If you use an English architect make sure that all his or her qualifications are fully recognised. The staff at the DDI are usually very helpful. Ask for their suggestions about type of window, colour of stained wood and other things as their will be regionally accepted styles. However, do remember that they are civil servants and have to be careful about giving you advice. Assuming that planning permission is given you now have to start building.
French builders are expensive but materials are cheap.
The French DIY stores are very good and many produce flyers that will appear in your letter box. You will also find other smaller suppliers of building materials who will deliver for a small charge. The pitfalls of buying property in France Initially, you may have envisaged your holiday in France as a time simply to enjoy some bottles of Beaujolais and a few cheeses in a romantic setting. But, if you happen to peer into the window of an agent immoblier and spot a photo of a stone cottage with vines round the door, all for less than 50,000, you may be tempted to widen your horizons. The fall in the value of the euro has made some French property look so cheap that many holidaymakers are being drawn into buying on a whim.