France's loi Carrez – why is it so important? The loi Carrez – why is it so important (I have only come across this concept in France)? Which areas are counted?
Is there a recourse over French home diagnostic error? The energy diagnostic certificate used when we bought our house was wrong. Can we force the issuing professional to carry out work so it matches what is stated?
Buyer pulled out in France – do I get compensation? I signed a compromis de vente with a buyer for my property at the notaire’s, then he pulled out without giving a reason. Will I receive compensation? J.T.
practical Facade renovation for our home in France We have been told it is a legal requirement to “upgrade” the facade of our home in France every 15 years. Is this right?
Do I need an asbestos report for my home in France? I have been told I need to have a report into asbestos to get work done on my home. Is this correct? We did not need this a few years ago. F.B.
Energy evaluation before selling French property We are selling our property and have been told we must have an energy evaluation carried out. It’s an old property and we have not upgraded insulation – will we have to make changes following this evaluation to be able to sell it
Do we lose our guarantee rights? We have had work done on our home which required an architect. I understand these works are guaranteed via his insurance but what happens should the architect retire (he is elderly) - or even die. Do we lose our guarantee rights?
French home boundaries causes sale issue We had a geometric survey advising boundary shifts but cannot get our mairie, which owns the adjoining land, to sign them off, so we cannot sell our house. What can we do? P.M.
Are non-RGE workers not legally registered? I have been advised to only use renovation professionals who are ‘RGE’ registered – does this mean other workers are not legally registered? T.B.
We want to install a Jacuzzi or hot tub in our garden Can you tell me the rules and does it need a safety cover? G.S.
Planning restrictions for building conservatories If we add a conservatory to our house in Brittany we can give ourselves a bit of extra space to enjoy our garden... but we would need to know more about any possible planning restrictions and, apart from the costs, if there is a financial impact. Can you help? J.M.
Legal formalities of building wall with neighbour We have spoken to our neighbours about building a dividing wall between our two properties and they are in agreement. They have said they will share costs as it will allow us both to grow plants to improve our properties. Are there any legal formalities, such as registering it with the notaire? L.N.
Insurance to cover heat pump We have a new-build house and I am planning to fit a heat pump to cut our heating and hotwater costs. What insurance will cover the work being done? M.T.
Starting work with building permit We were told our permis de construire application for a workshop should be approved without problem. Can you tell us when we will be able to start work on the project? J.C. Landlord responsibilities for unfurnished properties Planning a swimming pool in our garden Forced to upgrade internet contract
Can we turn our garage into a spare room? We no longer use our car and have no more need for our garage so, as it is built on to the house, would it be possible to turn it into a spare room for visitors? Can you say how we should go about it and what formalities we need to complete? T.M. Labrador Tag Feed Labrador Tag Feed Labrador Tag Feed Labrador Tag Feed Labrador Tag Feed