By KiwiAdmin2016 Construction • Renovation 0 Comments

Top tips for adding a conservatory or extension to your French home 🏡🛠️

Adding a conservatory or extension to your French home can be a delightful project, enhancing both living space and property value. Here are some top tips to make the process smooth and enjoyable!

  1. Research Local Regulations 📜 Start by understanding local planning regulations. French authorities often have specific guidelines for extensions to ensure architectural harmony. Check with your local municipality to avoid legal complications.
  2. Architectural Harmony 🏛️ Blend your extension with the existing architecture. French homes often boast charming aesthetics; replicate the style to maintain a cohesive look that complements the original structure.
  3. Choose Quality Materials 🛠️ Opt for materials that withstand the French climate. High-quality windows, durable roofing, and weather-resistant materials will ensure your conservatory stands the test of time.
  4. Prioritize Natural Light ☀️ Embrace the essence of a conservatory by maximizing natural light. Consider large windows or even a glass roof to create a bright, airy space that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape.
  5. Energy Efficiency 🌿 France values eco-friendly practices. Invest in energy-efficient windows and insulation to keep the space comfortable year-round. It not only aligns with sustainability but also reduces long-term energy costs.
  6. Landscaping Synergy 🌳 Plan your extension with the surrounding landscape in mind. Ensure the transition from indoor to outdoor is smooth, possibly incorporating a garden or terrace that complements the new space.
  7. Functional Design 🪞 Consider the purpose of the extension. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook or a spacious dining area, design with functionality in mind. French homes often emphasize the connection between indoor and outdoor living.
  8. Professional Guidance 🏢 Engage with local architects and builders who understand the nuances of French construction. Their expertise can be invaluable, ensuring your extension adheres to local building codes and aesthetic norms.
  9. Budget Wisely 💰 Set a realistic budget. While adding a conservatory is an investment, it’s essential to balance your dreams with financial constraints. Prioritize elements that add the most value to your lifestyle and property.
  10. Enjoy the Process 🎉 Lastly, enjoy the journey! Building an extension can be a rewarding experience. Take the time to appreciate the progress and the transformation of your French home into a more spacious and beautiful haven.

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 #multidisciplined #inhouse

By KiwiAdmin2016 Renovation 0 Comments

Top tips for renovating your bathroom

Renovating your bathroom can be a thrilling adventure, but it’s essential to tackle it with the right strategy. 🚿💫 Here are some key tips to make your bathroom renovation a success:

  1. Budget Wisely: Determine your renovation budget upfront. 📊 This will help you make choices that align with your financial limits and prioritize where to invest.
  2. Plan Ahead: Devise a detailed plan encompassing layout changes, fixtures, colors, and materials. 📝 Consider plumbing, electrical work, and permits to ensure a smooth process.
  3. DIY or Pro?: Assess your skills honestly. 🛠️ While tasks like painting are DIY-friendly, plumbing and electrical work are better left to experts.
  4. Quality Matters: Invest in durable, top-notch materials for fixtures and tiles. 💎 Though pricier, they pay off long-term by reducing repairs.
  5. Optimize Space: If space is tight, opt for space-saving designs like wall-mounted sinks and shelves. Use light colors to create an illusion of space. 🌈
  6. Light it Up: Nail the lighting game. 💡 Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting for functionality and ambiance. Energy-efficient LEDs are a plus.
  7. Stay Fresh: Ensure good ventilation with an exhaust fan to curb mold growth and maintain air quality. 🌬️
  8. Declutter with Storage: Keep clutter in check with ample storage. 🗄️ Think vanity cabinets, shelves, and hooks.
  9. Go Green: Choose water-efficient fixtures like low-flow toilets and faucets. 🚽💧 It’s environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
  10. Wow Factor: Add a standout element like a stylish vanity, decorative mirror, or unique tile pattern as a focal point. 🌟

Remember, a bathroom renovation demands planning, detail orientation, and patience. By following these tips and sprinkling some enthusiasm, you can transform your bathroom into a functional, delightful space that adds value to your home. 🏡🛁

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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 KiwiAdmin2016 Construction • Renovation 0 Comments

How to renovate an older property in France to include remote working solutions

When we think about renovating an older property in France, the first things which usually come to mind will be the kitchens, bathrooms as well as the general living areas. That’s natural, it’s where we spend much of our time, for sure.

However, as work/life patterns change, many more of us are now able to work from home – and therefore it’s well worth thinking about how to include remote working solutions in your renovation project, such as an office or workspace. Older properties are also likely to present unique challenges, so careful planning and attention to detail are essential.

