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 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 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

By KiwiAdmin2016 Construction • Region 0 Comments

Orthez, capital of the historic Béarn – and our latest project!

We have an exciting new project…

Recently we took on a new property venture in the centre of Orthez, Béarn’s historic capital for two centuries. The building has an interesting history. Originally used as a hotel, the previous family – who lived there for more than two generations – converted the property into a clothes shop, before closing the business a few years ago.

As soon as we saw the property, we loved it, because of its heritage and the renovation opportunities.

It is located opposite a 15th century church, its’ heritage dating to the time of Gaston Fébus, Count of Foix and Viscount of the Béarn way back in the Middle Ages.

The site has huge potential, with the possibility of converting it into residential apartments or mixed use, for example with a restaurant or brasserie. Like any renovation project, there is much to be done… however, with vision, imagination, planning and hard work we are very confident that the property will be transformed over the next two years.

Respecting the heritage of a building whilst giving it a new lease of life as a result of a renovation is at the heart of what we do. We have over 25 years’ experience of living and working in France, and value hugely being part of our local community here in the Landes.

You may be very familiar with one of our common expressions – seeking to make the impossible, possible for our clients. We guess the same applies here! At the current time this wonderful old building is certainly in need of some TLC. But that’s our goal to give just that… and it promises to be a fascinating journey.

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/         

 

By KiwiAdmin2016 Pergolas 0 Comments

How to find peace and tranquillity in your own home.

Finding the time to relax and unwind is important to us all.

The last year has been a challenge for everyone, and increasingly people are reflecting upon how to deal with stress, as well as improve their wellbeing.

One of our longstanding clients in the pretty town of Salies-de-Béarn have precisely done that, and this year decided to create their own area of personal space. We have worked with the family for more than 10 years, helping them to gradually renovate the property inside and out.

The location is stunning. In the garden, you can see views of the Pyrénées mountains and the surrounding area is green and peaceful. So it was decided to build a pergola on the terrace, adjacent to their swimming pool. Our clients practice yoga and are interested in Zen teaching. We have therefore planned the project carefully, developing a good understanding of Zen design principles in the process.

In the photographs, you can see Grant and Marc working hard on the project. The pergola is made from Cumaru, the hardest wood in the world – with no staining required. As you can see, the pergola has amazing views. We were fortunate to capture one beautiful photo of the sun setting at the project completion.

In addition to constructing the pergola, we gave some of the outdoor buildings a freshen up with a coat of paint.

Today, the garden with its pergola is a haven of peace and tranquillity. It is a place to sit quietly, to read a book, or even chat with family and friends by enjoying the wonderful outlook. It is a location definitely to be recommended!

If you would like to plan your own personal retreat, or indeed any other type of renovation or new build project, please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.

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/         

 

By KiwiAdmin2016 Construction • Renovation 0 Comments

Why barn conversions are so popular in France

It is easy to understand why barn conversions are so appealing.

Barns are incredibly spacious and are therefore perfect for creating rooms and living areas which are generous in size, often with large windows that are full of character.

We love barn conversion projects, too.

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.

Our home is a former barn and was originally occupied primarily by the farm animals with only three rooms used as living space. Now, it is a delightful family property which we love living in.

One of our other favourite renovation projects was also a barn project, Amou in the Chalosse, part of France’s historic Béarn region. Today it is a beautiful three-bedroomed property, complete with its’ own swimming pool.

Understanding how barns were constructed and the heritage they bring to the area is equally important.  Locals will be very familiar with the use of galet stones for barns and other buildings, the smooth stones found in rivers and inland when seas covered the land thousands of years ago.  Across the region, the types of rocks used vary, thus giving buildings their own distinctive look and style.

If you are considering converting an agricultural barn into living accommodation, you will need planning permission. This applies regardless of whether it is a stand-alone property or part of a number of dwellings. At Kiwi Construction, we can help you with obtaining planning permission, the design and layout and also oversee the renovation project, from start to finish.

Please feel free to get in touch to discuss your 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 (o) 6 11 80 21 86

 

grant.norris@wanadoo.fr

https://www.kiwiconstruction.fr/         

 

#renovation #France #artisans #buyingpropertyinfrance #landes #paysbasque #holidayhomes #bearn #landes #multidisciplined #inhouse

By KiwiAdmin2016 Construction • News • Region 0 Comments

Our postcard to you from Hossegor

We love Hossegor. If I had to explain in one sentence why, Grant and I would say:
It’s naturally beautiful with an amazing coastline; it is a foodie’s paradise and you can put your car keys away – because it’s a great place to travel around by bike.
However, that is not all! So I thought this month we’d share with you a few highlights of the time we spent this summer in this charming Landaise town, surrounded by the peaceful pine forests.

🚴‍♂‍ It’s better by bike. Hossegor is incredibly bike friendly – and great for pedestrians, too. There are bike lanes everywhere to go to the beach, travel into town or venture out into the countryside. Pop out to the boulangerie in the morning, head to the seafront for a cooling dip or enjoy a peaceful evening on the beach.
🥐🥘🦈 Food, glorious food. There are plenty of great cafés, bars and restaurants in town plus superb markets to buy the freshest of fruit, vegetables and seafood. For us, there is nothing better than an evening spent watching the sun go down enjoying some oysters, bulots and a cool glass of rosé. Perfect.
🌲 It is close to nature. Perhaps unlike some other towns nearby, Hossegor has magnificent natural surroundings and is easily accessible; close to the forest, the marine lake and within an hour of the Pyrénées mountains.

There cannot be many places with so much to offer: the sandy dunes and beaches, plenty of walks as well as cycle routes, the fab food and it is THE place to go for water sports.
We hope that you enjoy the photos – and if you have never visited, hopefully it inspires you to go someday…
Enjoy the rest of the summer,
Joeline
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

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#renovation #France #artisans #buyingpropertyinfrance #landes #paysbasque #holidayhomes #bearn #landes #multidisciplined #inhouse