More than a quarter of French people plan major renovation work in 2026, despite the rising cost of living

This recent study conducted by Travaux.com, the platform connecting individuals with building professionals, shows that millions of homeowners are planning major renovations in the coming months. Nearly a third even say they are able to finance them.

The figures reveal that 26% of French people feel confident enough to invest in renovation work in 2026, an increase compared to last year. Another finding: 31% prefer to renovate or extend their home rather than move.

Young people are more motivated: 36% of 18-34 year olds want to renovate or extend, compared to 25% of those over 55.

The figures vary by region. Occitanie comes out on top with 42% of respondents having renovation projects, compared to 25% in Auvergne.

The obstacle: finding an available tradesperson

These encouraging prospects are, however, hampered by a shortage of qualified tradespeople. The Travaux.com study confirms this: 36% of French people have already struggled to find the right person to carry out their projects, and 13% have even had to cancel work due to a lack of available professionals.

According to Serge Masson, renovation expert at Travaux.com: “After a difficult year for many, it’s heartening to see so many French people wanting to improve their homes in 2026. But a word of advice: there’s a shortage of tradespeople, so plan ahead. Many professionals, especially in structural work, are fully booked months in advance. Contact them as soon as your project takes shape. Skilled tradespeople have waiting lists: it’s best to get started early to avoid disappointment.”

For those preparing for a major project, Serge Masson has also listed the essential questions to ask your craftsman before embarking on a renovation or extension.

What is your experience with this type of project?

It's essential to know if the company has previous experience with this type of work. Some projects are complex, and it's best to hire an expert who understands the requirements. For example, side extensions, garage conversions, or loft conversions may require specific skills and construction plans. Having a dedicated expert for these projects can eliminate stress and delays. It's advisable to ask to see photos of previous work or a recent project, as well as testimonials from clients who have had similar work done.

Are you certified?

Membership in a professional organization is not a guarantee of quality work, but it's a good way to verify the standards of your potential tradesperson, and for some types of tradespeople, it's essential. Tradespeople listed on Travaux are subject to regular ratings from consumers through our review and rating system.

Do you have any references or opinions?

By using a platform like Travaux.com, you'll see ratings and reviews of the tradesperson's completed projects, as well as photos. This is a crucial element when hiring a professional, and most tradespeople will be able to provide references from previous clients, so don't hesitate to ask.

Is the price you are offering a quote or an estimate?

This question can be tricky: does the price reflect the finished project or is it a rough estimate? The quote may also be based on the project's duration. You'll likely want to avoid paying a daily rate, as this exposes you to additional costs if the project is delayed. It's important to emphasize that ALL quotes must be confirmed in writing. Ideally, you should have a complete breakdown of your project's costs. Currently, raw material costs can fluctuate significantly, so some contractor quotes are only valid for a short period. Steel and timber prices have risen dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic. If you've previously priced a similar project, expect the new quote to be considerably higher. We also recommend requesting quotes from at least three contractors, if possible. This will allow you to determine if any of them are excessively low or high. Despite careful planning, unforeseen circumstances may alter the quote – and some tradespeople state this in their terms and conditions. Be sure to read them carefully and understand their implications.

Are you covered by insurance?

All approved companies must have appropriate insurance coverage, such as professional liability insurance, in case of damage or problems during the construction project. We advise against hiring a professional who does not have the necessary insurance. For large projects, the standard coverage level is generally around €10 million.

Do you offer a guarantee on your work?

It's always wise to know what guarantees companies offer in case of problems after the work is completed. Try to obtain a formal guarantee in writing or by email. If the contractor hasn't automatically provided one, ask for it. Most tradespeople should be able to provide one. Tradespeople often offer guarantees on their work and/or materials. If they don't, you should consider confirming what defects they will come back to repair and whether there will be a cost for this. You should also agree on a suitable duration for this guarantee.

What are the payment terms?

It's important to know how the tradesperson prefers to be paid and whether payment can be made in full upon completion of the work or in installments. Also, check if any deposits are required. It's always helpful to discuss with your tradesperson what you'll be paying and when. Always clarify the purpose of any deposits: they could be a "reservation" deposit, confirming the tradesperson's availability for the job, a deposit for materials, or initial payments. It's also useful to discuss setting up a payment plan – many tradespeople prefer a schedule of due dates to ensure they are paid as work progresses.

When can you start?

Companies often have a waiting list, so it's good to know when they can start the project. Try to get a firm date and hope they stick to it. Project timelines often change, so be prepared to start early or finish late. Knowing the project timeline is helpful for planning; for example, if you're renovating a kitchen, how long will you be without a sink? Similarly, for a bathroom, how long will you be without a toilet or shower?

Do you put sugar in your coffee?

It's important to establish a good relationship with your coffee maker, as they may be staying with you for a considerable amount of time. A good starting point is to find out how they like their coffee and any other relevant information about them. Maintaining good communication throughout the project is essential. You don't need to become best friends, but you should be able to maintain a professional relationship and feel comfortable openly discussing your concerns and resolving any issues that may arise.

Methodology

The research was conducted by Opinium for Travaux.com on a panel of 2.000 people. Opinium is an award-winning strategic research agency with one of the largest survey panels in France.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.