We spent a year trying to find a trustworthy local company to project manage the major refurbishment of a large house in north Dordogne - new roof, stairs, wooden floors, tiled floors, bathrooms (each requiring purpose-built walk-in showers not available as a 'unit' in shops - see attached photo), kitchen and new internal walls, re-wiring and plumbing. We even needed a new mains water pipe along with an entire new fosse septique system.
Fortunately, several neighbours told us they were delighted with the work of a local firm, Perigord Renovation. But as we live in England, we needed someone to do more than just manage the project from initial plans, to obtaining planning approval from our Marie, to coordinating and checking the standard of work not just of their own artisans, but third party electricians and plumbers.
We wanted someone who'd understand the style of what we wanted to achieve, who would use their initiative, anticipate problems and contact us with solutions. In short, someone who could be trusted to 'own' the project and do a skilled job to budget, while we were back in England. I didn't want to be flying down to France every week for another crisis meeting with a stroppy builder!
The work achieved by Perigord Renovation, run by Cris Hills, was outstanding. The floors and other wood work, such a large staircase with a twist, were just beautiful, as was the other work, including the installation of two very large windows with beautiful stone arches, and they were very professional in the relationship.
Cris and his team liaised with neighbours, the Mairie, and the water company and gave us weekly reports and would phone/email with suggestions when problems arose. I have no hesitation in recommending Perigord Renovation.
Andrew and Kae Palmer, Company director and IT Business Analyst, biibiz@ak3000.com
We have used Cris Hills for 3 major projects on our property over the last 18 months. These have included a large loft conversion, replacement flooring on the first floor and a kitchen extension. His quotations have all been highly competitive and with no hidden extras.
We found his workmanship to be of the highest standard, commencing and completing on time, with any additional items requested by ourselves to have been readily accepted and at minimal additional cost.
We have no hesitation in recommending him should you be in need of a high quality builder who takes away the strain that such projets often place on you when carried out by others less skilled than himself.
Richard and Julia Dawson, 24310, Brantôme.