Understanding the potential planning issues is a critical first step.

Adding a new extension or annexe to your older property to create the appropriate amount of office/workspace is one option. Generally speaking, it is possible for homeowners to add an annexe if their property is in agricultural zones, for example[1], although the size of the annexe should be smaller than the existing building attached to it.

Assuming that a planning consent is likely to be successful, you can then think about the design of your home office or workspace area.

Design the renovation with flexibility in mind, allowing for adaptable spaces that can serve both living and working needs. Consider open-plan layouts or movable partitions to create multi-functional areas.

With energy costs continuing to increase, ensuring that the workspace has appropriate insulation and energy efficiency measures is similarly important. If the workspace is within the existing building structure, add insulation to reduce energy costs and create a more comfortable working environment.

Home office working is generally quiet! However if you have a workshop area and regularly use power tools, how to reduce the impact of noise is necessary. Older properties may have thinner walls and floors, making noise an issue. Consider soundproofing solutions such as acoustic panels or insulation to minimize disturbances between living and working spaces.

We hope that this has given you a few ideas, whether it is addition of workspace in an existing structure or planning an annexe or extension. Please get in touch if you wish to discuss further.

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/         

[1] https://www.french-property.com/guides/france/building/planning/permission/external-building-works

By KiwiAdmin2016 Kitchens 0 Comments

Tips and considerations when choosing a kitchen for your home in France

When planning a renovation project for your new home in France, the choice of kitchen is often high up the list for homeowners. At Kiwi Construction, we’ve undertaken many kitchen projects over the years, so here are a few tips and considerations to help you get started.

  1. Layout, space and functionality: the available space will determine a range of factors. Especially if you have a small area to work with, an efficient use of space and practicality is key. Make sure that your preferred kitchen layout enables easy movement between the oven, fridge, sink and preparation areas.
  2. Style: Traditional French country or provincial kitchens remain popular, with their attention to detail, natural elegance and features such as the ornate carpentry. However, more contemporary styles are increasingly prevalent with their clean lines and quality materials.
  3. Storage: Think about maximising storage space to keep the kitchen well organised and free of clutter.
  4. Durability: A kitchen should last for around 15 – 20 years, so it needs to be solidly built with durable countertop materials to stand the test of time.
  5. Lighting: Depending on the position of the kitchen, try to maximise the amount of natural light (for example windows and skylights) to make your kitchen light and bright. This is crucial for the look and feel as well as safe working.
  6. Budget: obviously this is a critical factor! You can opt for a modest but homely kitchen – or a luxurious kitchen! Understand your budget constraints at an early stage; this will help guide your choices of appliances and materials.

These are six of our top tips. Kiwi Construction can execute complex kitchen remodelling projects that suit your personal style and preferences. We can assist you in making minor kitchen updates or performing entire remodelling and produce a kitchen you will love. Contact us for further information.

 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 KiwiAdmin2016 Design • Renovation 0 Comments

3 things to consider when planning a barn conversion

Converting a rustic barn in rural France is a dream for many.

Barn conversions are ideal for modern, contemporary open plan living, and for enjoying the wonderfully exposed beams, the high vaulted ceilings and the stone construction. They provide homeowners with a blank space to showcase their own creativity and style within an overall design.

 At Kiwi Construction, we enjoy working on barn conversion projects and are sharing a few things to think about before you start:

  1. Planning permission and paperwork. You’ll need to get planning approval first from your local Mairie. This means you will require a permis de construire or a déclaration préable de travaux ; this depends upon the size of the property. Understanding the change of use regulations is key as barn conversions will modify its use as an agricultural building to that of a residential property.

 

The situation of the barn is also important; if it is standalone, planning permission may be difficult. If though it is part of a group of other buildings where there is already a dwelling, consent is more likely. Kiwi can help and we’ve successfully submitted many application on behalf of our customers over the years.

 

  1. Plan your budget. Before buying, undertaking a survey as well as finding out whether you can obtain planning permission is crucial. Conversion costs can be significant: architects’ drawings, allowance for structural changes, utility costs (electricity, water, communications) together with other building costs and materials. Kiwi can advise you on projected build costs depending upon the size of the building before you commit to the purchase.

 

  1. Design the project. This is the exciting part! Getting the design right is obviously important, to ensure that the property is fit for 21st century living whilst also reflecting some of the heritage and tradition of its surroundings. Kiwi can offer a full project management service from the design through to the works on site, from start to completion.

 

If you would like to discuss further your barn conversion project, 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.

