This year the Chambre de métiers and the l’artisanat de la Mayenne issued me with an ‘Identification card’.  This ‘Carte Professionnelle’ is a handy and quick way to find out whether a builder is registered.

The card contains the name and address of the ‘Artisan’, along with his registered trade (or trades), the date he registered with the Chambre de métiers and his N° immactriculation.

There is also a photo (and I should say that I’m looking pretty dapper in mine) on the back of the card, and a fluorescent orange strip on the front which apparently guaranties the authenticity of the card. On the orange strip it is written ‘cette bande orange fluorescent garantit l’authenticité de la carte professionnelle’.

Obviously, any registered builder would be happy to show his card to prove his legitimacy, and since any worker can be asked for proof whilst working by the authorities, normally, the card should be  available at all times.

So, protect yourselves …… ask to see the card..!!!

English Builders in France are usually used by English clients because of the problem of communication with French Artisans.

If you are English, I should really say British- i’m sorry, and have decided to employ an English/British Builder, it would certainly be a good idea if the builder is registered and insured.

Read more on Checking Credentials of English Builders in France….

When trying to decide who to employ to change your home, you will have to decide on a number of criteria;

1. Competence for the job

2. Price

3. Ability to communicate

Read more on English Builders – Registered or not?…

Basically, there are two types are lime.

In French; Chaux Hydraulique and Chaux Aerienne. These limes are used in two different situations and it’s important to realize their differences.

Chaux Hydraulique is used in the undercoat layer when using lime in a render. When lime is mixed with Hemp (Chanvre), Chaux Hydraulique is used in this insulative layer. The properties of this lime make it suitable as it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere when the air is damp, and gives it back into the atmophere when the air is dry. This property means that the conditions inside a house where this lime render is used, are more constant. This phenonomen is known as a house which ‘breathes’.

Read more on Lime…