Samantha2311

Hi
I’ve had a quick search but every answer seems to bring more questions

We have found a plot of building land in Normandy (which is the area we love to go to as a family) there is a derelict building on the land in a bad state of repair. Has anyone ever put a log cabin on the land whilst building/renovating?

Our thoughts are that we can still visit with the kids and it will mean we have a guest place for family to stay. The land is just over an acre so there is plenty of room.

We know we'll never make any money only spend obscene amounts doing it up but it will give my children a much better environment to be in. We won’t be able to move permanently until the youngest leaves school as he is in a special school here and there doesn’t seem to be provision for autistic children there. Although if anyone knows anything different that’d be great.

For those that have renovated property do you have any advice on where to find a good builder/artisan.

Any help will be massively appreciated

Thank you 😊

dmu

Hi, and welcome to the forum!
Go along to the Mairie to find out the "status" of the derelict building. If it's classified as agricultural (a barn, etc..), they may not grant a permis de construire for living purposes, and even if it's classified as "habitable", you would need a permis to extend further than the original construction (outwards and upwards, new windows, etc...). A construction (proposed log cabin) larger than 5 m² would need a permis....
https://www.service-public.fr/partic...osdroits/F1986
gives info, only the local Mairie can give details of what's allowed in the Commune....
You're doing well to wait until your son has finished his education. Take a look at the "Autism" thread in the Read-Me: Moving to France FAQs above, to be aware of the (lack of) facilities for autistic children in France.
Good luck!

cyrian

Hi
You have found a plot but you should have a look around the local area where I am sure that you will find local builders who will build a brand new modern house on the plot.
This is what the french do because this type of house will eventually sell better.
HTH

EuroTrash

Just seconding the comments already made, really.

As said, if the log cabin is over Xsq m and you're going to live in it, it'll need to conform to the same normes as any other new residential building (insulation, carbon footprint etc), including functional septic tank if not on mains drainage.

First stop should be to see the mayor to sound out whether all the permissions would likely be forthcoming, and if it looks like a go-er, to make friends with him, get him onside, ask if he could suggest local artisans, etc.

Samantha2311

I think we are hoping to find a property for renovating as this is something hubby loves doing. I suppose if we buy land only then building a modern house will be out only choice.
Thank you 😊

Samantha2311

Thank you for your reply.
We are waiting to hear from the estate agent if there is septic or main drainage. On one property there is all services to the front and so they would need connecting. We go out on the 14th of March to view 6 properties. 4 are in Lower Normandy and 2 in the Limousin area. I think we’re put off the Limousin because of the length of time to travel from the north of the UK 😊

graham.miln

If you end up looking at land without a pre-existing property, be sure to get the certficat d'urbanisme.

Be wary of trusting that all the services are "on the border." Part of the process of obtaining the certficat d'urbanisme involves asking the water, electricity, and sewerage suppliers to vet the property and provide a guide to what will be involved in getting connected. Ideally, each will say it is a simple connection (branchement/raccordement).

The certficat d'urbanisme can only be obtained by the land owner.

Good luck and hope your visits go well!