Demolition

[Alex H]

I have the opportunity to buy the house / barn that is attached to ours.

Due to it's condition,  unsafe, and its position with regard to land / other buildings, I propose to demolish it.

However, it has overhead electricity feed, phone line and water.

Does anyone have any experience of having these services removed?

[Araucaria]

No direct experience, but I think you'll have to ask EDF for a quote for the cost of removing the electricity. My experience (of getting 3-phase installed) was that two separate delegations of managers came to inspect, before receiving the quote (which I think was €120), and then eventually the supply was reinstalled but they never sent the bill - or added it to my electricity bill. I'd guess you'd face a similar cost.

Removing the phone line should be cheaper, as there will be a local box where the wires can be disconnected. And talk to the commune about the cost of discontinuing the water. They can probably just turn it off somewhere outside the house, and then remove the meter and cap the pipe. Or leave the meter if there isn't a standing charge.

Good luck with the purchase.

[Babbles]

You probably need to check with the Marie if you can knock it down, in our village it has to be approved first, even if it is dangerous.