French Reno Diaries - Rants & Bants! (The one where Rosie slips on her Riot Women shoes)

What are you really paying for when you hire an artisan in France? Why do two quotes for the same work look so different? How much profit do artisans make on renovation work?

If you're asking yourself (or Google) these questions, you'll find all the answers here!

In this Rants & Bants episode, Rosie, Sue and Micala talk openly about the realities of running trade businesses in France - and what homeowners often misunderstand about how those businesses work (spoiler: we’re not milking you for all you’re worth and driving around in Ferraris).

We also hear about Sue's upcoming adventure in Kenya, where she’ll be building a mud hut for a family. Please consider supporting the project via Sue’s Just Giving page - even the smallest contribution will help provide tools, classroom resources, hot meals, and support for families who have so little.

👂If the money-talk in this episode grabbed your attention, make sure you listen to Episode #2 Why budgets blow: The brutal truth about renovation costs in France.

Resources mentioned in the episode

• Nasio Trust – UK charity supporting communities in Kenya through housing and education projects
• Facebook expat and renovation groups – places where renovation questions are often asked (and misinformation spreads)
• Riot Women (BBC One) – TV series about women finding their voice later in life

Mini glossary (for new renovators in France)

• Devis – a formal written quote for works
• Artisan – a qualified tradesperson operating in France
• TVA – French VAT
• BTP – ‘Bâtiment et travaux publics’ (the French construction and public works sector)

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Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis)

S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell)

Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins)