Finishing a renovation

VeniceLaura.There is a post started by Ram, either on page 1 or page 2 of the piazza explaining the energy certification introduction/rules etc. Regarding the costs you were quoted for it, that seems very high. Normally it is around 3 - 3.50 Euros per sq mtr + IVA. Hope this helps.

 Hi VeniceLaura, sorry to hear about your predicament. Let's try to turn all the negative into positive.Your choice of professional appeared to be right at the time you made the decision. You knew him, he spoke English, he was locally available. He looked ideal. Unfortunately, a university degree does not guarantee that the professional is going to perform in a satisfactory way. Lack of experience, lack of self-assurance... they all seem to be complicating this case. This is something that you cannot change and there is no point in lamenting your decision.Regarding his fees, it is difficult to ascertain the situation. Do you have a written contract? What does it specify? Didn't you have a retention clause by which some monies were held until the completion of the works? Again, perhaps it is too late to look into all this.As for the fees owed, try to find out whether those are the architect's or the ones requested by the Comune to complete all necessary certificates and which would not have been included in the professional contract as they are ancillary.Licensed electricians and gas fitters have to complete their own certificates. This is the reason why they are licensed. If you employed someone who was not licensed, you are going to need that certification. You should have been told, though, before engaging a foreign tradesman who could not furnish you the appropriate paperwork.As for compliance with energy certification, your architect has to sort this out. Granted that in Italy, some things are more difficult than in other countries; however, he has a professional duty to fulfil.Basically, you need to have a talk with him and clarify these issues. He has to clearly explain to you what has to be done in order to finish the works and have all the relevant paperwork.  Best wishes,

I am also planning on some renovations on my apartment in Trieste. I have no idea where to begin and from reading your post I can see there are some pitfalls to beware of. I also have a friend here who has introduced me to a contractor who specialises in such work. Until I hear back from him I am not sure what legal steps I need to make or what fees are involved.