Properties in Italy
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Hi all - we are in the process of buying a pied a terre in Bologna's centro storico in a building that is approximately 250 years old. The apartment was recently renovated and is in excellent overall condition. But we'd like to replace the tile floors with hardwood, and we will need to put in a new kitchen (since the seller is taking all of the kitchen appliances). Does anyone have any recommendations on how to find a talented designer or contractor? It's a small project, but we'd like to do it right. Thanks for your help!
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Answers
Hi there!
Hi there!
You will need to find both an architect and what they call a "geometra" (will deal with getting permits etc...).
Keep in mind that 3 times out of 4 they will try to sell you a property in which spaces have been modified without the ok from local entities (this allows them to pay fewer taxes). Make sure the agent/notary give you all the facts so that you do not find yourself having to deal with all that administration later on ;).
In order to find an architect and geometra, try looking up "l'Ordine degli Architetti" or "Studio Tecnico Edile".
Should you need to access a mortgage, the bank will send a 3rd party to check on the state of the apartment vs. the asking price vs. the amount you will be asking for.
Hope this will be of assistance!! It is quite the process buying property here... ;)
Thank you! I did not know
Thank you! I did not know about the geometra. l'Ordine degli Architetti sounds like a good place to start! In addition, our agent has just recommended an architect, and we are waiting to see her portfolio. Does anyone know about the cost per square meter to renovate in the Centro Storico in Bologna? This will be our retirement home for several months a year, so we plan to do a reasonably nice (but not crazy extravagant) renovation. Probably should have done some research before getting ourselves into this... :-)
I am replying to you rather
I am replying to you rather late, but I am a UK born and trained Architect living and working in north Italy, if you still require assistance with your Bologna project please contact me on info@rinovaprojects.com to discuss further. No obligation.
Regarding cost per sqm....it really depends what you want to do (light works or full reno) and how a ccessible the site is...sory for being vague - but can develop with more detail from you.
BOLOGNA HISTORIC ARCHITECT
BOLOGNA HISTORIC ARCHITECT
i can highly recommend Maurizio Bonfatti. He lives in Bologna but did a superlative and sensitive restroration of an old farmhouse in the val dOrica. His speciality is historic buildings
Thank you so much - this info
Thank you so much - this info is very helpful! Is there an "industry standard" method that architects use to determine how much their fee will be? In other words, do they usually base their fee on the estimated number of hours of work, or on a percentage of the estimated cost of the project? Or do they charge a flat fee for each phase? Just curious...
Also - does the architect recommend the Geometra, or does the client find a Geometra? Who chooses the team that does the actual work (e.g., the demolition, the plumbing, the painting)?
Sorry to have so many questions, but it's really helpful to talk to someone who is experienced with the process!
Hello Nikki,
Hello Nikki,
I am not so sure if you can call it an “industry standard” because every project different and each Client’s requirement is different resulting in many different basis for fee calculations, but the fee is always based on how much and what type of work is involved.
A fee offer will take into account the Client’s requirements which may be simply some ideas for the refurbishment of a property (flat rate based on size of property) or a Detailed Design service for refurbishment project (based on a percentage of proposed budget - % changes inversely to size of budget). Or it may involve following a project from inception to handover combining a number of different services.
If you send me an email to info@rinovaprojects.com I can send you pdf file which covers and details our fee structure better.
I think your were advised that you need a Geometra and an Architect - this is not necessarily case, usually one appoints a one or the other not usually both – it depends on details of the projects and your requirements.
From your initial post it seems that your project will be relatively small, and does not require any changes to the property’s external appearance – which if it is the case, means that there is no need to request Permission from the Local Authority, which simplifies things somewhat.
Hope this helps – let me know if you need more info.
Best regards,
Conor
