Building a home can quickly turn into a headache if you are misinformed. The manufacturer’s choice to the materials, make the best decisions before you start construction and avoids embarrassment.

Finding common ground

Different choices present themselves to get their hands on a building site. You can view:
ads from individuals, or contact them directly: the terrain offered by individuals are often unserviced. Then it is your responsibility to take the steps necessary for different links. Ask the DASS for sewer hookups and DDE to sewage services. Contact also where appropriate suppliers of water, electricity, gas and telephone.

addresses land developers: they offer already serviced land in allotment, which require however to submit to the subdivision regulation. The surface is guaranteed by the square meter.

The CCMI (Construction Contract of single-family)

This is the most practical and least demanding. An exclusive contact is responsible for all trades. A contract to map out the steps involved in the completion of your project, the final price to features of the project.

It states:
the situation of the land;
its area;
the project conforms to zoning regulations;
a description and an information leaflet;
the construction price of the house;
arrangements for review and payment;
turnaround times and cost of construction, which the purchaser reserves the performance;
the date of opening of the site;
the penalties for late delivery;
the possibility for the purchaser to be assisted by a specialist upon receipt;
justification for the money back guarantee;
the various conditions precedent.

The architect

The architect’s role is to:
advise you in your project;
establish plans of your home;
orchestrate the various craftsmen;
monitor progress of the project, validate or challenge them if necessary.

It also organizes regular meetings with the various trades (plumbing, masonry) to ensure the smooth execution of work and meeting deadlines.

Artisans

You must sign a construction contract with each craftsman you request. Please include in contracts and specifications of all elements that determine the responsibility of each company. Know that every company must establish a ten-year warranty, which covers the successive owners against defects and workmanship for 10 years. This guarantee is mandatory.

As prime contractor, you must also purchase insurance « works damage ». With it, all repairs covered by the ten-year guarantee you are refunded without waiting for a court order, and prevents you from waiting for the reimbursement of any costs or work by the ten-year guarantee from the contractor (in especially in case of dispute). It is valid for all disorders within the ten-year warranty. This is the insurance company providing this service which turns against the head of damage. It also covers any problems that may occur during the construction period.

Important: you do hire a builder with a construction company or an architect overseeing the work, you must obtain a guarantee of delivery. It is typically issued by a financial institution that is committed to complete construction and in case of failure of the manufacturer. However, it is for private sites, very difficult to obtain. However, you can define contractual penalties for late payment, due by artisans as appropriate.

To make the right decisions

Do not hesitate to seek advice from professionals around you in your construction project. Specialized organizations can also help you make the right decisions. So you can turn to:
Agency of Environment and Energy Control (ADEME);
Info-Spaces Energy in your area;
Certification Bodies (Promotelec, Qualibois …);
EDF, Gaz de France, …

Subsidized loans for construction or work from home are becoming more common and come in many variations. You can read about various grants and loans:
1% housing;
home savings;
0% rate;
loans from pension funds;
loans from local authorities;
ready for social home.