Building from abroad: the pitfalls to avoid.

Pitfall 1: land bought without checks

Buying on the word of a relative or a middleman, without checking the title or using a surveyor, is the leading cause of disputes. A pre-purchase audit costs little compared with the risk.

Pitfall 2: money sent without control

Regular transfers, without quotes or receipts, often end up funding something other than the site. Each amount should correspond to a stage defined in advance and verified on the ground.

Pitfall 3: a global quote with no detail

A single amount “for the house” allows neither comparison nor control. Require an item-by-item quote, drawn up on final plans, after a soil study.

Pitfall 4: paying everything upfront

Paying the full amount at the start removes your only leverage. Stage the payments: at the start, once weathertight, at handover.

Pitfall 5: a site you cannot see

Without dated photos or reports, there is no way of knowing whether the work is progressing. Ask for photos and videos every week, a written report every month, and live video visits at key stages.

Pitfall 6: a power of attorney that is too broad

A general power of attorney allows anything, including selling. Prefer a specific power of attorney, limited to one act and one period, drawn up before a notary.

Pitfall 7: building without a permit

Without a permit or a certificate of conformity, the property is harder to let, sell or finance. Applications are now made online: there is no longer any reason to do without.

Our role: to be your eyes and hands on the ground. Written checks, a fixed price, payments tied to progress, photos every week and a report every month.