what does 'hors-oeuvre' mean please (in connection with building size)

[Helen888]

Been in France a good while but trying to renew a lapsed CU and still finding it difficult. The planning guy wants to know

'preciser la surface hors-oeuvre qui sera crèèe après la transformation deux batiments existants en habitation'

Im unsure whether he means the footprint or quite what. The CU refers to two barns...one which is attached to our ruined house (which has a separate CU ) and which wont ever be used for anything other than storage unless I win the lottery and the other, a smaller barn, for which conversion is intended.

 

[Agenais]

From how I read it, it is to work out the total surface which will be created after the renovations have been completed on the two buildings. 

[Piprob]

They want to know the surface area of the living accomodation following completion of your development plans. It affects whether or not you need a qualified architect and what land and service taxes will follow the completion of the works. Your Marie or a reputable local builder will be able to advise the best way of filling-out your application forms. Hope that helps.

[LesFlamands]

They a looking for the SHON (nette) which is calculated from the SHOB (brut) which is the total surface area of the floors in a building (cellar + ground floor + attic for example). There is some good information at http://www.vivremamaison.com/1mag/2permis/shon.shtm

 

[Piprob]

Les Flamands is right. For example, you can deduct space from the total square metre floor area  that is not living space - loos etc.. But you must include, for instance, a balcony you can step out on to. These details can be important, particularly if (by adding or subtracting these spaces from your development proposal) you are near the 170 metre total beyond which you need an architect.