What surprises should I anticipate to avoid?

[billybutcher]

@Mik_Bennett

Speaking to people who have bought “doer uppers” the advice seems to be to prepare a very detailed costed assessment of all the work you will need to do — then double it.

Allow 1500-2000€ per square metre of renovation, more if the ANABF need to be involved or you want a particularly high level of fit and finish.

Then, when you have your final estimate double it as per the sage advice of Mr Bennett. Ah, I see you have taken this on board

@Porridge

Don’t try to bribe anyone.

@Porridge beat me to this one - no, don’t, under any circumstances, try to bribe any official.

I would also urge caution about hiring anyone working “on the black” - make sure there is a siret/siren (which needs to be appropriate for the work being done) and get a devis (quote) for all works.

Also remember French Artisans will do what is in the quote and not more. At least not without renegotiation.

@CaptainMorgan

Without wishing to appear too negative, at your age, do you really want the hassle of a “fixer upper” and rebuild project? I’m two years younger than you and I certainly wouldn’t take it on.

Equally we have a thread entitled Age is only a number, if you are genuinely fit and enthusiastic enough why not. My gather was still working at that age - though he retired a couple of years later and has not been the same since a serious bout of Covid, but he’s still with us at nearly 91 and @David_Spardo is fit and active in his 90’s).