French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED

Rosie Ellis, Micala Wilkins and Sue Peake-Russell
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French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED is your honest, no-fluff guide to renovating, restoring, and surviving property projects in France. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned renovator, or just dreaming of owning property in France, we provide real stories, insider tips, and actionable advice to help you avoid mistakes, save money, and navigate your renovation journey with confidence. From understanding French planning laws and insurance requirements to choosing the right people for the job when you haven't got the skills, time or qualifications to 'do it yourself', you'll find it here. And if you like hanging out with us, you can join us in between the 'meaty' shows for our 'rants and bants' episodes - where we get everything off our chests, no holds barred! Hosted by Rosie, Micala and Sue - three women who, along with their partners and husbands run trade-related businesses here in France and have completed a fair few renovation projects of their own - expect honest advice, plenty of laughs and a few WTF moments. Get more French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED! Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite listening app. Find downloadable guides based on each in-depth episode and sign up for the newsletter at our website- frenchrenodiaries.com And join the French Reno Diaries community by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

  1. Rants & Bants! (The one where everyone's an expert)

    4D AGO

    Rants & Bants! (The one where everyone's an expert)

    Ever watched a YouTube home renovator call themselves an "expert" and felt your eye twitch? You're not alone. In this week's Rants & Bants (the shorter, free-flowing episodes where Rosie, Sue and Micala get everything off their chests) the hosts take aim at the growing army of self-styled renovation gurus online, question whether Facebook is ever the right place to ask about electrics or insulation, and commiserate over the unique hell of waiting for deliveries in rural France. Will you learn something? Probably. Will you laugh? Without a doubt. Resources mentioned: Chambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat — the body that accredits artisans in France.Leroy Merlin — French DIY and home improvement retailer (mentioned in the context of delivery logistics).Colissimo and DPD France — parcel delivery services operating in France. Mini glossary: Artisan — a qualified, registered tradesperson in France. To gain artisan status, three years' experience is required; master craftsman status requires ten years.Chambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat — the French Chamber of Trades and Crafts, which oversees artisan accreditation and apprenticeships.Notaire — a French notary; a state-appointed legal professional who oversees property transactions in France.DPE (Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique) — an energy performance certificate required for properties in France, which affects resale value and rental eligibility.Voliage — the timber sarking boards laid across roof rafters, beneath the roofing felt and tiles.Charpente — the roof timber frame/structure.Colombage — a traditional half-timbered construction style, common in parts of France, featuring a timber frame with infill panels.Torchis — wattle and daub; a traditional building material made from a mix of mud, straw and other natural materials, often used as infill in colombage structures.Lodie — a lieu-dit; an informal place name used to identify a hamlet or locality in rural France, often used as an address where no street number exists. Connect Facebook | Instagram Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins)

    32 min
  2. Women in reno in France (and why visibility matters more than ever)

    MAR 10

    Women in reno in France (and why visibility matters more than ever)

    What unique challenges - and opportunities - do women face in the traditionally male-dominated renovation industry? In this empowering episode of French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED, timed to coincide (almost!) with International Women's Day 2026, Rosie, Sue, and Micala share personal stories and insights in a typically unfiltered and lively discussion. What we talk about: Celebrating women artisans in the renovation sector.Misogyny in the construction industry and social media dynamics.The importance of creating safe spaces for women to ask questions.The impact of visibility in traditionally male-dominated fields.Personal stories of navigating challenges as women in trades.Initiatives and statistics about women in French construction.Strategies for supporting and uplifting fellow women in the industry. Resources Mentioned: International Women's DayChambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat - French Chamber of Trades and Crafts.Le Compagnon du Devoir - An organisation promoting craftsmanship and training. Mini Glossary: Conjugal collaboratrice: A spouse who works with their partner in a business but may not receive formal recognition or compensation.CAPEB: Confédération de l'Artisanat et des Petites Entreprises du Bâtiment - a French confederation for artisans in the construction sector.Apprenticeship: A system of training where individuals learn a trade under the guidance of experienced professionals. Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com Find out more about us and our French reno businesses: Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits: • Produced & mixed by: Katy Wright • Music: Grand Project

    38 min
  3. French Reno Diaries - Rants & Bants! (The one where the dream meets French paperwork)

    MAR 3

    French Reno Diaries - Rants & Bants! (The one where the dream meets French paperwork)

