French Reno Diaries - Rants & Bants! (The one where Sue sticks it to the man who bought a village)

Rants & Bants episodes are informal, off-the-cuff chats - think of them like secretly recorded calls. Less polish, more spontaneity - but always insightful!

What we discuss in this episode

• Why renovation TV and YouTube often create unrealistic expectations (for a deeper dive into this topic, listen to Episode #3: The reality behind the dream: What YouTube and TV shows don't tell you about renovating in France.
• The hidden realities behind “cheap” French properties and big renovation dreams.
• Awkward truths about quotes, costs and why trades need to make a profit (for more about costs, listen to Episode #2 Why budgets blow: The brutal truth about renovation costs in France).
• Common misconceptions about setting up hospitality or renovation-led businesses in France, and what gets overlooked in the excitement phase.

Resources and shows mentioned in the episode

• Help! I Bought a Village – TV series following a large-scale renovation project
• French renovation TV & YouTube shows – inspiration, but not instruction manuals
• Facebook renovation groups – shared experiences (advice should be verified)

Mini glossary (for new renovators in France)

• Devis – a formal written quote for works
• Artisan – a qualified tradesperson in France
• Mairie – the local town hall; key for local rules and admin
• Micro-entrepreneur – a small-business status in France (with legal limits)

Connect

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Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com

Find out more about us and our French reno businesses:

Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis)

S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell)

Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins)

Credits:

• Produced & mixed by: Katy Wright
• Music: Grand Project