By Simon Frost Construction • Renovation 0 Comments

Found your dream French home needs renovating? We can help

Imagine. You have found the French property of your dreams. It is in the perfect location – however, the property needs significant renovation.

Finding the ideal home in France is what many of us long for, but when we do it can feel overwhelming thinking about the organisation of the build or renovation project and the decisions that need to be made and the paperwork to complete.

We understand that.

Since 2005 Kiwi Construction has been working in France undertaking all types of renovations – interior and exterior – with specialist expertise in heritage properties.

That is why whatever the project, our focus has and always will be taking away the pressure from our clients so that they can enjoy their lives.

Living in France, like all countries, can sometimes provide a particular set of challenges, particularly if you are not fluent in the language. We are fully bi-lingual and experienced in managing projects, including dealing with planning applications for example.

If the property requires partial or complete demolition, we will organise this and dispose of the rubbish to ensure a clean and tidy site on completion.

Co-ordination of many projects – large and small – often involves working with a number of different artisanal trades; that’s our job, allowing our clients to deal with just one: us!

We can similarly help with the interior decoration to achieve that stylish finish to a property.

Grant Norris, co-owner of Kiwi Construction, oversees all elements of a renovation/build project as well as helping clients to choose the right tiles and select the colour of paint they are looking for to ensure that the end product is a home that our client will love.

At all times, our role is to plan for the long term. We will make sure a property is designed exactly to our client’s requirements, with all work guaranteed for 10 years.

If you would like to discover more about our services, please click on the Facebook Messenger link https://m.me/KiwiConstructionFrance?ref=w6184123.

Kiwi Construction delivers professional expertise, exceptional customer service and quality construction to all its’ clients covering the Biarritz, the Pays Basque and Landes departments.

Contact:
Grant & Joeline Norris
+33 (0)6 03 18 53 31
grant.norris@wanadoo.fr

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By Simon Frost Construction • Renovation • Windows and Doors 4 Comments

Beautiful bifold doors for your home in France

Bifold doors are the perfect solution in many parts of the home.

Sometimes referred to as folding sliding doors, bifold doors are incredibly flexible. They are useful for connecting an interior to a terrace, a swimming pool or maybe to a covered exterior gallery and a conservatory.

Bifold doors slide open easily; the panels are designed to fold up against the wall like a concertina. Unlike older designed doors, bifolds slide smoothly into place providing a contemporary look for your home.

Bifold doors are strong, secure, easy to use and stylish, too.

What are the other benefits of bifolds?

  1. Cool in the summer, warm in the winter. On a hot sunny day, open your bifolds to cool a room. When it’s cold, bifolds are thermally efficient to keep your home snug and cosy.
  2. Bifolds are space efficient. Unlike patio doors, bifolds fold-up neatly allowing you to use the wall space.
  3. Bifolds bring the natural light into your home. This is especially useful if you are seeking to brighten a dark area with sunlight.
  4. Bifolds are low maintenance. Because they have fewer panes or frames you will spend less time cleaning. Properly fitted bifolds – by a professional – will not require regular maintenance or repair. (All of our work is guaranteed for 10 years).
  5. They look fab!

We think therefore that bifold doors are ideal for your home in France.

We only fit the very best quality bifold doors.

That’s why we have teamed up with Polish company AL-Tech who are market leaders in aluminium windows, bifold doors and more. AL-Tech has a range of Swiss, German and Czech engineering business partners and all fixtures and fittings comply strictly with French requirements – RT 2012 – for building and installation.

If you would like to discover more about our services, please click on the Facebook Messenger link https://m.me/KiwiConstructionFrance?ref=w6184123.

Kiwi Construction delivers professional expertise, exceptional customer service and quality construction to all its’ clients covering the Biarritz, the Pays Basque and Landes departments.

 

Contact:

Grant & Joeline Norris

+33 (0)6 03 18 53 31

grant.norris@wanadoo.fr

https://www.kiwiconstruction.fr/         

 

#renovation #France #artisans #buyingpropertyinfrance #landes #paysbasque  #holidayhomes #bearn #landes #windows

 

By Simon Frost Construction • General Information • Region 0 Comments

Summer and autumn festivals in Les Landes and Pays Basque

During the late summer and autumn, the days are gradually shortening but there is still plenty to enjoy in Les Landes and the Pays Basque with its many fêtes and musical events.

The warmth of the summer sun and the cooler evenings is a positive invitation to everyone to enjoy a good party, the streets rich in colour with the local celebrations.

Many villages and small towns continue with the tradition of a summer festival and it is a good way to meet people as well as sample the delicious food and drink. Indeed, there are at least 40 events in Les Landes during the first 3 weeks of August, ranging from our own community of Tihl (2 – 5 August) to the larger festival in Capbreton (9 – 11 August). There are sadly too many to name individually!

