prices vary considerably. Do not get the Architect to supervise the work because as a general rule they are useless. Try to find a good builder who can co-ordinate the works, but if you can't use a Maitre d'oeuvre who will charge about 8-10% on top of the Artisans invoices. He may visit the site once or twice but certainly won't be there all the time. Some Architects work for/with Maitre d'oeuvres but these partnerships tend to go the bigger jobs (Factories, hospitals etc.). Regards Charles

LAST EDITED ON 04-Apr-03 AT 06:03 PM (GMT) LAST EDITED ON 04-Apr-03 AT 05:57PM (GMT) http://www.hmdiffusion.com offer four models of lathes and a range of good quality wood turning tools. You will probably have to order a catalogue which you can do on the website. Regards Charles

Avoid Bricos and go to proper plumbing and electrical suppliers. For plumbing look in your yellow pages (probably under 'Chauffage') for a local Brossette-BTI as they are mainly self service (you have to ask someone for larger items). Omnium are electrical material suppliers whose shops are also self service. Both of these companies offer a much wider range of fittings etc. than the Bricos and you don't have to spend hours trying to open the cursed blister packs. Regards Charles