We have to report the modifications that we intend to make to the house. It requires a special form (Links). Together with some drawing and measures it is delivered at the "mairie". Make sure that the surface increase is less than 20 m² and that the total surface is less than 170 m², otherwise you need a permit.

Now that our drawings have been approved we make a list of purchases and drive to the Brico Depôt, where we hope to find most goods. We immediately find the 90x90 mm posts. They have a length of 240 cm - fine! Unfortunately we only find 4 straight posts and may other parts are unavailable too! We drove two times 80 km for...

The next day we find the missing items in the Proxi and in the local DIY shop.
 

Now the works can really start.

 

Being tall has its advantages. You do not always need to use the stairs. That's why we are happy that our friend takes care of the demolition of the "pit".

 

First we determine the location of the six posts - we do not want them in the middle in front of a door. The metal plugs are put on their exact place using the sledge hammer.

 

Finally everything is fixed with concrete.

 

Once the posts are on their place, we can put the horizontal layer of almost 6 meters. The exact size is calculated using the size of the roof tiles. Now everything starts to get its shape.

Once the frame is in place we can proceed with the tiles. We already bought three as a sample, but 200 more, as well as special termination tiles, halve tiles and side tiles (left and right - rive gauche and rive droît). Six different types in total. After two full days of work the veranda has been constructed and tiles are in place.

Then it's time for phase two. We buy some wooden planks and joists. When possible the joist is mounted onto the house, otherwise they are put in a bed of concrete. The space between the joists is filled with sand. When the last planks have been put in place and the lights have been mounted and connected we can sit on our new veranda and enjoy the singing of the crickets. Quite a difference, I must say...

In February 2007 we finish the veranda. Look at the final result!