Ideally located between the sea and the mountains, the city of Nice offers a unique living environment in France. In addition to attracting a crowd of tourists every year, it is unanimously loved by its 342,000 residents who wouldn’t trade their position for anything in the world.
As is the case throughout France, the real estate market in Nice is very tight, and many young homeowners are opting for renovation work rather than investing in new properties. Electricity, plumbing, boiler installation, etc.—while some stages require hiring a craftsman, how can you ensure that you hire a reliable professional when there are so many enticing offers and frequent scams?
Finding the craftsman that meets your needs
Before engaging with a professional, it is important to determine your needs. These often depend on the location you live in, as well as the time and budget you want to allocate to your renovations.
- Know the specifics of your city
Due to its geographical position, the economic and cultural capital of the Côte d’Azur enjoys a temperate climate all year round. Mostly facing the Baie des Anges, the city of Nice is flanked by hills that shield it from the wind. However, near the famous Promenade des Anglais, the sea air is very present and takes a toll on the facades of the buildings, which require regular maintenance. Traditional Provencal floors, typically made of terracotta tiles, demand meticulous care, especially when it comes to renovation.
In the hinterland of Nice, from the mouth of the Paillon to the first peaks of the Mercantour, sea spray mixes with a mountainous climate subject to temperature changes and bad weather. In the heart of the Mediterranean Prealps, it is essential to reinforce constructions and pay attention to the condition of roofs. Once again, hiring a reliable craftsman may be necessary.
- Trust a specialized company
The realm of renovation is vast. From small tasks that can be done by oneself to choosing to hire a qualified person to carry out the project, it’s easy to get lost. Fortunately, it is now possible to contact a company specializing in connecting individuals with building professionals. For example, the site maison.fr lists reliable craftsmen in Nice and throughout France.
Equipped with a matching algorithm, it allows individuals to make a request in everyday language and easily obtain an appointment with a reliable and qualified professional for their renovation projects. Depending on the specifics of the location, the platform connects them with the craftsman best suited to meet their expectations. From repairing air conditioning to maintaining a pool filtration system, the site offers a sufficiently comprehensive catalog to cover all your renovation needs.
How to avoid unpleasant surprises?
Choosing to entrust your renovations to one or multiple professionals is never an easy task. Craftsmen are often overwhelmed, making it challenging to secure an appointment or get an estimate, and fraud is common. Once again, turning to a specialist can help avoid many surprises, but you can also ensure a professional’s reliability yourself.
- Spot suspicious behavior
Generally, it’s good to know that a craftsman must present you with an estimate if their service exceeds €150, including taxes. Once the estimate is signed, they have a certain time to complete the work before providing an invoice. To ensure a professional’s honesty, it’s advisable to request several estimates. This helps to understand the market, the competition, and verify that the professional aligns with recommended rates.
Some unscrupulous craftsmen do not hesitate to inflate their prices or skip the estimate. This behavior bodes ill. If you think you have been a victim of abuse by a professional, you can contact the General Directorate for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control (DGCCRF). They keep a record of fraudulent practices, particularly among building professionals, regardless of the sector.
- Ensure a company’s reliability
Before hiring a professional for your renovations, it’s essential to check the solvency of their company. Some do not hesitate to impersonate companies that do not even exist. Many online tools also allow access to financial reports, team composition, and ongoing procedures, providing a clear idea of the person you are dealing with.
Last but not least: it might be helpful to visit forums to get a concrete sense of consumers’ views. They contain valuable specific information about both the quality of services and the relationships professionals maintain with their clients.
