Heating and domestic hot water

[eastmids52]

Assistance required - Do you know of a plumber / qualified tradesman with experience to deal with the following project.  We are starting a renovation in February 2016 on a 200 year old farm building a short distance from Montmorillon.  The end result should be 8 bedrooms with 7 or 8 bathrooms.  We intend to include air source heat pumps, solar panels and conventional boiler. 

Our French language skills are limited, so and English speaker would be brilliant. 

[Brian]

Hello Annette and Andy.
I was holding off from replying to your question as i don't have any experience with plumbers or heating engineers out here.  However, in the absence of any other suggestions,  you could try visiting the Mairie for your village and asking for recommendations.  Apart from anything else,  it's quite useful to be known by the Mairie team as they tend to be involved in many aspects of local life.

Brian

[Admiral]

Assistance required - Do you know of a plumber / qualified tradesman with experience to deal with the following project.  We are starting a renovation in February 2016 on a 200 year old farm building a short distance from Montmorillon.  The end result should be 8 bedrooms with 7 or 8 bathrooms.  We intend to include air source heat pumps, solar panels and conventional boiler. 

Our French language skills are limited, so and English speaker would be brilliant. 

Gawd lummee what a project.

There are two very good companies in Montmorillon who fit all your requirements and will do an excellent job.

BUT..............they're French and from my experience don't have any English speakers.

The idea about asking at the Mairie is a good one from Brian.

Also worth trying the local Chambre de Metiers.  They will have a full list of all the people locally who can - and are registered to - do the work you need.

Any English "plumber" who says he can do the work but doesn't feature on the official list should be avoided like the plague.

Sorry to sort of, rain on your parade but that sort of work is fairly specialist and needs sourcing with care.

Keep us updated on your progress.  I can think of other ways but I'm boring myself.......

[Fred]

Any English "plumber" who says he can do the work but doesn't feature on the official list should be avoided like the plague.

Very good advise.

Also get at least a couple of quotes (Devis) on headed paper with the company's registration details.

Sorry I don't know of anyone myself. But you have nothing to loose by asking if they have someone in the office that speaks a little English, or do you know someone that could do some basic translating for you nearby or via the phone?

You will find most genuine French companies can find a way of communicating with you if they want your business.  

*Not all British plumbers, builders, electricians, etc are rubbish. But ask anyone who has been here a while and I bet they can all tell you a horror story. Use British by all means, but like Admiral said only use those registered or you could end up regretting it.

Good luck.

[little Al]

Hi.....we did the same about 5 years ago...(underfloor heating/air source heat exchangers, reversible air con,chauffe eaus, 4 bathrooms plus 1 extra w/c. )Can heartily recommend the firm we used.......and happy for you to come and see the result.
Kind regards, Alison

[eastmids52]

Hi.....we did the same about 5 years ago...(underfloor heating/air source heat exchangers, reversible air con,chauffe eaus, 4 bathrooms plus 1 extra w/c. )Can heartily recommend the firm we used.......and happy for you to come and see the result.
Kind regards, Alison

Hi Alison

Many thanks for your reply (although we are a little late responding), and also for the offer for us to come over and see the result at your place.  We will be coming over on 22nd Feb until 26th Feb to sort a few bits and pieces, we will get in touch to try and arrange something

kind regards
Annette and Andy

[little Al]

Sorry we will miss you.....the firm in question was Masteras Electricite (Fench and English emloyees)....Googlefor Clive Masters details, and mentio Alisn and Alastair> Hpe all goes well on your visit.