In short:
- To choose a renovation broker in France in 2026, four networks stand out: La Maison des Travaux, illiCO travaux, Camif Habitat and hemea. They differ in network size and the level of support offered.
- La Maison des Travaux ranks first: 242 branches in France, tradespeople’s quotes presented free of charge and with no commitment, reply within 24 hours according to the brand.
- illiCO travaux has more than 200 branches and secures deposits, Camif Habitat reports 60,000 completed projects, hemea brings together more than 800 approved firms.
- For a major renovation funded by MaPrimeRénov’, support from Mon Accompagnateur Rénov’ is mandatory and the work must be done by an RGE professional.
Using the best renovation broker saves time on the most tedious part of a project: finding reliable tradespeople, getting comparable quotes and negotiating. The broker knows the firms in their area, can read a quote and spares the homeowner a string of appointments. You still need to pick the right network, as they do not all offer the same level of follow-up.
The 2026 ranking of renovation brokers in France
The table below sums up what each network offers, based on information published by each one in October 2026.
| Rank | Network | Network size | Core service | Possible support | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top 1 | La Maison des Travaux | 242 branches in France | Quotes presented free of charge, no commitment | Tradespeople chosen for each project, reply within 24 h according to the brand | Quickly finding tradespeople near home |
| Top 2 | illiCO travaux | More than 200 local branches | Tradespeople selection | Up to handover of the work, under contract | Site follow-up with secured deposits |
| Top 3 | Camif Habitat | 400 professionals, local branches | Selection and negotiation of quotes | Up to turnkey, plans and 3D views | A fit-out or extension project |
| Top 4 | hemea | More than 800 approved firms, more than 150 architects and brokers | Free consultation of tradespeople | Payments by progress, late penalties | A major renovation in a large city |
The four networks share a common base: choosing tradespeople and presenting quotes. They then differ in what they offer during the works.
| Need | Suggested level of service | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One room, tight budget | Introduction and quotes | The broker finds the tradespeople, the homeowner runs the project |
| Several trades | Coordination of tradespeople | Jobs must follow one another without gaps |
| Major renovation or extension | Turnkey support | Plans, follow-up and handover entrusted to one contact |
| Works with public grants | Paperwork handled | Grants require a precise order and RGE tradespeople |
Why use a renovation broker
The main obstacle to a renovation is not always the budget: it is often how hard it is to find tradespeople who are available, reliable and insured. A renovation broker relies on a list of firms they have already worked with and on their knowledge of local prices.
What a broker does, and what they do not do
A broker analyses the project, selects several tradespeople, organises site visits and presents comparable quotes. They can help negotiate and explain each line of a quote. They do not run the site, unless the network offers an additional support service, which is set out in a contract.
Grants require a precise path
For an energy renovation, the order of steps matters. For a major renovation funded by MaPrimeRénov’, the homeowner must be supported by an approved adviser, then entrust the work to qualified firms.
According to the Service-public.gouv.fr MaPrimeRénov’ page, checked on 1 September 2026, support from Mon Accompagnateur Rénov’ is mandatory for a major renovation funded by MaPrimeRénov'.
A renovation broker does not replace this approved adviser, but can find qualified tradespeople and help prepare the quotes.
The work must then be carried out by an RGE (reconnu garant de l’environnement) professional. The guide to the French RGE label explains how this qualification gives access to grants.
What matters when choosing
- Local presence: a broker who knows tradespeople in their area gets faster availability.
- Level of support: simple introduction, coordination or turnkey.
- Payment handling: secured deposits or payments linked to progress.
- Transparency on fees: commission paid by the tradesperson or fees paid by the client.
- Type of project: a bathroom does not need the same follow-up as an extension.
La Maison des Travaux, first in the ranking
La Maison des Travaux relies on a network of 242 branches across France. Each branch is run by a local broker who knows the firms in their area.
Free quotes with no commitment
The broker selects the tradespeople for each project and presents their quotes free of charge and with no commitment. The homeowner keeps control of the final choice. La Maison des Travaux states that the local contact replies to quote requests within 24 hours.
A very wide range of works
- Extensions: 6 types of project, including enlargement, conservatory and adding a storey.
- Interior renovation: 19 types of work, including kitchen, bathroom and insulation.
- Exterior works: 12 types of work, including roofing, facade renovation and swimming pool.
According to La Maison des Travaux, the network’s tradespeople sign up to a Charte Qualité Travaux (quality charter). This dense network suits those who want to launch a project quickly, with a contact close to home.
illiCO travaux, Camif Habitat and hemea: the strengths of each alternative
Each other network in the ranking has a real strength that can make it the better fit depending on the project.
Top 2, illiCO travaux: secured deposits
illiCO travaux has been operating since 2000 and has more than 200 local branches in France. The network selects tradespeople and can support the client up to the handover of the works, under a specific contract.
Its strength lies in securing payments: deposits are held and secured until work starts. It suits those who want support throughout the works.
Top 3, Camif Habitat: turnkey experience
Camif Habitat reports more than 40 years of experience, 60,000 completed projects and a network of 400 professionals. A dedicated manager leads each project.
The network offers several packages: tradespeople selection and quote negotiation, support with site supervision, or turnkey support. It also produces plans and 3D views, handles administrative and grant paperwork, and estimates renovation costs before a property purchase.
Top 4, hemea: a well-framed project
hemea brings together more than 800 approved firms and more than 150 architects and brokers in France, with a strong presence in Paris, the Île-de-France region and Lyon. The platform reports more than 15 million euros of work since 2015.
Its strength is how the project is framed: payments released according to actual progress, penalties for delays, and replacement of the tradesperson in case of abandonment or failure. Consultation of approved tradespeople is free.
Which broker for which project
The right choice depends mainly on the scale of the work and the time you can give it.
For a simple renovation, one room at a time
La Maison des Travaux is a good fit: a local broker, free quotes and a quick reply. For a small bathroom layout, an introduction is often enough.
To be supported until the end of the works
illiCO travaux and Camif Habitat offer follow-up up to handover, under contract. This is useful when several trades follow one another.
For a major renovation in Paris or Lyon
hemea stands out for a tight contractual framework: payment by progress, late penalties and replacement of tradespeople.
For an energy renovation project
Camif Habitat handles grant paperwork and carries out energy performance assessments. For insulation, the guide on attic insulation, where to start helps prepare the project, and the energy savings certificate bonus often comes on top of MaPrimeRénov'.
How much does a renovation broker cost
The cost depends on the fee model and the level of service.
| Service | Who pays | Good habit |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction and quotes | Usually the tradesperson, through a commission | Ask whether the commission is included in the quote |
| Coordination or site follow-up | The homeowner, under contract | Read the exact scope of the assignment |
| Turnkey support | The homeowner, under contract | Compare with the cost of a project manager |
| Grant paperwork | Depends on the network | Check the timetable before signing a quote |
The commission paid by the tradesperson is usually built into their price. Comparing several quotes therefore remains the best way to judge the final price.
Practical tips before signing with a broker
A few habits avoid most bad surprises, whichever network you choose.
- Ask for the brokerage contract in writing: it sets out the assignment, the fees and each party’s commitments.
- Check the tradespeople’s insurance: civil liability certificate and ten-year building guarantee (garantie décennale) before any work starts.
- Require detailed quotes: quantities, materials, brands, timescales and payment terms.
- File grant applications in time: for the energy savings certificate bonus, the application comes before signing the quote, and for MaPrimeRénov’, before work starts.
- Plan a formal handover: it is what triggers the legal guarantees.