Your
Guide to Building in France
Getting the Most from your French Property
» Building Construction in France
Do you have property in France you want to renovate or develop? There's a lot you need to
know about French building law before you set out, everything from making an application to build and getting
the building permit (Permis de Construire) to the requirements for safety in design and structure (the
Documents Techniques Unifies or DTUs),
and the obligation to adhere to the norms (Normes Francaises or NF). Find out about the role of the
maitre d'ouvrage, the requirements
for insurance in a project (dommage ouvrage) and how value added tax (TVA) is calculated on a house
alteration and a new build. Make sure that your building construction project or home renovation is a success.
» Planning & Permits for Building & Alterations in France
Before you can start a building project in France, regardless of whether it's a house
alteration, property renovation, home extension or a complete new build, there is a complicated sequence of
steps you need to follow to make sure that you stick to French building regulations. The Code de l'Urbanisme is
the law which controls all construction in France and before you can begin you need to apply for a permit to build
(demande de Permis de Construire) and a Certificate d'Urbanisme. This AngloINFO INFOrmation Page explains the many
building permit types and the terminology you'll come across such as Plan d'Ocupations des Sols (POS) and Coefficient
d'Occupation du Sol (COS) during your property development project.
» Building & Renovation in France
AngloINFO has a flourishing network of local websites across France and Monaco, collecting and publishing the most
relevant information to the specific region where you live or plan to move. If you know where your life in France will be, why
not get in touch with one of the many local English-speaking building and renovation suppliers
that AngloINFO has listed in the following regions:
» The French Certificat d’Urbanisme Planning Permit
The Certificat d’Urbanisme (CDU) is a certificate of town planning or urban development in France.
You need this in order to undertake any building, construction, renovation or development on a French property.
The AngloINFO INFOrmation Page explains where and how to find out about the development possibilities of a property
(the relevé or matrice cadastraux) and the differences between an operational certificate of town planning, and a certificate
of information. Find out what you need to know about the building permit (Permis de Construire), making the declaration of works
(Declaration de Travaux) and other things you need to know before your building project can begin.
» Septic Tanks & Wastewater in France
Information on the regulations, workings, installation and maintenance of a
septic tank wastewater system - the French fosse septiques - in France.
» French Building Jargon GuideThe words you need to know in French - and their English equivalents when engaged in building or renovating a property in France.» Plumbing & Domestic Water Supply in FranceAn introduction to French plumbing and water supply systems: what you need to know about the high calcium content of the water, the water pressure, copper and PVC pipes and joints and the most commonly encountered plumbing problems in France.» The French Domestic Electrical SystemThe basics on French house wiring and how it compares to home electrics in the United Kingdom. |