Checking Credentials of English Builders in France.
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.
I have used the word English because of the link with the language rather than a regional definition. I will try to use the word British where appropriate.
If the builder is registered he will have a Siret N°.
Any registered builder will give you his Siret N° on his quote and will not feel offended if you ask about his credentials.
If you would like to check the builders’ credentials there is a web-site you can use.
www.manageo.fr
On this site you can click on ‘Recherchez une Entreprise’ and you have the option of searching under various categaries.
You can use any of the following to find out whether the builder is registered with the Chambres de Métiers:
1. Raison Sociale …….this is the name of the company
2. N° Siren ……… please note this is not the same number as the Siret N°. The Siren N° is usually only the first nine numbers of the Siret N°.
3. Dirigeant……. Name of the Boss.
4. N° de tel……. telephone number.
When you fill in any one of these pieces of information, you will receive the name and address of the person if they are registered.
This site does not give you what the person or company is registered to do but it does tell you if they are registered.
It’s very easy to use and at least gives a small piece of mind.
If you fill in the telephone number, for instance, and nothing comes up, try using a different criteria for your search. Perhaps the telephone number you have been given was not the same number as was given to the Chambres de Métires when the company was registered.
Perhaps try searching the company’s name and also the Siren N° in two separate searches.
My advice is find a builder who is registered and insured.
i was give details by an english builder who says he is registered with the chambre du commerce not the chambre du metier. Is this normal or not.
mark
If someone is registered with the chambre de commerce, it means that they sell things, they do not sell their time. A builder will be registered with the chambre de metiers. He is a worker and sells his time.
Very interesting and amusing subject. I read with great pleasure.
Interesting and informative. But will you write about this one more?
Hmm… I read blogs on a similar topic, but i never visited your blog. I added it to favorites and i’ll be your constant reader.
Thanks for the encouraging comment. I will endeavour to continue as I have started…..
When I find any new information, and I have a spare few minutes inbetween repairing old properties, I’ll pass the information on…..
Thanks.
Does the so called builder also offer bed & breakfast on his web site because if he does do not touch him, we had him do some work and he had to be removed from site. I just wish i had known the chambre du commerce was not for builders which i was made aware of too late. We employed another builder to finish the work and he ended up removing all work before him as it was not safe and met no regulations in France. I can recommend the second builder we had who done an outstanding job and did not cost much more than the first cowboy. I have learnt always check referenced before signing the devis.