ACCOMPANYING CLIENTS ON INITIAL VISIT

Lane Associates Ltd are able to accompany you to France on initial property viewings to act as an English/French interpreter. We are also able to give an objective view of the state of the property and an indication of the extent of any renovation work that will be necessary.

ONGOING SITE VISITS

If contracted to perform Project Management functions, further site visits to your French property will take place in order to observe and ensure progress.

SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION

One of the difficulties faced when buying in France can be the language, particularly when faced with official 'jargon', or even regional dialect. Many people who have been through this themselves would readily agree, that to speak the language fluently, or to have access to someone who can, significantly improves the experience.

Lane Associates Ltd can remove the 'language barrier' by providing simultaneous translation during meetings with French estate agents, French property owners, French solicitors, French architects, or French tradesmen.

WRITTEN TRANSLATIONS

It is normal for UK based owners of French properties to receive, and be required to respond to, correspondence from a variety of official bodies, such as local government offices, water authorities or electricity providers. We can provide you with written translations of any such documents on an ad hoc basis.

It is important to note that certain documents requiring translation will only be accepted by the French authorities if they are translated by a recognised interpreter carrying an official stamp. We have the appropriate contacts in France to be able to provide this level of service should it be required.

Once you have made your property purchase, Lane Associates Ltd can supply you with a full and detailed Project Report. This will outline the general state of the property and detail any renovation work required. The report can also be supplied in French should you so desire.

PROJECT PLAN

A full and detailed Project Plan can be drawn up to illustrate the most effective course of action necessary to achieve your renovation objectives, along with the associated costs to refurbish your French property.

The plan is based on a 'Critical Path' time frame and will show all major and minor milestones, along with target dates and details of any obligatory French permit applications required.

Our aim is to give you as much information as possible in this early stage of your project so that you are fully aware, at the outset, of the level of involvement of all parties.

SOURCING OF FRENCH ARTISANS

In order to create the Project Plan it will be necessary to identify the availability of local Artisans. Lane Associates Ltd believe that it is sensible to use local Artisans wherever possible, however, we are more than happy to work with any of your own preferred tradespeople.

All contracts for work to be undertaken will be between you and the tradesperson, and it is important to ensure that only French Artisans able to prove their registration with their local chamber of trade (Chambre des Métiers) should be engaged.

SOURCING OF MATERIALS

Building materials in France are often very different to those in the UK. There is a common misconception that buying fixtures and fittings in the UK will save you money. Special offers at UK stores can be very tempting. Unfortunately, there are some items that could cause you a problem were you to buy them in the UK.

The following are a few examples:

• UK taps (both sink and basin) fit 15mm copper pipe, whereas in France 12mm pipe is used by plumbers as standard



• UK pendant light fittings and wall switches do not comply with French regulations, and are the wrong size



• Windows in France open inwards in order to allow access to shutters, whereas UK windows open outwards

Equally, should you be intending to use your own skills to build or renovate in France, you will find a visit to your local Builders Merchant can be both confusing and frustrating. French building materials differ quite significantly to those in the UK.

The following are a few examples:

• One of the most common problems encountered is with French plaster; its application requires a lot more skill than English plaster



• Building sand is more like the UK's sharp sand, and will vary in quality from region to region



• Prepared wood (skirting boards, architraves etc) can often be of poor quality

Some of the products we in the UK take for granted, but not currently approved by French authorities, and therefore not available in France, include: Unibond PVA, FebMix mortar additive, Wallstarters, Gripfill or Pink Grip, lightweight Catnic style lintels and Tile 'n' Grout.

Paint, varnish and woodstain are all products which are acceptable - However because they are significantly more expensive in France, it is often better to buy them before you leave the UK.

In order to avoid the stress of trying to find suitable French fixtures and fittings, Lane Associates Ltd can organise the purchase of such materials on your behalf.

You will benefit from our first hand experience of working with French building materials and, along with our fluent French language skills, will avoid any potential misunderstandings and unfair pricing.

Please feel free to view the sample Project Plan here.

APPOINTMENT OF ARTISANS

• Confirmation and signing of Devis

  A Devis is a quotation received from an Artisan. In order to be valid it must be signed and dated by both parties. As the contract will be between you and the artisan/s, you will be required to sign any Devis upon which work will be based.

• Confirmation of availability and agreement of deadlines

  Lane Associates Ltd will carry out all subsequent communications with your French Artisan/s. Our aim will be to establish their availability in line with the Project Plan, and to ensure that deadlines are understood and met.

ORDERING OF MATERIALS

• Establish a customer account with your chosen supplier/s

  Some French material suppliers operate in a different way to those in the UK. For example, in order to secure favourable pricing, you may be asked to supply a 'hostage', or blank, cheque (cheque otage), which will remain with the supplier for a pre-determined period (usually one month), after which they will complete the details in order to settle your account. Of course most suppliers will happily accept a credit card payment.

• Order relevant materials and arrange delivery schedule

  Lane Associates Ltd will place materials orders on your behalf and, again, ensure delivery is in line with the Project Plan and its deadlines.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Liaison with French Artisans

  Lane Associates Ltd will carry out all subsequent communications with your Artisan/s. Our aim will be to establish their availability in line with the Project Plan, and to ensure that deadlines are understood and met.

• Resolution of Issues

  Lane Associates Ltd will deal with all issues arising during the term of the Project. Should any problems occur we will endeavour to resolve them in line with the scope of the project or, should your consultation be required, we will act as intermediary between you and your French Artisan.

• Ongoing Site Visits

  Lane Associates Ltd will carry out regular site visits (highlighted on the original Project Plan) in order to ensure the smooth running of the project, and completion of the various phases. Although it may not be necessary you might choose to be present during these planned visits.

  On occasion, should issues arise, it might be necessary for you to visit the site in order to keep the project on track. Lane Associates Ltd will endeavour to give you as much advance notice of this as possible.

• Regular Reporting to Customer

  The Project Plan will identify key points at which you will receive a formal update on the progress of your project.

  In addition to these updates, Lane Associates Ltd will endeavour to provide you with weekly updates either by email or by telephone.

HAND OVER

Final site visit

A visit by both you and Lane Associates Ltd will take place once all aspects of the project, including snagging, have been completed. At this point you will have the opportunity to carry out a final inspection of the work on your property.

Once you are satisfied that the project has been completed in accordance with your requirements, Lane Associates Ltd will hand over the final project dossier, containing all relevant documentation, including approvals, certificates, Artisan receipts and warranties, and any other paperwork related to your project.