La Fête Du Sel is a 4 day festival (12, 13, 14 & 15 September) in the town of Salies-de-Béarn.   The name “Salies” derives from the French word “sel”(salt) to describe the saline water content in the surrounding area. Salt is recognised historically for its beneficial properties resulting in Salies-de-Béarn becoming a popular Spa town.  The festival programme includes concerts, street markets, dancing, parades and lots of other activities. It is not to be missed!

Another of our favourites is the La Fête du Piment à Espelette in the Pays Basque. The annual event takes place at the end of October (26 & 27) when the town is transformed into a riot of ruby red, spicy peppers (piments in French), which you can see displayed all around the town. The festival attracts 20,000 people and is now in its 51st year.

We hope you enjoy the rest of the summer.

If you would like to discover more about our services, please click on the Facebook Messenger link https://m.me/KiwiConstructionFrance?ref=w6184123.

Kiwi Construction delivers professional expertise, exceptional customer service and quality construction to all its’ clients covering the Biarritz, the Pays Basque and Landes departments.

Contact:

Grant & Joeline Norris

+33 (0)6 03 18 53 31

grant.norris@wanadoo.fr

https://www.kiwiconstruction.fr/         

By Simon Frost Construction • General Information • News 0 Comments

3 fabulous festivals 🎊 not to miss this summer 🌞

We love to party – and the summer is the perfect time to do this in the Landes and the Pays Basque. We have selected three of the very best summer festivals; full of colour, music, dancing, street theatre and of course plenty of delicious food and drink.

  1. Fêtes de la Madeleine – Mont-de-Marsan

For five nights in July, the capital town of Les Landes celebrates the traditional festival of Madeleine with concerts, events, shows, meals and other entertainment.  You will see thousands of people enjoying the festival in blue and white outfits. Plenty of animations for all the family to enjoy! 17 to 21 July 2019.

  1. Fêtes de Bayonne

Bayonne is a captivating little city of timber-framed houses set on the confluence of two rivers. Every July a 5 day festival is held which is the largest in France. Like other festivals, people will dress up in red and white (matching the colours of the Spanish city, Pamplona) and enjoy the music, street theatre and parades. 24 July to 28 July 2019.

  1. Dax, La Feria

Each year in mid-August, the town of Dax holds its feria, a gathering mixing bullfighting – bloodless – and popular celebrations for all the generations. During the five days and five nights of this festival, there are hundreds of thousands of visitors dressed in red and white, singing and dancing to the sound of bandas orchestras and musicians. 14 – 18 August 2019.

Enjoy the summer – and hope you have an opportunity to visit our beautiful region and wonderful festivals.

If you would like to discover more about our services, please click on the Facebook Messenger link https://m.me/KiwiConstructionFrance?ref=w6184123.

Kiwi Construction delivers professional expertise, exceptional customer service and quality construction to all its’ clients covering the Biarritz, the Pays Basque and Landes departments.

 

Contact:

Grant & Joeline Norris

+33 (0)6 03 18 53 31

By Simon Frost General Information • News • Region 0 Comments

Exploring the delightful great lakes and coastline of the Landes

Spectacularly beautiful coastline, glorious sandy beaches, great lakes and pine forests…. Welcome to the Les Landes in South West France.

This stunningly attractive region has been our home for 30 years.  We love the people, the lifestyle, the delicious food and drink and also the exceptional heritage and history… and for us it is the sheer natural beauty which Les Landes offers that makes this a great place to live.

If you are someone who enjoys the outdoors and the natural landscape, this part of France is a treat and is a perfect choice to go biking, hiking, horse riding and – of course – the fantastic opportunities for surfing and all kinds of water sports.

The area known as the Côte Nature et Grands Lacs stretches from Léon in the south to Sanguinet to the north, a land of open space, beaches and luxuriant vegetation, with the vast pine forests edging the sandy beaches.  Between these two points there are impressive lakes which are ideal for fishing and water activities, small ports and marinas offering superb sailing experiences and plenty of flora and fauna. All-in-all, Les Landes is an oasis of nature providing a close connection with the wildlife and natural world that we share our planet with.

Whenever we have the chance, we love to take the bikes and cycle around the region, taking the time to stop, relax and appreciate the magnificent countryside and coastline.

In truth, it is difficult to say which part of the region we love the most, as the choice is so varied. However, if you live in Les Landes or come here as a visitor, we would love to know what your favourite place is… click on the Facebook Messenger link https://m.me/KiwiConstructionFrance?ref=w6184123

Kiwi Construction delivers professional expertise, exceptional customer service and quality construction to all its’ clients covering the Biarritz, the Pays Basque and Landes departments.

Contact:

Grant & Joeline Norris

+33 (0)6 03 18 53 31

grant.norris@wanadoo.fr

https://www.kiwiconstruction.fr/         

By Simon Frost Construction • Renovation • Windows and Doors 0 Comments

Discover the delightful sweet and dry wines of the Jurançon region

The Jurançon wine region is discreetly situated in the beautiful part of South West France where we live. The stunning Atlantic coastline is to our west, we have the lush green forests of the Landes, the city of Bordeaux to the north and further south it is not too long before reaching the foothills of the Pyrénées and the gateway to Spain. And we love it.