 

Contact :

Grant & Joeline Norris

+33 (0) 6 03 18 53 31

 

grant.norris@wanadoo.fr

https://www.kiwiconstruction.fr/         

By KiwiAdmin2016 Kitchens 0 Comments

6 Reasons why you’ll love your outdoor kitchen 🍴

Summer or outdoor kitchens have been popular in France for many years. For people who like entertaining or simply enjoy the chance to cook in the fresh air, there is nothing to beat the experience.
 
Outdoor kitchens can also vary in their complexity, from the installation of just a few appliances through to creating a more elaborate space for preparing meals. Key factors will be your budget and the available space.
 
Why install an outdoor kitchen? We believe there are six main reasons:-
 
1. Great for entertaining. Throwing a party for family and friends is much easier – and whilst you prepare the food and drinks you can still be at the centre of the fun! It’s also a more enjoyable way to spend time with others compared to eating out at a restaurant, especially on a warm summer’s evening in the garden.
 
2. Keeps the smells outside. It’s fair to say that there are some foods which can produce less pleasant odours when cooking, such as onions, bacon, broccoli – and of course, burnt food! However if you cook outside, the smells will not linger as long.
 
3. Improve the taste of your food. Yes, it’s true! (We think so anyway…) Food tastes much better when cooked outside. It can be healthier too as we tend to use more grills, vegetables, salads and leaner foods.
 
4. Less to and from the kitchen indoors. Cooking in an outdoor kitchen is easier because you do not need to transport food, crockery and cutlery from indoors to out. This can be particularly useful when serving hot food and is likely to mean fewer breakages, too!
 
5. It’s good for your health. Being outside is a proven benefit to our mental health, the outdoors stimulating our senses and improving our overall mood.
 
6. Saves on energy bills. You’ll be using less electricity for indoor lighting and creating less heat indoors, which can be useful for lowering bills if you have an air conditioning system.
 
Please get in touch if you wish to discuss further your outdoor kitchen project.
 
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
 
 
 
By KiwiAdmin2016 Construction • Renovation 0 Comments

6 Things to consider when renovating a French property

Renovating a property in France can provide an exciting challenge. However, before you undertake your project there are some key things for you to consider which will ensure the work goes smoothly and to plan.

  1. Plan your budget

Decide on a realistic budget. Bear in mind that the TVA rates for renovation costs will be lower if you use a professional artisan like Kiwi Construction – compared to doing it yourself.

  1. Utilities

Ensure that the electricity supply is adequate for the property – and if not, factor in any upgrade work that is required.  Also, check that there is a water supply from the local town/commune as well as the condition of the fosse septique sewage system.

  1. Land registry

Get hold of a copy of the ‘cadastre’ which is the land registry plan. It’s used by local authorities to calculate property taxes and is a very useful reference document.

  1. Planning permission

Popular renovation projects often include the conversion of derelict barns into gites together with extensions and swimming pools.  Even before you buy a property, check first that you can obtain planning permission. Contact us to discuss further.

  1. Roofs

The condition of the roof is critically important and can be an expensive part of any project. Look at the ridge line to ensure it is straight and that the roof timbers are sound.

  1. Use local artisans who understand the heritage

Kiwi Construction has been working in the Landes and Pays Basque for more than 25 years. We understand the need to pay careful attention to the original features of the property, providing you with sound advice and guidance on how to renovate your home in a way that is in-keeping with the local area but also meets the requirements of modern day living.

 

These are only a few of the things to think about before you start your renovation project. Please get in touch to discuss further your ideas – we will be pleased to help.

 

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 (o) 6 11 80 21 86

By KiwiAdmin2016 Construction • Pergolas 0 Comments

Enjoying the outdoor life this summer in France

During a cold winter spell, it can be difficult to remember those long summer days! However this time of year is perfect for planning and thinking ahead on how to improve the use of your outdoor space.

 

We all know how we feel when we’re outside, whether it is our own garden, walking along a sandy beach or taking a relaxing stroll in the forest. Outdoor living can reduce stress and boost our immune system, so these alone are two good reasons to review how we can spend time outside in the sunshine and cool, balmy evenings.

 

Creating an outdoor room or living space which is comfortable, relaxing and has enough shade as well as light are the key objectives for any project.

 

  • Constructing a pergola is one idea. Pergolas have lots of benefits; they are great for outdoor dining and entertaining, can provide shelter and shade alongside a pool, add a natural extension from your house to the garden and look aesthetically pleasing too. A pergola is undoubtedly a place which can be a discreet hideaway and peaceful.

