Choosing a craftsman for home renovation work relies on a set of concrete checks that most individuals underestimate. The regulatory framework is evolving rapidly, with recent reforms to the RGE label and new obligations regarding subcontracting that modify the criteria for selecting a reliable professional.
This article details the checkpoints to master before signing a quote, focusing on real risk areas rather than generic advice.
RGE Label Reform: What the June 2026 Order Changes for Choosing a Craftsman
Since the order of June 23, 2026, the RGE label no longer operates exactly as before. Two changes deserve the attention of anyone starting an energy renovation project.
The first concerns access to the label. A validation of experience pathway (VAE) now allows an experienced company to obtain RGE certification by presenting three audited and compliant projects, without following the traditional theoretical curriculum. In practical terms, a competent craftsman in the field can now access the label more quickly.
The second change is more significant for choosing a professional: audits are strengthened and accompanied by a system of graduated sanctions that can lead to a suspension of up to 24 months. In case of recurrence, the withdrawal of the label becomes permanent. It is no longer sufficient to check that a craftsman is “RGE” in a directory. It becomes relevant to ask for the date of their last audit and their inspection history.
Information can be found on coeur-artisan.com that allows you to identify qualified professionals according to the type of work planned, which serves as a first filter before starting detailed checks.
Subcontracting and Decennial Insurance: The Blind Spots of the Craftsman Quote
Subcontracting represents a concrete risk that few guides address in depth. A craftsman can subcontract part of the project to another company, and this is legal. The problem arises when the subcontractor does not have the same qualifications or insurance as the main contractor.
The verification to be carried out is precise: request a decennial insurance certificate dated for the current year and covering the exact type of work you are ordering. A plumbing decennial guarantee does not cover insulation work. This distinction by category of work is rarely explained to individuals.
Documents to Require Before Signing
- The professional liability insurance certificate, verifiable with the insurer mentioned on the document
- The decennial guarantee certificate specifying the covered activities, with a validity date after the expected end of the project
- The SIRET number, which can be verified for free on online business directories, to confirm that the company is active and not in liquidation
- The qualification certificate or up-to-date RGE label, if the work concerns energy renovation and qualifies for aid
A quote that does not mention the SIRET number, the applicable VAT rate, or the details of the services with unit prices presents a compliance defect. This is not a minor signal; it is a reason for refusal.
Comparing Renovation Quotes: Beyond the Cheapest Price
Requesting multiple quotes is a well-known reflex. However, knowing how to read and compare them on identical bases is much less common.
The first trap is comparing by total amount. Two quotes can show a significant price difference while describing different services. A craftsman who includes the removal of the old covering, the disposal of debris, and the preparation of the support will be more expensive than a competitor who only mentions the installation. The low price often hides excluded services that will be subject to amendments during the project.
Quote Reading Grid
To compare effectively, align the quotes on the same items. Create a simple table with the following columns: nature of the service, quantity, unit price, supplies included or not, execution time. Any item present with one craftsman and absent with another should be the subject of an explicit question.
The mention of the materials used (brand, reference, technical characteristics) is an indicator of seriousness. A quote that states “white paint” without specifying the type of product or the number of coats leaves room for interpretation that will turn against the client.
Customer Reviews and Word of Mouth: The Real Reliability of These Selection Criteria
Online reviews are a source of information, but their reliability remains uneven. Field feedback varies on this point: some platforms moderate reviews, others do not. A craftsman with only maximum ratings deserves as much scrutiny as a poorly rated craftsman.
Word of mouth remains the most reliable channel for identifying a quality professional, provided you ask the right questions. Ask your circle not “Do you know a good craftsman?” but rather: Was the project delivered on time, did the final price match the quote, and were there any issues after the work was completed?
What a Preliminary Technical Visit Reveals
A serious craftsman does not price a renovation project based on photos or a phone description. The preliminary technical visit is a formidable sorting criterion. During this visit, observe if the professional takes measurements, asks questions about your usage constraints, and points out any potential unseen problems.
A craftsman who offers a quote without having seen the site takes a risk that they will pass on to you in the form of extra costs or defects. This behavior is enough to exclude them from your selection.
The choice of a craftsman for home work does not rely on a single criterion, but on the intersection of several factual checks: validity of insurances, quality of the quote, consistency of the described services, and behavior during the technical visit. No label exempts from this rigor.