🔨Trades & Renovation
Practical guidance for hiring artisans, checking businesses, understanding French renovation requirements and avoiding costly mistakes.
🔨All Trades & Renovation Guides
Comprehensive advisory and legal insights published by VeriLocal for trades & renovation.
How to Avoid Renovation Scams and Bad Contractors in France
Learn how to avoid renovation scams and bad contractors in France. Check SIRET, insurance, devis, references, payments and common red flags before hiring.
How to Check a French Tradesperson Before You Hire Them
Learn how to check a French tradesperson before hiring them, including SIRET registration, décennale insurance, experience, references, devis and common red flags.
Understanding a French Devis: What Must Be Included in an Artisan’s Quote by Law
A French devis is more than a price estimate. For building and renovation work, it provides important information about the contractor, the work being proposed, the price, VAT, timing and applicable insurance. Once you accept the quote, it can become a legally binding contract.
Garantie Décennale in France: What Property Owners Actually Need to Check
If you are hiring a builder, roofer, mason, plumber or other construction professional in France, checking their Garantie Décennale should be part of your due diligence before work begins.
French SIRET Number Check: How to Verify a Business or Artisan
Learn how to check a French SIRET number against official business records. Verify the business, establishment, address and status before hiring an artisan or company.
Key Answers: Trades & Renovation
Q:How do I verify a tradesperson or artisan in France before hiring them?
Always verify their active legal registration via their 14-digit SIRET number on official French business databases (such as INPI or Infogreffe). Check that their registered business activity code (Code APE/NAF) corresponds directly to the work being performed, and ensure their civil liability and 10-year insurance (Garantie Décennale) is active.
Q:What is Garantie Décennale and who must provide it?
Under Article 1792 of the French Civil Code, Garantie Décennale is mandatory 10-year defect liability insurance covering structural works, foundations, load-bearing walls, roofs, and waterproofing. Every builder, roofer, mason, and contractor executing structural or integral works must provide a valid décennale certificate before opening the site.
Q:Is a signed French Devis a legally binding contract?
Yes. Once a devis (quote) is accepted with the handwritten words "Bon pour accord", signed and dated by both parties, it becomes a legally binding contract under French consumer and commercial law. Any changes in cost or scope require a formal written avenant (amendment).
Need Verified Business Information for Trades & Renovation?
Search businesses with audited legal registrations (SIRET), verified 10-year defect insurance (Décennale), and authentic customer reviews across Southwest France.