FAQ

Welcome to our " FAQ " (Frequently Asked Questions) page. You can take a look at the most frequently asked questions. Click on the headings that interest you. If you cannot find an answer to your question, please click here to refer to the Legislation et Tips and Hints section.

I am looking for spare parts for older 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. Indeed, raw material suppliers (for example wood panels) sometimes stop their production.

I am having problems with my holiday home. Who can I contact?

When you buy a Holiday home from an IRM dealer, the dealer will sign a sales contract with you setting down the general conditions of sale and the guarantee.
Only the guarantee conditions will be applicable to your holiday home. The dealer with whom you signed your contract will be your sole contact for any After Sales problem. He will examine your After Sales request, perform an expertise on the nature and cause of your problem, order any required spare parts (dealers often have a permanent stock), and repair your holiday home.

Can I contact 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 Service lead 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 have a holiday home with a flat roof and I would like to modify it into a pitched roof. Can this be done?

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 56-410 that defines a holiday home, in order to maintain its status, it must be able to be removed easily from its pitch using one of the four sides, at all times. Consequently, you will not be able to install a concrete terrace, a concrete block veranda or any other "permanent" installation (fence, garden shed), if this modifies the mobility of your residence. Only removable terraces and awnings that do not hinder the ability to be moved are authorised. Furthermore, according to the decree of 28 September 2007 (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.

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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 sales outlets:

• distributors = Independent companies which market IRM holiday homes and which can suggest pitches on several campsites where you can install your holiday home. The distributor has signed an agreement with several campsites in his region and as such can suggest different campground pitch selections according to your needs. A professional in leisure activities, he can offer a "turnkey, delivered, installed" holiday home purchase (holiday home, delivered, stabilisation, financing and After Sales Service). He usually has several models that you can visit (not necessarily all of them), participates in various regional fairs, manages a stock of spare parts and many years of experience. Distributors can sometimes also make you a trade-in offer on your used holiday home. Contact the distributor that is closest to the future installation site (camping or LRP) of your holiday home. Indeed, the distributor can suggest pitches in the campsites that are partners in his geographical region only. If no distributor is listed in the département selected, contact the distributor(s) in the neighbouring départements.

• dealer campsites = Some campsites have decided to manage the sale of holiday homes to private individuals on their campsite directly, with no intermediary. In this case, if you want to install your mobile home on this campsite, you must go through them (and sometimes you must choose a certain brand or model that they recommend). In general they do not have or have just a few models that you can visit and make few trade-in offers. Some of these campsites are grouped together in a chain such as Siblu (14 campsites in France), Village Center (28 campsites in France) and Les Domaines (9 campsites in France).

IMPORTANT : A distributor's partner campsites do not sell directly and as such are not shown on the map of dealer campsites on this site (and reciprocally, as a dealer campsite sells directly by definition, no distributor can offer you a site on their grounds). Contact both in order to obtain the widest selection possible.

Click here for the list of IRM distributors and many IRM dealer campsites. This list is not complete, as campsites reselling holiday homes occasionally or who resell through the intermediary of a distributor are not mentioned.

Is it less expensive to deal with a distributor or a dealer campsite?

As each is free to set his own prices, there is no general rule. Everything depends on the classification of the campsite, conditions at the sale outlet, and if indeed the comparison is for the same holiday home, installed on 2 sites that are comparable in all aspects.
Although dealing with a distributor adds an intermediary to the transaction, this will not necessarily increase the final price as the latter have privileged purchasing conditions. Their expertise, if they offer several plots in several campsites and their After Sales Service can 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.

Do you sell directly?

No, the IRM Company is a leisure holiday home manufacturer. Therefore, it does not market them directly. Click here for the list of IRM distributors.

How to choose a distributor?

We recommend that you contact 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 problems.
e.g. : I want to install my holiday home in the Gironde département (33), so I need to contact the Gironde distributor. The list of distributors is available in the Sales network section.

Where can I visit holiday homes?

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

What is the Trust Charter for the purchase of an IRM holiday home?

Click here to discover the contents of the Charter and the dealer campsites that have signed it .

Which dealer campsites have signed the Trust Charter for the purchase of an IRM holiday home?

Discover all of the campsites that have signed on the map of France or on complete list of IRM sales outlets sorted by département

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What do the sales prices indicated on the IRM Internet website correspond to?

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 IRM sales network not only sells you the holiday home, transport and installation but also takes care of finding a pitch with you on the campsite of your dreams. The IRM sales network is composed of two types of sales outlets: distributors and dealer campsites. Amongst the dealer campsites, those that have signed the IRM Trust Charter have provided, under their responsibility, their selling price on their campsite as well as the details for each general expense item. You can view their prices on our Internet website by:
- clicking on the flag of the campsites in the "map of dealer campsites" section
- by clicking on the name of the campsite in the complete list of sales outlets, then by downloading the price sheet.

How should the "turn-key" total budget for purchasing a new holiday home be calculated?

The following must be taken into account:
1. purchase of the holiday home itself and its options and accessories (such as a terrace)
2. transport from the factory to the destination campsite
3. installation (stabilisation, connections, crane lift if necessary)
4. other costs (costs for installing utilities on the site, administrative fees, the campsite entrance fee, etc.)
5. campsite rental costs for one year.

