Who should I contact to buy a holiday home ?
The IRM Company is a holiday home manufacturer. It does not market its products to private individuals directly, but rather through a sales network. The sales network is composed of two types of dealers:

Click here to find a list of IRM distributors and some IRM dealer campsites (sales network). This list is not exhaustive, campsites selling holiday homes when the situation arises or selling them through a distributor do not appear in the list).

Do you sell directly ?
No, the IRM Company manufactures leisure holiday homes. Therefore, it does not market them directly. Click here to see a list of IRM dealers.

How to choose a distributor ?
We recommend that you should get into contact with the distributor closest to the region where you want to set up your holiday home, rather than the distributors closest to your own home, so that they can offer you a choice of campsites that they are used to working with in this region and will be close by in case of problem.
Eg: I want to set up my holiday home in the Gironde Department (33) and therefore wish to get into contact with the Gironde distributor. The sales network section contains the list of distributors.

Where can I visit holiday homes ?
You can visit IRM Holiday homes at most distributors whose contact data appear in the sales network. Not all models in the IRM range are always exhibited, therefore we recommend that you should check by getting into contact with the distributor before the visit if you are looking for a specific model. You can also contact one of our two IRM showgrounds in Luçon (85) and in Villeneuve Les Béziers (34). Click here for further information.

Why cannot I find the selling price on the IRM Internet site ?
I.R.M. is a holiday home manufacturer and does not market directly. Its sales network is free to set selling prices and IRM cannot impose them.

How should the "turn-key" global budget for purchasing a new holiday home be calculated ?
Take account of
1. purchase of the holiday home itself and its options
2. transport from the factory to the destination campsite
3. installation (stabilization, connection, crane lift if necessary, etc..)
4. campsite entrance fee
5. campsite rental cost for one year.

We recommend that you should ask your dealer for a "turn-key" rate, in other words installed, stabilized and connected to utilities on the campsite pitch that you choose. You will then know exactly how much you will have to pay and will avoid unpleasant surprises. For a new IRM Holiday home, allow for a total turn-key budget of between 25 000 and 65 000 € including VAT.

What is the transport cost for a holiday home ?
Your holiday home must be transported as a wide load. Therefore, the operation is relatively expensive and its amount can vary considerably depending on the distance from the manufacturing factory to the destination campsite (about 4 to 5 € per kilometer depending on the type of wide load, in addition to the loading and unloading fee). The dealer from whom you purchase your holiday home will contact you and inform you about a specialized wide load transport company that will transport your holiday home to the campsite.

What is the installation cost of a holiday home on a campsite ?
Installation of a holiday home on a campsite pitch consists of :
- moving it from the parking area to the pitch by pulling it with a four-wheel drive vehicle
- levelling and stabilizing it with concrete blocks at 10 to 12 points
- installing a waste water network under the holiday home
- connecting this waste water network to the drain
- connecting the holiday home to the electric meter for the site
- connecting the holiday home to gas cylinders or the underground gas network

When utilities have already been installed on the site (in other words the water, gas and electricity networks are already installed), the cost of the installation can vary from 500 to 2000 € depending on access and configuration of the site (trees, slope, nature of ground, etc.).
The invoice can be much higher if utilities have not been installed or if access is difficult such that a crane lifting operation is necessary (a holiday home weighs from 4 to 6 tonnes). Please ask the dealer for further information.

What is the campsite entrance fee ? How much is it ?
The campsite or the PRL on which you want to set up your holiday home may demand an entrance fee. The amount will be about 1000 to 5000 € depending on the campsite, the services provided on it, its classification, geographic location, etc. This entrance fee (sometimes called a commission) is payable only during the year in which you set up your holiday home and usually covers administration, registration and preparation costs for your pitch.
Depending on the case, these entrance fees may be included in the initial stated price for the holiday home or may be added later on the final invoice. If you buy through a distributor, then the distributor will usually have included it in your estimate and will forward the amount to the chosen campsite.

Always prefer a "turn-key" total estimate and compare several destinations to avoid unpleasant surprises.

What is the rental cost of a site on a campsite ?
The amount may be approximately 2000 to 5000 € (per year), depending on the size, location and the campsite (depending on the services, classification, geographic location, etc.).
A seaside campsite with entertainment, water fun park and restaurant will be probably more expensive than an isolated campsite with no facilities.
If you have not yet decided on a specific campsite, visit several and compare their rents and services.
The pitch rental contract signed with the campsite owner is usually binding for one year with tacit renewal. It defines the amount of the rent, dates on which the campsite is open, and details of charges and obligations for each party.
Read it carefully because the contract and the internal regulations for the campsite are binding to you and will govern your relations with the campsite owner for the years to come.

What amperage is necessary on the pitch ?
When you choose your pitch, make sure that the right amperage is available and whether or not you can equip your holiday home with a dishwasher or a washing machine option. If you choose these options, you will need at least 16 to 20 amperes and the internal campsite regulations must allow you to do so.