    Win a château? Sounds dreamy. Until you realise you might also need a business plan, a visa renewal strategy and enough income to satisfy the prefecture. In this Rants & Bants episode, Sue, Rosie and Micala chat about the Win a Château TV show, the realities of post-Brexit life in France, language requirements, titre de séjour delays and yet another heated Facebook debate about décennale insurance. It’s lighter than our chunky episodes, but if you’re renovating or planning to move to France, there are some important realities woven in. As always, we’ve pulled together the key points on our website if you’d like to revisit anything - www.frenchrenodiaries.com Resources mentioned Château DIY: Win a Château – Channel 4 spin-off competition showThe Connexion – English-language publication covering expat legal issues in FranceCAPEB – French trade body representing building professionals Mini glossary Décennale – 10-year structural insurance required for artisansPréfecture – Regional administrative authority handling residency mattersTitre de séjour – Residency cardDCEM – Travel document for minors residing in FrancePompe à chaleur – Heat pumpRaccordement – Connection/fitting (e.g. around a Velux window)SMIC – French minimum wage threshold used for visa income assessmentsConnect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com Find out more about us and our French reno businesses: Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits: • Produced & mixed by: Katy Wright • Music: Grand Project

    34 min
  4. How to be a good client (and get the best out of your artisan)

    FEB 24

    How to be a good client (and get the best out of your artisan)

    What makes a French renovation project run smoothly? And what quietly destroys trust between a homeowner and their artisan? In this episode, we reveal the secret to being a good client in France - and what it's fair to expect from your artisan. From communication and paperwork to boundaries, payment terms and unrealistic deadlines, we share what actually helps a project succeed (and what makes trades walk away). If you’re renovating in France and want better results, fewer delays and a more positive working relationship, this episode is essential listening. We’ve also pulled together the key takeaways on our website if you’d like to revisit them. Resources mentioned: Artisan Central – Trade mentoring and marketing platformOBAT – French quoting and invoicing software for building tradesPenny Lane – Accounting software used by French businessesQualibat / RGE – French certification bodies for building professionals Mini glossary: Devis – Formal written quote (legally binding once signed)Facture – InvoiceDécennale – Mandatory 10-year building insuranceSIRET number – Official French business registration numberRGE – Government-recognised environmental certification for tradesAvenant – Written amendment to an existing quote Connect with us! Facebook | Instagram Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits: • Produced & mixed by: Katy Wright • Music: Grand Project

    59 min
  5. French Reno Diaries - Rants & Bants! (The one where Micala gets nostalgic about Burger King)

    FEB 18

    French Reno Diaries - Rants & Bants! (The one where Micala gets nostalgic about Burger King)

    In this Rants & Bants episode (our shorter, more spontaneous, but always - okay, mostly - reno focused chats), we get all het up about everything from being ghosted after sending detailed quotes, to Facebook “expert” opinions on pricing, to the realities of buying and flipping property in today’s French property market. Most importantly though, we discuss Mr Kipling cakes and Burger King. Plus, the chic brackets we're importing from Poland... Resources mentioned: The Connexion – English-language newspaper covering French news and current affairsLeroy Merlin – Major French DIY and renovation retailerBrico Dépôt – Budget building supplies chain in FranceCastorama – DIY and home improvement retailerCauston – Decorative hardware and electrical fittings supplierMini glossary: Devis – A formal, legally binding quoteArtisan – Registered tradespersonAttestation d’assurance – Proof of insurance certificateMarchand de Bien – Property trader who buys, renovates and resellsTaxe foncière – Annual French property ownership taxConnect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com Find out more about us and our French reno businesses: Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits: • Produced & mixed by: Katy Wright • Music: Grand Project

    31 min
  6. Planning a dream, not a nightmare: Everything you need to know about planning permits before renovating in France!

    FEB 10

    Planning a dream, not a nightmare: Everything you need to know about planning permits before renovating in France!

    Planning rules can make or break a French renovation. So, in this episode, we unpack how planning permits in France actually work, why the mairie should always be your first stop - and what can go wrong if it isn’t! If you’re renovating (or thinking about buying) property in France, this episode will help you avoid expensive mistakes, delays and legal headaches. We’ve also pulled the key concepts, definitions and resources together in written form on our website, so you can revisit the details whenever you need to. *** www.frenchrenodiaries.com *** Resources mentioned in the episode Service-Public – Official French government guidance on planning and permitsLocal mairie – First point of contact for planning rules and applicationsPLU (Plan Local d’Urbanisme) – Local planning framework for each communeGéoportail – National mapping tool showing zoning, flood risk and boundaries Mini glossary: French planning terms PLU (Plan Local d’Urbanisme) – Local planning rules set by the communeDéclaration Préalable (DP) – Simplified planning permission for certain worksPermis de Construire – Full planning permission for larger projectsCertificat d’Urbanisme (CU) – Document confirming development rightsBâtiments de France (ABF) – Authority overseeing protected and historic areasAffichage de permis – Mandatory on-site display of planning approval Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com Find out more about us and our French reno businesses: Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits: Produced & mixed by: Katy WrightMusic: Grand Project

