We moved to France because it just felt like it was time to do something different.
I am originally from South Africa and Andrew is from Zimbabwe, so we are used to moving around and we both missed open spaces.
We also realised that, with Brexit, the clock was ticking. Both our children had gone to university, so an opportunity presented itself.
When we arrived in France, we built a house from straw bales [previously documented in The Connexion, April 2024], which we are still living in.
However, we needed a garage for Andrew's tools and work vehicles. We did not have enough storage in the house. We decided to build it ourselves out of cement and concrete.
I worked on the design. I had to think like an engineer to make sure that the walls would be strong enough to support the roof, and so on.
it is better to buy a cement mixer than rent oneTania Solomons
The grey concrete breeze blocks come in at least 10 different shapes and sizes and you have to puzzle out which one to put where.
Using the cement mixer is easier than mixing breathable lime plaster – it is like mixing up a very large cake.
The back of the concrete and cement sacks explain the recommended ratios for various uses ie. how many buckets of cement, sand and water.
I had to learn the difference between concrete and cement and which to use when.
I wear gloves all the time, or my hands would be ruined. I usually wear PPE as well to protect my eyes and ears from dust, plus protective glasses and ear defenders because of the noise.
A cement mixer is a horribly noisy thing. I sometimes reminisce about the comfort of my former job in banking, but I have so much more freedom now and every day is different.
When it is finished, the garage will hold two vehicles and have plenty of shelving for tools and storage for larger items in the loft space.
Eventually, it will have an external covering of lime and wooden panelling to make it blend in with the house.
If you are building something from scratch, you will probably need planning permission from the mairie. If your construction is under 150m² you do not need an architect.
It is better to buy a cement mixer rather than hiring one. You just need your own tools and you can always sell it again afterwards.
Be aware of your physical limitations. Pace yourself. Get help rather than overdoing it.
Power tools like angle grinders, large drills and concrete mixers can be dangerous. Practise using them before diving in.
I bought materials from Leroy Merlin, Bricoman and Brico Dépôt. I like Leroy Merlin because you can return things easily and customers can access an online portal so you can see what you bought, and when. However, they don't sell everything I need.
Be aware of costings; not just for materials but for tools and additional labour. For the garage rafters, for example, I will need three or four extra people to help lift the weight. I cannot put the roof panels up on my own either. You have to factor all that in.
Have sun cream and drinks on site. Wear personal protection and appropriate work clothes. I wear trainers, although proper boots would probably be better.
Have tarpaulin/plastic sheeting available in case the weather changes.
