Getting things done in France takes longer than one usually would want. It’s just the way things work.
Last November, I flew over from Atlanta to finalize the purchase of the house. I spent nearly three weeks getting things organized and planning for the move in February. I met with two contractors to do a number of small projects including the installation of air conditioning, safety rails, bookshelves and cabinets. I asked that they complete the work prior to my return in February.
Getting the air conditioning units installed in the bedrooms wasn’t a problem. But the living area required coordination with the construction of the bookshelves and cabinets. And since two different contractors were doing this work, it meant they had to work together.
When I returned February 6, I found that the bookshelves and cabinets weren’t done and the responsible contractor decided he had bigger fish to fry so he bowed out.
Finding another reliable contractor to do the job was a challenge. It’s usually done via personal reference, but once found, even getting a quote was like pulling teeth. You’d think they would be hungry for work, but they aren’t and it’s all “laissez faire” – relaxed and in their own time. I interviewed several individuals, one of whom was Richmond.
Richmond is a Scotsman who has been living in the Languedoc for 13 years. He is a reputable carpenter and his wife follows up many of his projects with her painting business. Richmond contracts with Danny, an Englishman who came to France 25 years ago at the age of 19. I was told they were both good but Danny has essentially “become French” in that he had adopted a lot of the habits and mores of the French culture. And this means that they work when they want, they take all of the holidays, etc. Fortunately this wasn’t the case.
Richmond gave me a quote early May but only arrived four weeks ago with Danny to do the work. I don’t know if it was their workload or the laissez faire attitude that delayed their arrival. But at least they showed up as promised. And I’m told that it a feat in itself!
They spent the week first putting in drywall because the existing wall had a curve and it would be impossible to build on it, to say nothing about hanging the AC unit. Then they worked on building the bookshelves and cabinets for storage as well as a coat closet as I didn’t have anywhere for my coats. They also reconfigured the utility closet to accommodate the kitty’s litter box with a shelf for the washer, and another shelf for storage.
They worked hard and were efficient. I enjoyed their bantering and told them they should do a comedy act. They really get on and have a good time working together. I told them I didn’t expect entertainment with the job but I definitely got it!
I spent all of the next week painting and cleaning up. Sawdust was everywhere even though they did the cutting outside on the deck.
French paint is also considered to be a bit inferior. If at all possible, people lean towards the English brands. But I couldn’t find any and was stuck with a well- known French brand. While Richmond did the primer coat, I was left to do the remainder and it took up to 4 and sometimes 5 coats to get the job done. It was a long week.
The next week, I was finally able to unpack my books and china. So I am finally moved in and my house is feeling more and more like home.
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