D.I.Y. or G.S.I.
D.I.Y.= Do -it- yourself, G.S.I.= Get Step someone in.
So far we have looked at our project as a means of establishing what we wanted to do ourselves and where expert help was going to be needed. This dilemma is one that everybody buying a property in France with “potential” faces. Invariably there are things that you want to change or remodel. From something as small as a new door through to a loft conversion, from a new kitchen to a barn, outbuilding conversion/renovation for friends, family or even renters.
The G.S.I. route has a lot to commend it. Just give a decent set of plans to a competent, qualified builder and at the end of an agreed time, and for an already agreed, fixed, price you get exactly what you want. All without any headache or worry on your part! If only life was that simple. So, the D.I.Y. route it is. Draw up your own set of plans, manage all stages of the project, source and buy all the materials yourself, bring them back to the site and do all the work. Finally without the incumberance of others’ opinions and input you will have the home of your dreams. All achieved with the real, practical skills you previously possessed, not to mention the ones’ you have learned along the way. Thus, enriching the process and the outcome. If by now you are shaking your head and scratching your chin do not worry. The way ahead lies somewhere between the above scenarios.
Enjoyment ! This leads to a question. In your lifetime how many times are you going to undertake a project like this? With our barn it would be fair to say that for ourselves this was going to be a one off ( so far). If this project turned into a complete drudge, and we were not enjoying ourselves, would we have the motivation to finish it to a satisfactory standard? By retaining ownership and understanding that there were going to be times when it was going to be hard work, the experience, on the whole, I can honestly say, has been an enjoyable one. This must surely be a valid concern for any would be converter / renovator. In practical terms what this actually means for me is that when I switch on my hall light downstairs, then go upstairs and switch it off with the two-way switch I have wired up I grin like a Cheshire cat.
Anybody who has looked in any of the D.I.Y.stores will be aware of the range and quality of products on offer. Prices are varied and the adage that you pay your money and take your choice fits exactly. Various suppliers websites are accesible frpm our suppliers page. These will give you up to date prices, availabilty of products and a good grounding in technical vocabulary. Some have “how-to” guides which can assist the decision making about whether a particular task is within your own range of practical capability
So by all means have a go at the project yourself bearing in mind your practical capabilities and experiences. As an artisan, I am offering a different concept in conversion, renovation projects. Although I am perfectly happy to work for someone who chooses the G.S.I. option. I actually prefer working with someone as a means of the D.I.Y. options. Thus, enabling a person to achieve their goals and ambitions. In other words allowing them to retain ownership and therefore enjoying their project. If you are contemplating your own project and feel you can use our services feel free to contact us.
(extracts from this article have previously appeared on Frenchentree)