Can I renovate my French Riviera villa while living abroad?

Before you leave: establish who can act on your behalf

Give the team the current plans, your priorities and the contact details of anyone authorised to open the house. If someone will sign or approve documents on your behalf, confirm the scope of their authority in writing. Ask the team to explain in your preferred working language which documents you are approving and which version will govern the agreement.

If you intend to change the roof, extend the villa or alter the exterior, verify the planning route for the particular property before setting a start date. Ask for the contractor’s assurance décennale certificate, the French ten-year liability insurance, and check that the relevant work is covered. Also check your obligations as owner for assurance dommages-ouvrage, the French building damage insurance.

During the works: set dates for decisions that affect price or timing

Choose two or three milestones when it would help to visit, or when a local representative can attend. Examples include the review of sample finishes and inspections before important work is concealed. For each requested change, have the team record the scope, revised price and timing before you authorise it. Check invoices against the agreed payment milestones.