Curated architecture resources and checklists
This page gathers the practical tools we reference across our guides so you can act on them without wading through jargon. You'll find step-by-step checklists for preparing a project and reviewing plans, plus a quick reference of the numbers and rules that come up most often in French residential building. Use them to arrive at meetings prepared and to sense-check the advice you receive.
Project Preparation Checklist
- Write a one-page brief listing your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and hard budget ceiling before contacting anyone.
- Request the cadastral plan (plan cadastral) and the local urbanism rules (PLU) from your mairie to confirm what you're allowed to build.
- Check whether your commune requires a déclaration préalable (typically for work under 20 m²) or a permis de construire (larger extensions and new builds).
- Photograph the existing site and note orientation, sunlight paths, prevailing wind, and any neighbouring overlooking windows.
- Set aside a realistic contingency of 10-15% of the build cost for surprises found once walls open up.
- Gather any existing plans, deeds, and past renovation records so an architect isn't guessing about the structure.
- Confirm the location of underground utilities and any easements (servitudes) affecting the plot.
Floor Plan Review Checklist
- Confirm the scale (commonly 1:50 or 1:100) and measure a known room to check the drawing matches reality.
- Trace your typical daily routes — bedroom to bathroom, kitchen to dining, front door to storage — and flag any awkward detours.
- Check that door swings don't collide with each other, with furniture, or with light switches.
- Verify each bedroom has an opening window for ventilation and light, and that ceiling heights are noted.
- Look at where load-bearing walls (usually drawn thicker) sit before assuming a space can be opened up.
- Note the position of radiators, plumbing stacks, and electrical panels, as moving them adds real cost.
- Check circulation width in halls and stairs — 90 cm is a comfortable minimum for corridors.
Quick Reference
- Extensions under 20 m² of floor area generally need only a déclaration préalable; above that a permis de construire is usually required (5 m² in some zoned areas).
- A permis de construire is typically valid for three years, and once granted the mairie has time limits to display and instruct the file.
- Standard interior door widths are around 73-83 cm; allow at least 90 cm clear for accessible passage.
- France's RE2020 environmental regulation applies to new dwellings, replacing the older RT2012 thermal standard.
- Above 150 m² of floor area, using a registered architect for a permis application is mandatory for private homeowners.
- Common ceiling height in French homes is 2.50 m; below 2.20 m a space often does not count as habitable surface.
Do I always need an architect for my project?
No. For small projects a builder or draughtsperson may suffice, but a registered architect is legally required when the total floor area exceeds 150 m². Even below that threshold, an architect adds value on complex sites, structural changes, or when you want a design tailored to how you actually live.
What is the difference between a déclaration préalable and a permis de construire?
A déclaration préalable is a lighter authorisation for minor works and smaller extensions, usually under 20 m². A permis de construire is the fuller planning permission needed for new buildings and larger additions. Your local PLU and the exact surface figures decide which one applies, so confirm with your mairie.
How do I read the scale on a floor plan?
The scale tells you how drawing size relates to real size. At 1:100, one centimetre on paper equals one metre on site; at 1:50 it's more detailed, with one centimetre equalling half a metre. Measure a wall on the drawing and multiply by the scale to check the real dimension.
What does sustainable home design actually involve?
It's a mix of good orientation to capture winter sun, strong insulation, airtightness, efficient heating, and durable, low-impact materials. RE2020 pushes new French homes toward lower energy use and lower carbon over their lifetime, so many of these choices are now built into the rules rather than optional extras.
How much contingency should I budget?
For renovations we suggest keeping 10-15% of the build cost in reserve, because hidden issues like damp, outdated wiring, or unexpected structural work often surface once construction starts. New builds carry less unknown risk but still benefit from a buffer for material price changes.
Where can I learn more about each step?
Our guide library covers the planning process, residential styles, choosing materials, working with an architect, reading floor plans, and sustainable design basics. Each one expands on the checklists here in plain language. Read more to explore the guide that matches your current stage.
Guides
The key steps of an architecture planning process
A clear walkthrough of the main planning stages for a building project, from initial idea to permits, for homeowners and general readers.
Understanding residential architecture styles
Learn to recognise common home architecture styles and their features so you can describe what you like with confidence.
Choosing building materials for your project
A plain-language overview of common building materials, their trade-offs, and questions to ask before deciding.
What to expect when working with an architect
Understand what architects do, how collaboration works, and how to prepare so you can ask better questions from the start.
Reading and understanding floor plans
Learn how to read floor plans, common symbols, and scale so you can review design drawings with more confidence.
The basics of sustainable home design
An easy introduction to sustainable design ideas, from insulation to orientation, for homeowners planning greener projects.