How to Check a Tradesperson Before Work Starts
Hiring a tradesperson for renovations or construction means entrusting your home to a professional. But how can you be sure they’re reliable before agreeing to a quote. Here are the essential steps to verify a tradesperson, artisan or company in France.
Check the Legal Status of the Business
Start by searching the business name or SIREN number on a website like societe.com or Pappers.fr. This provides you with access to their official business profile, which is registered with either the Commercial Register (INPI) or the Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA).
Key elements to check:
- Legal structure: sole proprietorship (EI), company (SARL, SAS, etc.)
- APE (or NAF) code: This should match the declared activity. For example, a drywall installer would typically have the code 43.31 b. However, companies working in multiple trades often only list their primary activity, so this may not reveal the full scope of their work.
⚠️ If the company is registered as an EI, keep in mind that micro-enterprises also fall under this category. In such cases, it’s essential to conduct further checks, as the micro-enterprise regime is often associated with a lack of mandatory insurance.
Look Out for Micro-Enterprises
The micro-enterprise regime may be suitable for minor jobs or occasional repairs, but it is not appropriate for renovation work where professional liability and warranties are required. If your project requires insurance and legal guarantees, look out for the following signs:
- VAT not applicable (often marked with a red cross): only micro-entrepreneurs are exempt from VAT collection.
- Business type: “non-regulated artisan”: this means the activity is not subject to qualification verification.
👉 Main risk: In 9 out of 10 cases, micro-entrepreneurs are not insured, even though the law requires them to have ten-year liability and professional liability coverage.
A regulated artisan business, registered with the CMA, must prove either a professional qualification or substantial experience. This is a strong indicator of credibility.
The micro-enterprise regime may be fine for small tasks or hobby-level work, but it is not suited to serious renovation projects that require insurance and guarantees.
Ask About Insurance
A professional quote must include:
- The name of the insurance company
- The insurance policy number
- The coverage details include ten-year liability insurance and professional liability insurance.
You are entitled to request a valid insurance certificate before work begins. A properly insured tradesperson takes responsibility for their work, which is a hallmark of professionalism, even if the business has only recently started.
Other Points to Check
Before hiring trademen, builders and artisans consider the following additional checks:
- Customer reviews (Google, Pages Jaunes, etc.): watch for fake reviews or overly recent profiles that look too good to be true.
- Project references: Request photos, testimonials or visit past projects if possible.
- Clarity of the quote: it should include detailed line items, quantities, prices before and after the value-added tax, or TVA, (HT/TTC), and all legal notices.
- Timeframes: Beware of promises of immediate availability for major projects — this may be a red flag…
The Pitfalls of Undeclared Work
Even if it seems cheaper at first, hiring someone “under the table” carries serious risks:
No warranty or insurance: if something goes wrong, you’ll be fully liable, even if your French property is insured.
- No legal recourse: undeclared work means no official contract and no protection.
- You assume all risks: if a worker is injured, you could be held personally responsible for medical costs or compensation.
- Legal penalties: up to €45,000 in fines and 3 years in prison for hiring undeclared labour.
- Social fraud: You’re supporting a system that undermines qualified professionals who play by the rules.
Professional tradespeople are often called in to repair the damage caused by unlicensed or undocumented work. If they’re reluctant to take over such projects, it’s understandable: taking responsibility for someone else’s poor workmanship exposes them to liability, even when they weren’t involved in the original work.
In Conclusion
Choosing a tradesperson or artisan is not something to take lightly. A registered and insured professional with verifiable references offers you genuine technical and legal security. It’s the best way to ensure your project goes smoothly.
