Maurice's activity

Thanks for the advice. I'm asking Copeland for a quote and may try a local company in Italy. I rang Intasure and over the phone they reduced 1 policy increase from 90% to 50% and the other from 56% to 30%. No reason given ( I should have asked!)

Last year, buildings only, 3 bed property, £199, this year £374 (88% increase). I have a second property buildings + contents which has increased by 56%

 Does it cover you if you rent your propert out?

 We have just started this year and are using Owners Direct. We're happy with it so far

 I agree with what has been said previously, renovations cost approx €1,500/sm excluding fees, kitchen, light fittings, external works. I'm just completing my second renovation, also in Arezzo province, and would be happy to look at the computo metrico (priced Bill of Quantities) which I assume has been given to you. Send me a message if you want. You do ned to sit down with the geometra, builder and sub-contractors (plumber, electrician and carpenter?) and talk through risks and exclusions so you can hold a realistic contingency. The roof is expensive in Italy given the heavy (reinforced screed etc) cconstruction they use. I'd say approx €20/sm to strip plus €200/sm for new roof excluding roof timbers, the concrete ring beam you'll probably need against earthquakes, scaffold, copper gutters I have not had any problems with my builders - I've found them fair, very proud of the work they do and keen to give useful advice - but their price does only relate to a defined scope which needs checking.

 I received my "certificate" from the comune over a year ago but not had to use it yet. I think it gives about 30% discount but relates to the comunità montana, not just rural properties. We're not resident but it may theoretically be restricted to residents

This is the equivalent to a UK "valuation" or stage payment. It should not, subject to what your contract may say, imply any acceptance. You should normally have a % retention (5%?) which you hold until you are satisfied all the works are completed to your satisfaction

I'd go with the €1,500/sm figure for a good quality (not luxurious) standard but this will exclude all your external works (access road, patio, service connections etc) and the kitchen units, light fittings. Seismic design criteria make for expensive foundations / structure

I'm at exactly the same stage. We've recently had our walls plastered (rendered) and, especially in winter, it will take 2 months or so to dry. Builders have fixed a softwood contro telaio against which the plaster is finished. They have made very simple windows (and door) with plastic sheeting which are opened whenever the weather is suitable.Putting windows (or any other joinery) in early, apart from delaying drying time, risks damaging the windows due to excessive moisture

I opened a € account with first direct and at exactly the same time (5 minutes apart) agreed an exchange rate with Smart Currency. Smart were nearly1% better than First Direct. The benefit of the First Direct account though is that I can obtain cash if I want it (at a further 1% charge). I've used Smart before and never had any problems. You do need to get a specific exchange rate at the time though; when I made a general query the rate was poor and when I complained at the rate I was told that it was a rate they could keep open for a while, if I wanted to a deal there and then I got 1% better