Trevor

Working with our architect on plans to convert buildings into four gites (10 bedrooms in total) and was surprised to find that we would have to be considered as a hotel as far as DDE and the Permis de Construire was concerned, which seems to involve significant extra requirements being placed upon us - fire regulations/handicapped access/regular check-ups etc. Can anyone tell me what the difference is between being a gite complex and a hotel is?? And what the real implications are of having to be classed as a hotel? both for the Permis and subsequently re tax etc? Apologies to anyone reading this twice as I am also posting this in the Gite Owners Forum. Hope someone can help.  Thanks, Trevor

Working with our architect on plans to convert buildings into four gites (10 bedrooms in total) and was surprised to find that we would have to be considered as a hotel as far as DDE and the Permis de Construire was concerned, which seems to involve significant extra requirements being placed upon us - fire regulations/handicapped access/regular check-ups etc. Can anyone tell me what the difference is between being a gite complex and a hotel is?? And what the real implications are of having to be classed as a hotel? both for the Permis and subsequently re tax etc? Apologies to anyone reading this twice as I am also posting this in the Hotel Owners Forum. Hope someone can help.  Thanks, Trevor

Does anyone know what our neighbours responsibility is (in French law) with regard to weeds/shrubs growing on his property which may be causing damage to our buildings/walls and are equally unpleasant to look out at every day?  I'm not looking to start an argument but we recently had a long and acrimonious dispute with this neighbour which we fortunately won but which would have been much shorter and less traumatic for us if we had been more knowledgeable about rights and responsibilities. As ever, all help appreciated.

No, headroom inside is not a problem it's 3m+, the 2.05m was at the entrance. I can see that most recommend digging up the existing concrete and starting from scratch, which I probably new would be the responses but I didn't want to miss out on other brilliant ideas that might save a bit of time and effort - screeding over etc.  Mind you, after wielding my trusty 10lbs sledgehammer and knocking down in excess of 20 horse boxes built of rendered breeze block my muscles should be up to removing the concrete floor if I have to!!!!  (after they have recovered a bit of course....) Thanks, Trevor

I am renovating a stable (5.5 metres wide) which has a concrete floor across two thirds of its width with the final third being a mix of rubble and sand.  The existing concrete floor is made of two equal strips - the strip in the middle of the stable being 70mm higher than the strip by the entrance and neither has a dpc.  The floor to wooden lintel height at the entrance is 2.05m. Does anyone have advice on the best way to provide a level and damproof floor?  Is it really necessary to dig up all that concrete to achieve what we want?  We are prepared to concede a little on the 2.05m at the entrance. All advice will be welcome as we are scratching our heads on the best way to proceed with this. Thanks, Trevor

Folks, Anyone have a recommendation for an English speaking accountant or very helpful French accountant in the Descartes area of 37? Searched the archives but couldn't find any recommendations for anyone in our area.   Trev

Can anyone recommend an Avocat who can speak and understand English reasonably well? We are on the borders of Indre et Loire (37) and Vienne (86) and near to Descartes and have a slight problem with access to our property and although our French is good , it's not that good when talking legal jargon!!!! Obviously local to us would be better but a personal recommendation would count highly. Hope someone can help. Trevor

I have a very large quantity of corrugated roofing sheets to take down and dispose of. Does anyone have any tips or techniques for making the job easier? It looks as if it will be  quite tricky to get to all the nails from underneath and cut them. I’m not looking to salvage the roofing sheets, and on that note as some of the roofing is the old cement/asbestos does anyone know where we should dispose of it? (we are in region 37 near Descartes – the local dechetterie man said Loches dechetterie would take it?) Trevor

Does anyone know of kennels and catteries near to Descartes (37) and particularly if you have a recommendation? Trev

Well, we have finally made it to France.  The purchase will not be completed until 9 December but we are in rented accomodation until then.  Our House will be just outside Descartes in Abilly (37) and I was wondering if anyone knew whether there was anybody offering French lessons in the area?  French lessons being just one of the million things to be organised!!!!!!! Trevor

Finally, finally, finally, found our ideal property near to Descartes and signed the Compromis last week and expect to complete early December!!!! Wondered how many other of you folks were in the area as I am sure we could use some help in the early days and as we have two young daughters (9 and 10) we could welll need all the help we can get!!!! Anyone out there? Trev

I'm aware of the phrase "all the French go on holiday in August" but does that apply to French Estate Agents? I was planning to spend quite a few weeks in France (Centre region)during the summer holiday but if all the agencies are closed for August there would be little point. Can anyone advise please?