What is there not to appreciate about Jurançon wines? They are wonderful!

They are either delectably sweet or perfectly dry – and a glass of Jurançon is fabulous with foie gras.

It’s fair to say that Jurançon wine is less well known than other appellations, however, we can claim that it is one of the oldest. The appellation dates back as far as the late 14th century when the best vineyard areas were recognised and valued by the princes of Béarn and the parliament of Navarre for taxation purposes.

Why are Jurançon wines so good? The weather certainly helps – the combination of the cool sea breeze from the ocean, the dry warm Föhn winds from the Pyrénées and the pleasantly hot summer temperatures providing a longer period of time for the delicious grapes to ripen.

Virtually all of the grapes grown in the region are white, mostly from the Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng, with a third variety being the Camaralet de Lasseube. These grape varieties have adapted well to the climatic conditions, with the fruit growing high above the ground. This benefits the grape by avoiding the worst of the spring frosts, making the grapes very resistant and hardy.

If you have never visited this fantastic region before, why not come and try Jurançon wines for yourself?

Santé!

Kiwi Construction delivers professional expertise, exceptional customer service and quality construction to all its’ clients covering the Biarritz, the Pays Basque and Landes departments.

Contact:

Grant & Joeline Norris

+33 (0)6 03 18 53 31

grant.norris@wanadoo.fr

https://www.kiwiconstruction.fr/         

 

By Simon Frost Construction • Renovation 0 Comments

Realise your French dream – and avoid costly mistakes 

Renovating a property in France is the dream for many of us.  We love the characterful properties, the laid back lifestyle and of course the spectacular coastline and countryside.

The Landes in South West France is a popular destination for many homebuyers who appreciate the unspoilt natural landscape, the respect for the environment, its close proximity to Spain as well as the excellent transport links to cities such as Bordeaux and Paris.

Once you find the house that you have been looking for, it can be tempting to press ahead without necessarily giving sufficient time or consideration to the finer details in planning your construction project. However, in the long run this haste could prove very costly indeed.

Recently there has been a good case in point. On the French Riviera, the owner of a €50 million château has been instructed by the court to demolish his property because he had not obtained proper planning permission.

This maybe an extreme example; it is important to note though that the construction of any building over 10 m2 requires planning permission. It always pays to ensure you have the right permits.

Also, if you carry out any renovations yourself and decide to sell on your property, you will be liable for the cost of maintaining these improvements for a period up to 10 years. That is why all professional artisans hold what is called decennial insurance.

Fortunately there is a solution: at Kiwi Construction we can do all phases of renovations for both interior and exterior projects specifically specialising in heritage properties. We have been working in the region since 2005 and therefore have more than 15 years’ local knowledge. We understand the sensitivities of local planning and have our own in-house draughtsman who has 30 years’ experience.

If you are considering any kind of renovation project please contact us and we will be happy to talk through your ideas whatever the challenges. We make the impossible, possible!

Kiwi Construction delivers professional expertise, exceptional customer service and quality construction to all its’ clients covering the Biarritz, the Pays Basque and Landes departments.

windows france
By KiwiAdmin2016 News • Windows and Doors 0 Comments

Replace your windows and doors to stay warmer and greener

Our planet is getting warmer for sure: glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising and average temperatures are getting hotter. We all have a responsibility to look after our environment for the generations of today and tomorrow – and by using energy more efficiently in our homes, we can all play a part.

How can we do this?

The average home in France loses between 25 – 30% of its energy through windows, doors and roofs, with many older properties lacking proper insulation and with single or double panes of glass which have poor heat retaining qualities.

However, recent improvements in the manufacturing process mean that modern windows and doors are much more energy efficient and also provide improved acoustic insulation.

Who benefits? By installing new windows or doors, your home will cost less to heat – and it will help the environment too with reduced greenhouse gas emissions from the use of electricity and fossil fuels.

Finding suppliers of quality windows and doors which are manufactured to the highest standards, are aesthetically beautiful and are highly energy efficient is crucially important to us. That’s why we have teamed up with AL-Tech to supply windows, doors, sliding doors, pergolas, gazebos, garage doors, aluminium framework and automated roller shutters. The company is a market leader in PVCu, aluminium and timber profile windows and all of the fixtures and fittings comply fully with French requirements – RT 2012 – for building and installation.

Here at Kiwi Construction we specialise in renovation and construction projects, particularly heritage properties. We respect the character of older properties, for example by retaining or enhancing original features, whilst improving the thermal insulation and energy efficiency of a house.

There are many ways in which we can become greener and reduce our energy use: if you would like to discuss how we can help, including whether you need a particular bespoke solution, please get in touch.

Kiwi Construction delivers professional expertise, exceptional customer service and quality construction to all its’ clients covering the Biarritz, the Pays Basque and Landes departments.