Tips

[Jane]

Went for a meal last night in La Trimouille with a lovely couple from the village. They had called to see our house yesterday. We got chatting about taking wallpaper off, as you do. I was planning on bringing over our steam wallpaper stripper, but they said whatever you do, don't use a steam stripper, as it brings the plaster down with it. They said the plaster just crumbles, so it's best to just use a bit of water and get scraping. 
Just made me think if anyone else has any handy tips about anything? I probably would have made things worse if they hadn't have told me.

[Brian]

That's very good advice. Most older houses in France user lime (rather than cement) based plaster. Lime does have certain benefits (including that it is permeable) but if you go near it with a steam cleaner it will be about as effective as stale yoghurt.

Other tips?
If you need to rewire, don't be tempted to install an English style ring main. It will hamper any resale and will probably invalidate your house insurance if there is ever a fire.
If you need to hire a contractor, do get a wire from a French specialist or two. The ones I've dealt with have been very hard working and good value.
And if you need sent knives sharpening, I'm your man!

[Fred]

And if you need sent knives sharpening,  I'm your man!

I'll second that.  

Biggest tip I could give would be Don't think British.

It takes time to get things done, health and safety are only performed in hospitals, and no one will judge you by what you have or what you look like.

Oh and another tip. Don't be tempted to think of going back to the UK if you need hospital treatment, you have the best on your doorstep at Poitiers.

Oh and don't get hung up about speaking French. If you are polite and learn a few basics and try in your best Franglais , you will find the French around this area very welcoming.

Oh and be ready for lots and lots and lots and lots of paperwork in whatever you do, and you have to keep each piece you get for 55 Million years or you will be sent to the Foreign Legion never to be seen again.

Oh and most of the best cheese is from the markets and not the big supermarkets.

[Jane]

Loving these tips so far, and I have found my basic French has got me through so far, and at least I give the locals something to laugh at  We've already learned not think British. Things get done whenever. To be honest I think it does us good to slow down a bit when we come over. Why do things always have to be rushed anyway? It's just a case of accepting that it's not as commercialised and fast paced as the UK and that's actually a good thing.