4. Your French Home
Moving to France and settling into your new home is an exciting adventure. Even if you are fortunate enough to purchase a brand-new house there will always be those initial tasks to tackle, like unpacking and organising. Beyond that, we all dream of creating a beautiful and welcoming space for ourselves and our loved ones. This guide offers practical advice on both the technical and aesthetic aspects of homeownership in France. We cover essential topics such as managing utilities, working with contractors and resolving boundary issues. Additionally, we share tips on how to infuse your home with daily warmth and charm, like the inviting aroma of vanilla essence that some estate agents recommend. Our goal is to help you navigate the practicalities and create a home that truly reflects your dreams.
Setting up home
Buying, selling, utilities, internet, heating, insurance, taxes, rental and security. It's all covered here!
Responsibilities of the homeowner
Maintenance and regulations of heating appliances, septic tanks and air quality. All the main considerations you need as a homeowner to stay within the boundaries of guidelines and the law.
Repair and renovation
Employing local tradesmen, obligations of the tradesman, payment and planning regulations explained. The rules, regulations and guidelines are very different in France and in this chapter we discuss what you can expect and how to best protect yourself against potential problems.
Rules and regulations
Central heating, gates, water systems, solar panels, waste, hunting and swimming pools. If you need to know it, it's here! France is a country where, in the eyes of the law, ignorance is no excuse, so make sure you know all your responsibilities to make sure you are doing the right thing.
Aids and benefits
Government financing schemes, assistance and subsidies, assistance for paying for personal services and tax credit. All the major forms of financial funding available are explored in this chapter.
Safety and security
Burglary, vandalism, termites, mushrooms, cold calls, flood and fire and heat. Learn what to watch out for and how to protect yourself.
Who’s who
Emergency services, who to call and how to do it. Learn about the emergency services in France. Your essential reference if the worst happens. All emergency service numbers are explained along with a list of information you will need to provide and information on support groups and helplines.
Translations
Lots of situation-specific translations to use as a quick guide when you are looking for a word or phrase related to the home.
A 224-page book for the expected, unexpected and everything in between.
