neil33

Dear SallyC I have PM'd you as we are an english speaking, RICS registered, French project management company, based in the Gironde. Best regards Neil

Dear JP Please be aware that in France it is "Buyer beware".  With regards to the roof and boiler, ask the owners when they were fitted / installed and if they have all of the necessary paperwork (factures, decenal cover of the artisan(s) concerned. If you're not certain, ask the local mairie for a list of registered artisans and ask one or two by each trade to visit the property (having agreed with agent and vendor in advance) and give you their opinion.  If the items you've mentioned are 'old' then perhaps ask those very same artisans to provide you with a cost (devis) for the works concerned. Good luck Neil

I understand the debate and i am sure everyone will have examples of a great deal for one or other, but ultimately it really is a question of personal preference and timeframe. 

Dear Johnycarper I have replied to your similar post on another forum. Best regards

Dear Canard It seems you have been through a thorough process of choosing this builder and co.  With regards to timings, it is very difficult as it depends upon the artisan(s) concerned (he/they has/have his/their own reputation to think of) and what his/their planning is like re. future projects (in terms of leaving site to start another job).  Ensuring that the payment of monies is stacked in your favour could help maintain their 'focus' on your project, ie ensuring milestones are agreed and reached before payments.  Artisans do qoute payment schedules on devis' with timeframes, but these are negotiable, especially on such a project.  One note of caution, the Mairie provides a list of local artisans.   Check they are insured (carrying the decenal/10 year insurance) to do the works each artisan is qouting for.  Always ensure you have seen what you need to see, do not rely upon anyone else and feel that is ok then as they must have checked. I was told a story only yesterday of a French Architect who wasn't actually an architect and had fabricated it all.  One couple took 6 and a half years to sue, but did win and now others are coming out of the woodwork to sue him!  As you have said it yourself, it can go horribly wrong, so triple check. Good luck with the project.