Floor and Roof – December 2005

By December the new roof struts and roof was on and the cattle byre had been cleared out. The floor foundations had been dug and the damp proof membrane and concrete base were all done.

In addition, the downstairs door openings had been made and the oak door opening supports were all in and the upstairs oak window supports had been delivered to site.

Project Start, Approach and Control – September 2005

Given that Nick was not based locally we kept things simple and ensured everything was documented and specified. We agreed regular site meetings every 4-6 weeks, at which I attended with Nick and we always agreed the next meeting date and the work to be completed. This way the team knew we were active on the project and we would approve any Factures due at those meetings and orgainse payments.

We formally launched the project at the end of August 2005 with a complete team review of the project and it was interesting to see how the team interacted together and my confidence grew as we observed a group of craftsmen who had obviously worked together many times before, as they debated and agreed elements of each others work activity.

The sequence of events and timescales were agreed by everyone and having persuade the Macon to start his work in October, the team agreed to a completion target of June 2006.

Renovation Team – May- August 2005

Given the level of traditional oak and the stonework needed, we were clear that a local French team of craftsmen were desirable, so our search began and this is where we struck lucky again.

As a part of securing the Change of Use approval, the previous owner was required to secure quotations for making both main water and electrics available to the Grange and the quotation is valid for a period of 2 years.

So, Nick’s first task was to approach SAS Frappat and confirm the arrangement and as a result we discovered the team to undertake the complete project:
SAS Frappat - Electrics, Plumbing and Heating
S.C.C.L - Ceilings, Plaster board and Tiling
SA Adams & Fils - Colombage, Stairs, Doors and Windows
Sarl Aussourd - Stonework

All submitted detailed quotations during the period, having been briefed by Nick and naturally the total project cost was great than we have originally envisaged.

Planning Approval - March 2005

Despite all the fear stories of complications and delays, Regional approval was secured on 24th March 2005, which enabled us to move ahead a plan the work itself and not to mention finding a building team to make the dream a reality!

Planning Submission – January 2005

Fortunately, we had the Change of Use approval and therefore our plans were drawn up to reflect not only our personal wishes for living space, but also to be sympathetic to the Grange itself and the area. In October and November 2004 we liaised with our architect to get the detail agreed and documented within our plans for the conversion and renovation, which we finalised in December and submitted to the Marie de Colondannes. Local approval was given on 18th January 2005, which was a real surprise, although because we are near a ‘National Monument’, approval needed to be secured from the Regional Authority in Limoges.

La Grange Grise Plans 2005