Is it less expensive to deal with a distributor or a dealer campsite ?
There is no general rule because each is free to set its prices. Everything depends on the standing of the campsite, the distributor's conditions and whether or not the same holiday home is being compared, and if they are installed on two sites that are comparable in all respects.
Although dealing with a distributor adds an intermediary to the transaction, this will not necessarily increase the final price, because distributors have preferential purchase conditions. Their expertise and their After Sales Service may also justify a higher price.
Our advice : Contact several previous buyers of holiday homes on the chosen campsite to determine whether or not they are satisfied with their dealer. A good reputation is usually a guarantee of professionalism and trustworthiness.

Why are there large price differences in different campsites ?
Firstly, make sure that the price you have been given is all inclusive, including delivery and installation. Some magazines intended for the general public give " ex works " prices for holiday homes, excluding installation and pitches rental costs, entrance fees, etc.
Then, make it clear what services are included in the price. In particular, is all internal equipment in the holiday home unpacked and installed (refrigerator, bed legs, etc.). Will your home be cleaned, will the water heater have been started up by an approved professional?
Finally, if there is still a price difference, it is usually due to the difference in the class and facilities between two campsites. You will need to judge whether or not it is justified by yourself.

Do you offer financing plans for the purchase of a holiday home ?
Most IRM distributors can offer customized financing solutions. Do not hesitate to ask them.

Do I have to pay notary costs ?
No, there are none.

Do I have to pay taxes ?
There is no land tax or habitation tax to be paid in addition to the site rental. However, you will have to pay a residence tax (a few Euros per day per person, which varies depending on the region), if it is not included in the rental contract.

Do I need insurance for my holiday home ?
You must take out insurance for your holiday home. Your insurance company might suggest a « caravan » type contract (excluding road transport) or an " individual home " type contract. This guarantee against daily risks (fire, weather, theft, electrical damage, water damage, broken windows, etc.), is essential.

What size of holiday home is recommended ?
The choice must be made based on personal needs (number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, etc.) and your budget. You will also need to determine whether or not the campsite can accommodate all sizes of holiday homes; the largest ones are 11 meters long and 4 meters wide. Finally, take care with precise rules; according to September 28 2007 decree (article 111-7), the total land occupancy (the COS - land occupancy coefficient) of your holiday home (excluding removable awnings and terraces) must not exceed 30% of the area of the site on which it is set up. The COS takes account not only of the leisure holiday home but also adjacent installations such as a garden shed or a fixed terrace or any other structure on the site. Therefore, a holiday home occupying 40m² will need a site of at least 133.34m².

Do you clear your stock of holiday homes ? Run promotions ? Used models ?
IRM does not destock holiday homes itself or offer promotion deals, but each dealer in its sales network is free to organize his own marketing operations. Most IRM dealers have used models that they can offer you, do not hesitate to contact them.

Do you sell empty or customized holiday homes ?
No, we do not make empty or customized holiday homes. All IRM Holiday homes are produced in advance on an assembly line in series, and only the options listed and described in the catalogue are possible.

Can the holiday home be delivered in kit form ?
No, no homes are delivered in kits, our holiday homes must be factory assembled.

What are the delivery times ?
Allow for between 1 and 6 months depending on the model and the period of the year. Some distributors have several models in stock, otherwise in the worst case, the waiting time is 6 months.

What do I need to equip my holiday home ?
IRM Holiday homes are delivered ready for use. Furniture, kitchen, household appliances, bedding, etc., are standard equipment (equipment depending on the model range).
All you need to provide are the gas cylinder, the TV antenna and what you need to enjoy yourself!

Do I need to bring water, gas cylinders or an electricity generating set ?
The holiday home will be connected to the campsite drinking water network and electricity network. Gas for the hob burners will be supplied by a conventional gas cylinder (possibility of connecting a second spare cylinder) to be connected to the connectors provided in the holiday home. You can ask your campsite if it sells gas cylinders, or you can fetch them yourself from a standard sales outlet.

I have problems with my holiday home, who can I contact ?
When you buy a holiday home from an IRM dealer, the IRM dealer will sign a sales contract with you setting down the general sales and guarantee conditions.
Only the guarantee conditions will be applicable to your holiday home. The dealer with whom you signed your contract will be your sole contact if you have any after sales problem. He should examine your after sales request, determine the precise nature and cause of your problem, order any necessary spare parts (dealers often have a permanent stock) and repair your holiday home.

Can I contact the IRM After Sales Service directly ?
No. The IRM After Sales Service does not know the history of the installation and cannot take action if not asked to do so by your dealer. Your dealer must make a written request for action, describing the circumstances with as much detail as possible.

What are After Sales delivery times ?
Allow 15 days for a spare part in stock. For a technical operation, allow for 1 to 3 months for recent holiday homes (spare parts in stock) and 3 to 6 months for old holiday homes (spare parts to be reordered from the supplier case by case).

