This book contains 3 parts. Part One - the buying process - emphasizes the verification of the materials used in the property under consideration. For example, if a property is advertised as 'genuine 18th century' you can make sure that this is the case. Part Two - the 'bricks and mortar' part of the book - is designed to provide you with sufficient knowledge of French building methods and materials for you to understand estimates and evaluate what work should be done, and by whom. Part Three is designed to cut your costs wherever possible. It advises on which seals of quality to look for on materials you buy, how to get a loan to finance the work, and what factors to consider when choosing your builder.

Contents: Part One: First considerations; 1. Being clear about your aims; 2. Some typical and not so typical conversions, renovations and restorations; 3. Location, position and outlook; 4. Estate agents, visiting properties and the buying procedure; 5. Understanding the regulations; Part Two: Renovating your property; 6. Extensions and verandas; 7. Conversions; 8. Complete transformation and redesign; 9. Renovation; 10. Restoration; 11. Redecoration; 12. Outhouses, swimming pools and terraces; Part Three: Practical advice; 13. Basic materials and tools,; 14. Companies, materials and shopping around; 15. Cost, finance, VAT and taxation.