 

  • Outdoor kitchens have the benefit of being practical as well as fun. Building an outdoor kitchen in your garden means that you can be closer to family and friends when entertaining, so that you can enjoy the party, too! They are also useful, because it can reduce the time you spend taking food from indoors to the garden – allowing you to focus on the preparation.

 

  • Relaxing in a hot tub is something that many of us dream of…they can make you feel nice, warm, and relaxed – at any time of year. So even if the temperature drops during the winter, you can still experience a dip in the hot tub!

 

These are just a few ideas on how to plan your outdoor living this summer. Please get in touch to discuss your project with us.

 

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 (o) 6 11 80 21 86

 

grant.norris@wanadoo.fr

https://www.kiwiconstruction.fr/         

By KiwiAdmin2016 Construction • News • Region 0 Comments

Heritage projects which continue to inspire us

Heritage is important to the vast majority of us. After all, preserving our heritage helps to protect the future for future generations. Many of like to retain traditional features in our homes if we have an older property, and we often like to visit historic places of interest whilst on holiday.

 

In recent months we have shared stories of two heritage projects, one which was completed a few years ago in Dax and another planned for the future in Orthez. Understanding our culture and the local traditions are therefore extremely important to us.

 

A couple of other stories from across our region further illustrate this point.

 

The luxurious Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz – built in 1854 by Napoleon III for his wife Eugénie de Montijo – opens for reservations in early November. This is following its successful renovation into a hotel that forms part of the Hyatt Hotels Corporation empire. In the summer of 2022, the hotel will be open to the public[1].   The Hôtel du Palais is a lavish affair – 86 guestrooms and 56 suites which the company is hoping will blend tradition with modernity.

 

Another renovation project is similarly interesting and inspiring. Less opulent perhaps, but an undertaking which embraces France’s heritage and traditions: the frigate Hermione.

 

Currently undergoing renovations to its hull and other repairs in a dry dock in Bayonne, the Hermione is a replica of the 18th century ship of the same name. This vessel is celebrated because it was used by an American General to travel back to the United States, allowing him to re-join his forces in the wars of independence.

 

Today, the Hermione is the largest seaworthy replica in the world. Managed by an Association, the Hermione undertakes a variety of training projects, travelling around France and the world. It is a magnificent boat. We wish it a speedy return to the high seas, hopefully by the spring of 2022[2].

 

Two different projects; each serving different needs, with varying budgets and objectives; but which share a common purpose: to retain the heritage and protect the future.

It is no different to a housing project in many respects. By combining the use of modern and traditional techniques and materials, here at Kiwi Construction we are able to design and renovate properties that reflect both planning requirements and the local heritage.  

 

If you would like to discuss your own renovation or construction project, please get in touch.

 

Joeline & Grant

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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 (o) 6 11 80 21 86

 

grant.norris@wanadoo.fr

https://www.kiwiconstruction.fr/         

[1] https://tophotel.news/hyatt-unveils-the-new-look-hotel-du-palais-biarritz/

[2] https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/societe/l-hermione-restera-plus-longtemps-que-prevu-a-bayonne-1630991863

By KiwiAdmin2016 Construction • Region 0 Comments

Inspirational architecture that inspires us

The heritage, traditions and architecture of our area has inspired so ever since we first moved to the Landes twenty years ago.

Dax is a case in point. Grant used to play rugby for Dax, and over the years we have come to really appreciate and enjoy what the town has to offer, whether this is the Dax Feria festival held during the summer or the lovely buildings within this important spa town.

Renovating property is of course our raison d’être. We enjoy the challenge of restoring properties, retaining the essential character of a building whilst updating and modernising to ensure that it is a comfortable place to live in.

The Hotel Splendid in Dax is a great example of a building that was reborn. The architect was André Granet, designing the hotel in the era of the ‘roaring twenties’ in 1928. Therefore the building has as a distinctive Art Deco style, and was frequented by many famous people, one example being the writer Ernest Hemingway.

Locals will know it is an extremely large hotel totalling 13,500 m2 in size, comprising 149 rooms and suites. However, in recent years the hotel building deteriorated, closing in 2013.

Fortunately, that though is not the end of the story!

Work began in 2014 to renovate the Hotel Splendid and over a period of four years was lovingly restored by a large team of artisans, including work on the chandeliers of the hall of the staircase. The reconstruction project cost more than 16,5m€ and reopened in the spring of 2018.

We think it is a truly wonderful building – a real asset to Dax. We hope you do too.

If you would like to discuss your own renovation or construction project, please get in touch.

Joeline & Grant

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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 11 80 21 86

grant.norris@wanadoo.fr

https://www.kiwiconstruction.fr/         

Photo Credit: Hotel Splendid