<p>What are you <em>really</em> paying for when you hire an artisan in France? Why do two quotes for the same work look so different? How much profit do artisans make on renovation work? </p><p>If you're asking yourself (or Google) these questions, you'll find all the answers here!</p><p>In this Rants &amp; Bants episode, Rosie, Sue and Micala talk openly about the realities of running trade businesses in France - and what homeowners often misunderstand about how those businesses work (spoiler: we’re not milking you for all you’re worth and driving around in Ferraris). </p><p>We also hear about <strong>Sue's upcoming adventure in Kenya, where she’ll be building a mud hut for a family. Please consider supporting the project via </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.justgiving.com/page/sue-builds-hope"><strong>Sue’s Just Giving page</strong></a><strong> - even the smallest contribution will help provide tools, classroom resources, hot meals, and support for families who have so little.</strong></p><p>👂If the money-talk in this episode grabbed your attention, make sure you listen to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.frenchrenodiaries.com/p/why-budgets-blow-the-brutal-truth">Episode #2 Why budgets blow: The brutal truth about renovation costs in France.</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Resources mentioned in the episode</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.thenasiotrust.org/"><strong>Nasio Trust</strong></a> – UK charity supporting communities in Kenya through housing and education projects</li><li><strong>Facebook expat and renovation groups</strong> – places where renovation questions are often asked (and misinformation spreads)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002hd7x"><strong>Riot Women (BBC One)</strong></a> – TV series about women finding their voice later in life</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Mini glossary (for new renovators in France)</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Devis</strong> – a formal written quote for works</li><li><strong>Artisan</strong> – a qualified tradesperson operating in France</li><li><strong>TVA</strong> – French VAT </li><li><strong>BTP</strong> – ‘Bâtiment et travaux publics’ (the French construction and public works sector)</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Connect</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/frenchrenodiaries">Facebook</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/frenchrenodiaries">Instagram</a></p><p>Subscribe to the newsletter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.frenchrenodiaries.com">www.frenchrenodiaries.com</a> </p><p>Email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.renovation-maison-bretagne.fr/">Maison Bretagne</a> (Rosie Ellis)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://srcharpenterie.fr/">S.R. Charpenterie</a> (Sue Peake-Russell)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.paulwilkinselectricien.com/">Paul Wilkins Electricien</a> (Micala Wilkins)</p>