We recommend asking your dealer for a "turn-key" rate, in other words installed, stabilised 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. This budget does not include the insurance.

How much does it cost to transport 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 kilometre 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 specialised wide load transport company that will transport your holiday home to the campsite.
Average prices observed: from €1,000 to €4,000.

How much does it cost to install a holiday home on a campsite?

Installation of a holiday home on a campsite pitch consists of:
- moving it from the unloading area to the pitch by pulling it with suitable equipment (tractor, 4-wheel drive vehicle, etc.)
- levelling it at 10 to 12 points on concrete blocks with the levelling jacks
- 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 pitch
- 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, type of ground, etc.) and the cost can go up according to the layout of the landscape (lawn, incorporated watering, 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 contact the sales outlet for further information.
Average prices observed: from €500 to €2,000.

What is the campsite entrance fee? How much is it?

The campsite or the LRP 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.
You can avoid unpleasant surprises by preferring a "turn-key" total estimate and by comparing several destinations.

What is the rental cost of a site on a campsite?

The amount is approximately €2,000 to €5,000 (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, along with the internal regulations for the campsite are binding to you and will govern your relations with the campsite owner for the years to come. Average prices observed: from €2,000 to €5,000.

Is it less expensive to deal with a distributor or a dealer campsite?

As each is free to set his own prices, there is no general rule.
Everything depends on the classification of the campsite, the distributor's conditions, and if indeed the comparison is for the same holiday home, installed on 2 sites that are comparable in all aspects. Although dealing with a distributor adds an intermediary to the transaction, this will not necessarily increase the final price as the latter have privileged purchasing conditions. Their expertise and their After Sales Service can 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 do the prices vary greatly from one campsite to another?

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 this difference is justified.

Do you offer financing for the purchase of a holiday home?

Most IRM distributors can offer customized financing solutions. Do not hesitate to ask them! In general, your normal general-service bank will also offer private individuals conventional 5 to 12-year loans (similar to the camper market).

Are there any notary fees to pay?

No, none.

Are there any taxes to pay?

There is no property tax or housing tax to pay in addition to your pitch rent if and only if your holiday home retains its legal status, i.e. it must be installed on a campsite, a leisure residential park or a holiday village classed as lightweight leisure dwellings (Find out more about the legislation). On private grounds, the installation is subject to common law concerning buildings which in particular entails the filing of a building permit and as such the payment of housing tax and property tax. On a campsite, you will have to pay a residence tax (a few euros a day per person, this differs according to the region) unless it is included in the rental contract.

Do I need to take out insurance for my holiday home?

You must indeed 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 is essential cover for the daily risks: fire, weather, theft, electrical damage, water damage, broken windows, etc.

What are the other fees?

The other fees include, in general, costs that vary according to the campsite or site. These entail costs for installing utilities on the site, administrative fees, the entrance fee, etc. Considerable differences in prices can in particular be explained in terms of installing utilities on the site (whether or not the water and electricity network is already there, quality of the landscaping, etc.).
Average prices observed: from €0 to €5,000.

Do you have rates for installing a holiday home abroad?

Contact our distributors directly in the country in question. Find out more

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What size of holiday home do you recommend?

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 note that there are precise rules: according to the decree of 28 September 2007 (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 includes not only leisure holiday homes, but also annex installations such as a garden shed or a non-removable terrace or any other construction on the pitch. Therefore, a holiday home occupying 40m² will require a site of at least 133.34m².

Do you have models from inventory clearance? 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 customised 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.

Are holiday homes available in kit form?

No, no homes are delivered in kits, our holiday homes must be factory assembled.

What are the delivery lead times?

Allow between 1 and 6 months depending on the model and the time of the year. Some distributors have several models in stock, otherwise in the worst case, the waiting time is 6 months.

What will I need to outfit 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 electric generator?

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.

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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.

How much does it cost to remove / destroy 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, complying with all of the current recycling standards. For further information, contact the various holiday home distributors in the region.

Can my rental contract be cancelled?

The pitch rental contract signed with the campsite owner is usually binding for 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.

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Can I live all year round in my holiday home?

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 that are suited for handicapped persons?

Yes, we have the Hélios, model, which is wheelchair-friendly

Can my holiday home be installed on private land?

Remember that legally, a holiday home can only be installed in a campground, leisure residential park or a holiday village in order to retain its legal status as a holiday home (Find out more about the legislation) and the advantages that this status procures (no housing tax or property tax, for example). Consequently, the installation of any holiday home on another type of grounds will be done under a legal status other than as a holiday home and requires special permission. On private grounds, the installation is then subject to common law concerning buildings which in particular entails the filing of a building permit. It is therefore preferable to make sure that a building permit will be obtained before making your purchase. Also remember that in this case, the holiday home loses its legal status as a leisure holiday home and the advantages that come with it: the owner becomes liable to housing tax, for example. Finally, remember that a holiday home is not built according to real estate construction standards.

What is the required amperage 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 this must be authorised in the internal campsite regulations.

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What is the price of a used holiday home?

Click here for full information on the used holiday home market.

Where can I buy or sell a used holiday home?

Click here for full information on the used holiday home market

Are there official prices for used holiday homes?

Click here for full information on the used holiday home market

Can a profit be made 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.

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 various holiday home distributors in your region and ask them to make you an offer for your old home.

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