The contract is in the standard French form, but an English translation is available. The contract provides for stage payments to be made as the building work progresses. The specification shows the work and materials which are included in the price, and those items which are omitted.

Depending on the type of land purchased there are charges for excavation, digging out and an access way. The average cost is 10,000€. The contractual price is payable by instalments and these are as follows:-

1. 5% on the signing of the Contract. This covers the application for planning.
2. 10% at the start of the building work.
3. 10% when the foundations have been completed.
4. 15% when the exterior walls have been constructed.
5. 20% when the building is watertight.
6. 15% when the interior walls have been constructed.
7. 20% when the plumbing, woodwork and heating have been installed.
8. 5% on completion.