James Latter lifts the lids on roofs.
From a surveyorʼs point of view, a perfect roof is one which is completely weatherproof.
The architect will agree, with a ʻbutʼ – it must look good too. In France you can have… Continue reading
Pre-planning a renovation project
The Acte de Vente has been signed and you can’t wait to get to grips with the renovation work. The majority of French properties purchased by British buyers are built of stone and the majority of renovation works are actually… Continue reading
French property buying guide
So you eventually find a property in France that you want to buy. But is it a sound proposition – and are any expensive repairs likely to be needed in the next few years ?
Many buyers in the… Continue reading
Asbestos – Is it a Problem?
We put this question to Ian Morris, a Chartered Building Surveyor who divides his time between working in the UK and in south west France.
Anyone selling a house built in France before July 1997 is legally obliged to arrange… Continue reading
Getting a survey
An independent point of view by Sian Lehrter of HSBC proposed mortgage.
It’s not a necessity in France, but you’re advised to carry out a survey before buying your French home to ensure value for money
Dry rot, subsidence, leaky… Continue reading