Heath

Special PER bending sprinds available here and other places.

Linda, I also offer my apologies if my post above appeared antagonistic. I worked in the building trade here in France for many years and can only say that it takes years of experience to estimate for work on French property, especially renovation work. I found it very frustrating when the recent influx of British artisan turns up with virtually zero cotisations to pay in the first year, thinks he knows it all because he's worked in the UK for a few years and then thinks that finding out what the going rate for subbies is going to solve all his problems. It is much more important to find out how much a tradesman can do in a day and this only comes with experience (in France). Most trades will want about 250 euros a day but unless it's a new build they will probably only do about half what you would expect. Get them to give you a price for a job and make sure you make it clear that they clear up when they've finished (and check that done a decent job before you pay them)

[quote user="LindaH"] Sorry, should have been more specific [+o(] My husband is registered and wants to know what to expect to pay say a carpenter or a brickie etc when he needs them on a project. Also have a mate who is a carpenter and he wanted to know rates he should charge. Thanks[:)] [/quote] So how does he provide an estimate to the customer if he doesn't know what he's going to have to pay subbies?

Would love to go this year (centenary) but pressure of work etc. mean that it won't be possible. Apparantly, ferries and accommodation are all fully booked. Might try and get to the Manx GP in August/September.

You don't mention the type of tiles but I would say it sounds realistic. Are the 'Genoise' traditional or are they  the precast type you see a lot these days? There is a fair bit of work in doing these the traditional way.

The fundamental problem for those running building companies (in the UK or France) is that they have usually quoted a fixed price to the customer and they pay their employees on an hourly rate. If the work is not completed in the time allowed it doesn't take very long for all the profit to be swallowed up and the job starts to run at a loss (boss paying out of his own pocket for the sake of his companies reputation). In the UK it is more common to use subbies working on a price, however, in France salaried employees are more normal and because the charges are so high the margins are smaller so it is much easier to get into this loss making situation. Depending on the number of employees and hence the turnover of the business, the boss is bogged down with admin, trying to keep the materials flowing on the various sites and trying to get more work in so has little time to get stuck in himself, but still finds himself working 60-70 hours a week. In my opinion, the best way to operate in the building trade in France (assuming you're very good at what you do and have no trouble getting work) is to work on your own or with maximum one employee. Take on work until it is coming out of your ears (as the French do) but don't make any outrageous promises that you can't keep. If you fall behind with your schedule just be honest with your customers and 9 times out of 10, if the quality of your work speaks for itself, they'll be very understanding about it - I am talking about French custmers here, the Brits tend to get all fluffed up in the same way that they do when the local shop closes for 2 hours for lunch.  

Despite all the modern electronics, as Bob T says, they are very easy to service yourself. Relatively long service intervals mean that you don't have to do it to often. BMW dealer rates are quite high, even in France and they are pretty thin on the ground.

If you're sub-contracting the going rate is about 30euros/sqm for straight tiling plus a surcharge for a large amount of cuts and possibly extra for grouting.

Aly, you could try wire wool to remove the rust and then paint them in with a galvanise paint. It sounds like a lot of work and won't last forever but it should be inexpensive[:)]

You don't say but I imagine it is the rim, the spokes and the spoke nipples that are corroded. You can usually get a temporary good shine on the rim with ordinary chrome cleaner and a bit of elbow grease but the spokes and nipples are more difficult. It's not that difficult to fit a new rim and spokes yourself. We still get ours from the UK ( http://www.central-wheel.co.uk/cwc/rims.html ) but there are good French suppliers as well. If you do attempt it yourself take plenty of photos before you cut the spokes.

Asking to see insurance shows a degree of common sense. Don't let your cmmon sense be swayed by the offer of a cheap price (always results in bad work) or an early start time (means it won't be finished for years)[:)]

Chris hates labels so he registered for 'Activities Artistique'.  Whats he doing working on old buildings? Is he insured for the work he does?

I assume you have the invoice for the original installation. Send the installer a registered letter asking for his insurance details and make sure you put a time limit on his response.

I've been taking advantage of the few days off I have in the year and the crisp weather. I've been cycling, trail riding and/or out on the BMW everyday this week except Christmas day. Only cycling yesterday as I had to split some logs in the afternoon and now the house is too hot!

[quote user="Gary "] Pipe and Slippers anyone ?   [:)][:)][:)] [/quote] I don't know if you're a pipe smoker Gary but with 785 posts on here in less than six weeks I think your slippers have had more of a hammering than your motorbike!