ACCOMPANIED VISITS

Simon is able to accompany you on initial property viewings acting as an English/French interpreter. He can also provide an objective view of the condition of the property and an indication of the extent of any renovation work that may be necessary.

ONGOING SITE VISITS

As your dedicated Project Manager, Simon will organise further site visits in order to ensure progress.

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SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION

One of the challenges of renovating in France can be the language, particularly understanding official jargon and regional dialects. Many of our clients agree that having access to someone who speaks French fluently can significantly improve the experience.

At Simon Lane LLP we aim to remove the language ‘barrier’ by providing simultaneous translation during meetings with French estate agents, property owners, solicitors, architects, and artisans.

WRITTEN TRANSLATIONS

Often our UK-based clients receive, and are required to respond to, correspondence from a variety of official bodies in France, such as local government offices, water authorities or electricity providers. Simon Lane LLP can provide written or verbal 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. Simon Lane LLP has the appropriate contacts in France to be able to provide this level of service should it be required.

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Simon Lane LLP can supply a full and detailed Project Report outlining the general condition of the property and detailing any renovation work required. The report can also be supplied in French should you so desire.

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PROJECT PLAN

As part of our Project Management service Simon Lane LLP can provide a full and detailed Project Plan with illustrations down to task level, allowing you to understand and keep track of progress.

Each Project Plan is based on a 'Critical Path' time frame and shows all major and minor milestones, along with target dates and details of any obligatory French permit applications required.

Our aim is to provide you with as much information as possible at each stage of your project so that you are fully aware, from the outset, of the level of involvement of all parties.

SOURCING OF FRENCH ARTISANS

Simon Lane LLP helps you to identify the capability and availability of artisans appropriate to your project. While we encourage clients to engage local artisans wherever possible, we are equally happy to work with your preferred trades people in achieving the objectives of your individual project.

Contracts are made directly with the client, in which case it is important to ensure that only those 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 can be very different to those used in the UK. There is a common misconception that buying fixtures and fittings at home can save you money; special offers at UK stores can be very tempting. Unfortunately some items could cause more problems and cost in the long-term.

The following examples show some frequently made mistakes:

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



• UK pendant light fittings and wall switches do not comply with French regulations and, in addition, are sized differently



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

French building materials also differ quite significantly to those used in the UK:

• French plaster requires a lot more skill to apply than English plaster



• French building sand is more akin to UK sharp sand, and varies in quality from region to region



• French prepared wood for skirting boards architraves etc can often be of poor quality

Simon Lane LLP is able to provide advice on opportunities for cost savings and the best solutions for your project from the start.

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APPOINTMENT OF ARTISANS

• Devis

  A Devis is a Quotation. In order to validate the Devis and formalise the contract between the client and the artisan it should be signed and dated by both parties.

MATERIALS ORDERING

• Establishing a Customer Account

  Some French material suppliers operate in a different way to those in the UK. Clients may be asked to supply a 'hostage', or blank, cheque (cheque otage), which will remain with the supplier until settlement of your account or, more frequently in France, suppliers will accept a credit card payment.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Liaison with French Artisans

  Simon Lane LLP can carry out all communications with your artisans. Our aim is to establish availability in line with the Project Plan, and to ensure that deadlines are understood and met.

• Resolution of Issues

  Simon Lane LLP can deal with all issues arising during the term of the Project. Should any problems occur we aim to resolve them in line with the scope of the project or we can act as intermediary between you and your French artisan.

• Ongoing Site Visits

  Simon Lane LLP can 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.

• Regular Reporting

  During the life of your project Simon Lane LLP can provide weekly updates either by email or by telephone in line with your specific requirements.

HAND OVER

• Final Site Visit

  Following completion of your project, Simon Lane can visit your property with you in order to carry out a final inspection of the work carried out.

  Once you are satisfied that the project has been completed in accordance with your requirements, Simon Lane LLP will hand over the final project file, containing all relevant documentation including approvals, receipts and warranties.
  
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