I am looking for spare parts on old models ; who should I contact?
Your dealer or an IRM distributor (see sales network). However after 5 years, some spare parts (particularly furniture elements) may no longer be available. Raw material suppliers (for example wood panels) sometimes stop their production.

I have a flat roof holiday home and I would like to modify it to a pitched roof. Is it possible ?
Some craftsmen and independent companies offer this service. Ask your dealer or an IRM distributor for further information (see sales network). However, the structure of flat roofed holiday homes was not originally designed for a pitched roof. IRM cannot be held liable for execution of this work and any resulting damage. The company that makes the modifications is fully responsible for them.

Can I add roller shutters / air conditioning to my holiday home ?
Some craftsmen and independent companies offer this service. Ask your dealer or an IRM distributor for further information (see sales network). IRM cannot be held liable for execution of this work and any resulting damage. The company that makes the modifications is fully responsible for them.

Can I add a terrace or other annex to my holiday home ?
According to AFNOR standard 56-410 that defines a holiday home, in order to maintain its status, it must be easily removed from its pitch using one of the four sides, at all times. Consequently, you cannot improve your holiday home by installing a concrete terrace, a concrete block veranda or other « permanent » installation (fence, garden shed) if this affects the mobility of your home. All that you are allowed to have are removable terraces and awnings that do not hinder this movability. Furthermore, according to the September 28 2007 decree (article 111-7), removable awnings and terraces are excluded from the calculation of the ground occupancy coefficient (COS) that relates to the external surface occupied by your holiday home on the ground.

What happens if my holiday home is damaged during my absence ?
Either your insurance company or the campsite insurance company will be responsible for the claim, depending on the cause. Check to see if the clauses of your holiday home insurance contract are respected.

How long does IRM guarantee my holiday home ?
The guarantee applicable to your holiday home is usually one year (provided that you respect stabilization and usage conditions). In any case, if there are any technical defects, they will appear during the first months of use. Important defects that can be qualified as hidden vices are guaranteed throughout the life of the holiday home.

What is the life of a holiday home ?
It can be estimated that the life of the structure of a holiday home is 15 to 20 years. However after 10 years, normal wear of furniture, floors and curtains starts to make the holiday home look a little old and particularly no longer fashionable.

Can I make a profit on a holiday home ?
Be careful, despite the attraction of a small second home, buying a holiday home is not a realistic investment. It is a consumer product (like a car or a camping car) and not an investment. You will save money in holiday rental, and you will pass enjoyable moments, but its value will continuously decrease.

What is the price of a used holiday home ?
There is no official price schedule and the value fluctuates very much depending on supply and demand. However, you should know that a holiday home depreciates quickly in the first 3 years (about half its value) and that the holiday home has no real market value after 10 years. Furthermore, do not confuse the initial value of the holiday home and the total budget (see "how to calculate the global " turn-key " budget to purchase a new holiday home ?).
Finally, remember that a holiday home must be installed on a campsite or a PRL. Therefore, the used holiday home only has a value if you can find a campsite that accepts this product, or if you can retrieve the rental contract for the site on which it is already installed, in agreement with the campsite owner.
Caution with aluminum models or models with flat roofs (rather than pitched roofs). The aesthetics of these old models is already out of date and many campsites refuse to allow a pitch for them to maintain the class of their campsite by only allowing aesthetically recent models.

How can I sell my old holiday home ?
This can be difficult if you don't have a pitch on a campsite. Start by checking with the campsite owner to see what is stipulated in your rental contract. If the owner agrees, he can sell the holiday home and the pitch himself, subject to a commission. Otherwise, contact the different holiday home distributors in your region and ask them to make an offer for your old home.

What is the cost of removing and/or destroying my holiday home ?
Wide load transport costs are about 4 to 5 € per km, in addition to the loading and unloading fee. You also need to know where you can take it.
A destruction industry is starting to be developed. Allow about 2000 € to 5000 € to take an old holiday home to an approved centre and destroy it, respecting recycling standards in force. Contact the different holiday home distributors in the region for further information.

Can my rental contract be canceled ?
The rental contract for a pitch, signed with the campsite owner, is usually one year with tacit renewal. Therefore, the site is rented temporarily and either you or the campsite owner can cancel it every year provided that you give the notice mentioned in the clauses. Residential contracts are renewed every year in the vast majority of cases, since an owner who accepted you has no reason not to maintain good relations with his residents.

Can I live in my holiday home all year round ?
You can access your holiday home all year round if it is installed on campsites and leisure residential parks that are open all year round. On the other hand, you cannot use your holiday home as a main residence.

Do you sell holiday homes adapted to handicapped persons ?
Yes the Helios model accessible in a wheelchair.

Can I install my holiday home on private land ?
No, a holiday home cannot be installed on private land. Depending on the regulations in force, it must be placed on a campsite laid out for this purpose or on a Leisure Residential Park (PRL). Installation of any holiday home outside these specially equipped sites will necessarily require a building permit or special permission.

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