Initial Contact: Selecting an Architect
To kick off the design phase I contacted three English speaking architectural firms based in France with the following message.
“I have recently purchased a small building plot (1600 m2) in the village of Villefranche de Lonchat. The plot has building permission but I will need to obtain planning consent. Is that something that you could help with? I envisage building a small eco friendly bungalow for my twilight years. If possible please let me know costs and timescales. If you need further information please let me know what you need.”
My Criteria for Selecting an Architect
| Service Description | Architect A | Architect B | Architect C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verification of current planning regulations for the property | Y | Y | Not explicit |
| Dimensional survey if necessary | Y | Y | Not explicit |
| Design and layout of the project | Y | Y | Not explicit |
| All relevant plans required for the application: floor plans, elevations, sections, site plan, etc | Y | Y | Not explicit |
| Advice on thermal regulations and arrange thermal report (obligatory since 2012) and attach the attestation to the planning dossier | Y | Y | Not explicit |
| Verification of private drainage system (septic tank, etc) if applicable, and arrange a certificate of approval where any new system is required. | Y | Y | Not explicit |
| Completion of all application forms and associated tax forms. | Y | Not explicit | Not explicit |
| Submission of the complete dossier to the authorities and follow through to outcome, dealing with any queries along the way | Y | Y | Not explicit |
| Delivery of planning approval | Y | Y | Not explicit |
| Post-approval information and advice, and if required, completion of various declarations – opening and closing of works, tax declarations, post-completion of works thermal certification, etc. | Y | Not explicit | Not explicit |
| Cost | 2690 | 13750 | 3000 |
| References taken up | Yes, excellent | Yes | No |
Final Decision
The contract for the design and planning consent work was awarded to SARL French Plans, Architect A. On the whole they have been very helpful and patient with me.
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