    57 min
  7. French Reno Diaries - Rants & Bants! (The one where Rosie slips on her Riot Women shoes)

    FEB 3

    French Reno Diaries - Rants & Bants! (The one where Rosie slips on her Riot Women shoes)

    What are you really 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? If you're asking yourself (or Google) these questions, you'll find all the answers here! In this Rants & 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). We also hear about Sue's upcoming adventure in Kenya, where she’ll be building a mud hut for a family. Please consider supporting the project via Sue’s Just Giving page - even the smallest contribution will help provide tools, classroom resources, hot meals, and support for families who have so little. 👂If the money-talk in this episode grabbed your attention, make sure you listen to Episode #2 Why budgets blow: The brutal truth about renovation costs in France. Resources mentioned in the episode Nasio Trust – UK charity supporting communities in Kenya through housing and education projectsFacebook expat and renovation groups – places where renovation questions are often asked (and misinformation spreads)Riot Women (BBC One) – TV series about women finding their voice later in life Mini glossary (for new renovators in France) Devis – a formal written quote for worksArtisan – a qualified tradesperson operating in FranceTVA – French VAT BTP – ‘Bâtiment et travaux publics’ (the French construction and public works sector) Connect Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins)

    27 min
  8. Why insurance IS worth the paper it's written on (despite what you're being told on Facebook)

    JAN 27

    Why insurance IS worth the paper it's written on (despite what you're being told on Facebook)

    If you’re renovating a property in France, chances are you’ve heard the term assurance décennale - along with claims that's it's not worth the paper it's written on. In this episode, Rosie, Sue and Micala explain why it most certainly IS! There’s are lots of details you'll want to remember, so we’ve pulled everything together into a clear, written guide on our website: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Resources mentioned in the episode Service Public - the official French government website for rules on construction, insurance and homeowner responsibilities.Your local mairie - a key point of contact for renovation rules, declarations and local requirements.Qualified French artisans - always ask for a valid attestation d’assurance décennale before work starts - and check it covers the work being done.Architects / maîtres d’œuvre - particularly useful for larger renovations, structural work or coordinating multiple trades.Facebook renovation groups - helpful for shared experiences, but advice should always be verified. Mini Glossary: Key French insurance terms Attestation d’assurance - the insurance certificate you must check before work begins.Assurance décennale - a mandatory 10-year insurance held by professionals.Garantie décennale - the 10-year legal guarantee that applies once work is completed and signed off.Garantie de parfait achèvement (1 year) - covers defects reported within the first year after completion.Garantie biennale (2 years) - covers fixtures and equipment such as heating systems.Réception de travaux - the formal sign-off of completed work (this triggers all guarantees).Assurance dommage-ouvrage - omeowner insurance that pays for repairs quickly while insurers sort out liability. Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com Find out more about us and our French reno businesses: Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits: Produced & mixed by: Katy WrightMusic: Grand Project

    1h 1m
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Trailer

About

French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED is your honest, no-fluff guide to renovating, restoring, and surviving property projects in France. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned renovator, or just dreaming of owning property in France, we provide real stories, insider tips, and actionable advice to help you avoid mistakes, save money, and navigate your renovation journey with confidence. From understanding French planning laws and insurance requirements to choosing the right people for the job when you haven't got the skills, time or qualifications to 'do it yourself', you'll find it here. And if you like hanging out with us, you can join us in between the 'meaty' shows for our 'rants and bants' episodes - where we get everything off our chests, no holds barred! Hosted by Rosie, Micala and Sue - three women who, along with their partners and husbands run trade-related businesses here in France and have completed a fair few renovation projects of their own - expect honest advice, plenty of laughs and a few WTF moments. Get more French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED! Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite listening app. Find downloadable guides based on each in-depth episode and sign up for the newsletter at our website- frenchrenodiaries.com And join the French Reno Diaries community by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Information

  • Creator
    Rosie Ellis, Micala Wilkins and Sue Peake-Russell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Rosie Ellis 2025
  • Show Website
    French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED

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