8 Questions to Ask Before Starting a Renovation
You want to start renovation work and you realize that it is not as regulated as a new construction. In order to see things more clearly, this article will offer you perspectives for reflection in order to properly prepare your project , by raising essential questions such as: the relevance of using an EPC, the interest in choosing between partial and complete renovation, knowing what a prior declaration of works is and why make one. The same goes for the ten-year guarantee, the change of use, the H1 form, the DAACT and the certificate of conformity. Enjoy your discovery and good thoughts for the success of your project.
1. What can the DPE bring to my renovation project?
The DPE, or Energy Performance Diagnostic, is now mandatory in the event of the sale and purchase of a property. Generally, it is up to the person selling to provide it to the buyer.
One thing is certain, is that, if the DPE is mandatory and gives an interesting overview of the efforts to be made to make your property a comfortable place, it remains no less than a simple indicator. If you really want to have sound advice, choose instead an energy audit to complete your file and have a truly qualitative reflection on the subject.
Sure, there is a price to pay, but ultimately you will gain much more in the long run with professional advice on the subject.
As you will have understood, the phase of thinking about the energy expenditure of the house is an essential question for the realization of a successful renovation project.
2. Should I do a complete or partial renovation?
Partial renovation and complete renovation are two options to consider when you want to renovate your home.
Partial renovation
Partial renovation is generally less expensive at the time and quicker to implement, but it does not allow the entire house to be renovated. It should also be noted that in the long term, it does not always allow for optimal homogenization of the work. There is therefore a risk that in the end, it will be less effective and more expensive than a complete renovation over time. However, the observation cannot be generalized, it would be necessary to see on a case-by-case basis and it still proves to be a very interesting solution.
Depending on the strategic choices made on the partial renovation, the costs generally observed for their realization fluctuate between 263 and 1050 euros per m² with current inflation. We find ourselves on total amounts that go on average, around 31,500 euros for very very minimal renovations, and 74,000 euros for slightly more ambitious partial renovations.
The complete renovation
A complete renovation, on the other hand, allows you to renovate the entire house, but it is generally more expensive at the time and takes longer to implement. However, it turns out to be the most effective and least expensive over time. It is important to carefully assess your needs and your financial means before deciding on the renovation to undertake.
The costs generally observed for a complete renovation are estimated between 1050 and 2100 euros per m² with inflation. We end up with a total amount that is close to 126000 euros on average.
Want to know more about complete and partial renovation to make a more informed choice? We have written an article exclusively on this subject!Come and read it here .
3. Do I have to make a prior declaration of works (DP)?
A prior declaration of works (DP) is a mandatory administrative procedure. It consists of informing the competent authorities of the intention to carry out construction, modification or demolition work on a building or land.
It is required before work begins and allows us to verify that the work complies with current regulations regarding safety, health, respect for the environment and town planning.
The DP can be filed online or at town hall.
Would you like to know more about the prior declaration of works? We have written an article specifically on this subject. Come and discover it here !
4. Do I need to take out a ten-year guarantee?
The ten-year guarantee is compulsory insurance which covers damage affecting the solidity of a structure (house, building, bridge, etc.) or a new or renovated construction, for 10 years after its receipt.
It is intended to protect the owners or occupants of a building against defects which could affect its solidity and make its structure dangerous.
The ten-year guarantee covers damage that impacts the solidity of the structure, such as sagging foundations , cracking walls , collapsing roofs, etc.
It also concerns equipment elements that are inseparable from the work, such as elevators, escalators, garage doors, etc.
The ten-year guarantee is taken out by the contractor or builder in charge of the work.
It is valid for 10 years from the date of receipt of the work, regardless of the warranty period offered by the manufacturers of the materials used.
It is transferable in the event of sale of the building.
5. What is Change of Destination?
A change of purpose of a building consists of assigning it a use different from that which was originally intended.
For example, transforming an office building into apartments, or transforming a detached house into guest rooms.
Changing the purpose of a building can be beneficial in several cases.
First of all, it can be interesting to change the purpose of a building if it is underused or if it is difficult to rent or sell in its current purpose. By transforming it, we can give it a new life and get a better return on it.
Changing the destination can also be interesting in the context of the renovation of a building. This is the case if, for example, you want to obtain renovation assistance for an old barn that you are going to rehabilitate for housing. Otherwise, you could benefit from it.
It is important to note that changing the purpose of a building can lead to additional constraints and costs, particularly in terms of compliance with construction and accessibility standards.
It is therefore recommended to carefully study the feasibility of the project before launching it.
6. What is H1 print?
Form H1 is a form used to declare renovation or transformation work on a building subject to current thermal regulations (RT) in France.
It must be completed by the project owner (i.e. the person who orders the work) and sent to the approved certification body before the start of the work.
Form H1 is used to declare renovation work aimed at improving the energy performance of a building.
It allows you to verify that the work complies with the requirements of the thermal regulations in force and that the building will achieve the required level of energy performance after the renovation.
The H1 form is also used to declare building transformation work, i.e. work that modifies the purpose of a building or changes its external appearance.
It is important to note that the H1 form is mandatory for certain types of renovation and conversion work, but it is not necessary for all projects.
7. What is DAACT?
The DAACT (Declaration of Completion and Compliance of Works) is a document which certifies that the construction, modification or renovation work of a building has been completed and that the building complies with the regulations in force in terms of safety, health and respect for the environment.
The DAACT must be filed by the project owner (i.e. the person who orders the work) with the town hall or the prefecture.ure, as the case may be, within 3 months following the end of the work.
It must be accompanied by certain documents, such as the building permit, the electrical compliance certificate , the ten-year guarantee certificate, etc.
The DAACT is mandatory for all construction, modification or renovation work which has been the subject of a prior declaration of works (DP).
It allows you to verify that the work has been carried out in accordance with the authorizations granted and that it complies with the standards and regulations in force.
8. What is the certificate of conformity?
The certificate of conformity is a document which certifies that the construction, modification or renovation work on a building has been carried out in accordance with the regulations and standards in force in terms of safety, health and respect for the environment.
The certificate of conformity is issued by the competent authorities (town hall, prefecture, etc.) when the declaration of completion and compliance of works (DAACT) has been filed and all necessary documents have been provided.
It is important to obtain the certificate of conformity , as it is a mandatory document in certain cases, particularly when selling or renting a building.
It provides proof that the work was carried out in a compliant manner and that the building is safe and complies with current standards.
The certificate of conformity is also useful in the event of a claim or dispute relating to the work. It therefore provides proof that the work was carried out in a compliant manner and that the building is in good condition.
It is therefore recommended to recover the certificate of conformity and keep it safe , as it is an important document that can be useful in many situations.