Buying a property in France with renovation potential?
Independent pre-purchase renovation advice to help you understand what is feasible, the likely costs and the practical considerations before you commit.
How It Works
What We Help You Understand
We consider visible elements such as the roof, structure, walls, windows and layout, alongside the possible scope and order of the renovation work.
We also discuss indicative costs, likely timescales and any planning or local points that may need further investigation.
Our Experience
Scott began his career at 16, training as an apprentice in his father’s construction company. He comes from a family background in carpentry, joinery and construction, and has more than 33 years of practical building and renovation experience in the UK and France.
Over the years, Scott has worked on a wide range of projects, including listed buildings, character farmhouses, substantial renovations, swimming pools and high specification new homes. One of his final UK projects involved converting a farmhouse and its barns into a luxury residence, alongside a new build designed in the style of a traditional barn.
His advice is practical and independent. He helps buyers understand what can be seen, the likely scope and order of work, and where further specialist investigation may be needed before they commit.
After moving to south west France eight years ago, Scott established his own carpentry and general building company. His experience spans the full renovation process: bringing very old properties up to a high standard, as well as building new homes from the footings through to the final finish.
What Scott brings to a consultation
• Experience of old property renovation, from the structure through to the finished home
• An understanding of what may be practical, worthwhile and likely to need further investigation
• Clear advice on the likely order of work, the trades involved and the questions to ask before you buy
Scott RUSSELLFounder & Renovation Consultant
Frequently Asked Questions
Considering a renovation property in France can raise a lot of questions.
Here are some of the things buyers most often ask before arranging a consultation.
What is a pre-purchase renovation consultation?It is an independent, practical visit to help you understand the visible condition, renovation potential, likely priorities and possible costs of a property before you commit to buying it.
What do we look at during the visit?The consultation considers visible elements such as the roof, structure, walls, windows, exterior features, layout and any obvious areas that may need further investigation or specialist advice.
Is this the same as a formal survey?No. Renov’Assist does not replace a formal survey, structural report, architect or specialist inspection. It gives you a practical, experienced view and helps you identify the questions to ask next.
Can you give us an exact renovation cost?No one can provide reliable fixed costs without a detailed specification and artisans’ quotations. We can give realistic indicative guidance to help you budget and understand the likely scale of the project.
How much does a consultation cost?Consultations start from €250, plus travel expenses. The right option depends on the property, its location and how much detail you need. Full details are available on our Consultation Packages page.
Do you travel throughout France?Yes, subject to availability. Travel time and expenses are discussed clearly in advance, so you know the cost before booking.
Can Renov’Assist manage our renovation after we buy?Renov’Assist is a consultation and advice service, not full project management. The aim is to help you make an informed decision before purchase and understand the right next steps afterwards.