Annhopkins Posted September 12, 2004 Share Posted September 12, 2004 This is not an advertisment we would just like some advice and feedback.We have been advised by some French friends that there is a gap in the market, in our area 53, for an English builder, my husband is a carpenter/general builder but also specialises in damp-proofing and fosse sceptics, in addition they say that there is also a gap for someone to help English buyers after they have bought with setting up a home or life in France, EDF, France telecom, notaires, language etc. We would appreciate feedback on whether this market does exist as we are seriously considering moving in the new year. We have had a home in France for 3 years but although we are keen to live there will not do so to the detriment of the family, we are not looking to get rich, just live a reasonable but better quality life.We feel that this is a genuine opportunity and one that we do not want to miss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJSLIV Posted September 12, 2004 Share Posted September 12, 2004 I guess it must depend on where you would be based. In our area there seem to be so many people keen to hold newcomers hands that it nearly amounts to harassment! From a practical point of view, it might be harder to get such an operation up and running , as newcomers yourselves, as the more successful operators in our area already have a network of artisans / contacts with whom they work. Unless you can really "hit the ground running" , with first class knowledge of area, practices, trades, and lingo it could easily degenerate into the blind leading the aveugle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeb Posted September 12, 2004 Share Posted September 12, 2004 [quote]This is not an advertisment we would just like some advice and feedback. We have been advised by some French friends that there is a gap in the market, in our area 53, for an English builder, my husb...[/quote]How many fosse sceptics has he dealt with? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annhopkins Posted September 12, 2004 Author Share Posted September 12, 2004 I am not sure if Dunrunnin is questioning my husbands knowledge and experience or is just interested in what he knows. He has only fitted a few fosse sceptics in France but as we live in an area of Devon where there are no mains drains he has installed sceptic tanks and bio-systems over many years. There are fundamental differences between the two countries, in England the emphasis is for the tank to be as far away from the house as possible whereas in France it has to be within 10mtrs of the kitchen. In fact the first fosse he installed was one of the most complicated with pumps, raised filter beds and the redirection of several springs. If you have any information about reed beds this would be appreciated as he has not tackled one of these yet. Hope this satisfies your curiosity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annhopkins Posted September 12, 2004 Author Share Posted September 12, 2004 Sorry my previous post was for Helen16, this one is for Dunrunnin.We do have ambition, if not we would not be considering moving at all. However you can have ambition without being greedy. Initially our ambition is to succeed and build a good life in France, secure our future, something that is becomming harder in England unless you are already rich. and not have to worry too much about money. Once this is achieved then perhaps we may wish to be greedy and get rich. Any suggestions or offers to help us achieve the latter will be gratefully appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeb Posted September 12, 2004 Share Posted September 12, 2004 [quote]Sorry my previous post was for Helen16, this one is for Dunrunnin. We do have ambition, if not we would not be considering moving at all. However you can have ambition without being greedy. Initiall...[/quote]Sorry Ann, I was not questioning your husband's ability. There is plenty of work in France installing fosses as you probably know - I don't suppose every house will ever be on mains drainage no matter what was promised!I was just joshing as they are fosse septiques not sceptics. regards and good luck.....helenPS Not sure about the 10mtr rule, is that new? I think ours is further away than that (was installed with filter beds et al 2 years ago). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annhopkins Posted September 13, 2004 Author Share Posted September 13, 2004 Not sure about all of France but certainly your fosse must be within 10mtrs of your kitchen in area 53.Sorry about spelling, force of habit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juswundrin Posted September 13, 2004 Share Posted September 13, 2004 [quote]Not sure about all of France but certainly your fosse must be within 10mtrs of your kitchen in area 53. Sorry about spelling, force of habit.[/quote]"Not sure about all of France but certainly your fosse must be within 10mtrs of your kitchen in area 53."Not in my part of 53, however. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annhopkins Posted September 13, 2004 Author Share Posted September 13, 2004 The fickleness of French laws. Is you fosse a recent addition, we installed our last one Easter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonyf Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 Good luck to you and your husband when you arrive in the Mayenne.I will send you a PM over your husband and building.As for being an intemediary or relocation consultant, everyone seems to think they can do that. We have a mayenneproperties.com Internet 'estate agent' working in this field (see previous posts relating to legality of Uk companies operating in France). There is also a UK company called ouicanhelp Ltd who do very much the same.I think it could be too much grief for too little money. When does the cut off point come. How much do you expect these people to part with. Do you really want to take on other people's problems?Take a tip, think of something else, but an experienced, registered, qualified and comptant craftmen is always welcome and will hopefully find work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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