VAT returns

Hi,

I'm about to start renovating a house for my mum in France but I'm going to be buying a lot of materials in the UK as they are of better quality etc. I'm needing some advice on a plan I have to claim VAT back in the UK.

My plan was to set up a building company, as a sole trader, register for VAT and have my mum transfer me £10,000 which I would then use to buy materials. When it came to my VAT return I could claim the VAT back against zero sales.

Is this legal? If not, is there a way to do something similar that is?

Thanks in advance!

James