I wanted to share some random real experiences in buying a property and renovating. What would be great is if those of you who went through this as well, or going through the same thing, can add your own experiences.
Buying is realatively easy here in general (always exceptions). A friend of mine in my village of Grottole was showing me some places that people told him about. He ended up saying “there’s one more that the Church is selling.” A former Sunday school for the last 75 years and multiple stories of what it was before that. 250 sqm it seemed like a perfect layout … and dream house! Came to a verbal agreement with the “seller” (local priest) on price and used a well regarded Notaio. The Notaio did all the work.
While we all see these amazing places people buy, the vast majority of old places I looked at had odd layouts for current home designs. Remember, in these old homes you can’t just “take out a wall” …. The walls are often integral to the structure. So, if you like how the layout feels, then that’s great.
My home was flagged as potentially “historically significant.” I had to wait many months to get a regional Architect to come inspect the property and sign off that it was NOT. I think since it was the Church selling, it was flagged.
While I have been waiting for my new home sale to go through, and then restoration, I needed a rental. I have found that the BEST place to find a rental, especially in a small village, is to talk to Airbnb owners. SO many local have family homes in the Storico that they renovated nicely and used as Airbnb’s. The reality is they only rent well one or two months a year. A long term rental with guaranteed income is VERY attractive to them. My last two rent on airbnb for about 45 a night. I negotiated 350 a month plus utilities. Yes, these are registered leases that I use for my Residensa.
I would STRONGLY suggest, if it is an older home that needs work, that you find someone to inspect and help ball park the work that needs to be done FIRST before putting in an offer. Work/costs can be deceiving.
I have done many renovations over the years back in the U.S.. It is different here. I thought my place was pretty simple and would just require, mostly, cosmetic work. Windows/balcony doors and roof really threw me off for one. The “bricklayer” work is VERY time consuming (and subsequently more expensive.)
Keep in mind that, in an ancient home, if you aren’t taking out the floor to replace, the electric and plumbing literally needs to be channeled in the walls.
To ME, the MOST important person to the endeavor is the Architect. There are many completely capable “Geometra’s” as well. They are not only drawing and submitting plans, but they also oversee the whole job and trades people. They are also very important for design decisions, of course, too. SO, choose VERY carefully. Take your time and definitely go check out some of their completed projects. I let two go for different reasons. So, obviously fine someone reputable (ask locals and expats for referrals.). Look at their design style! Most Italians I have run into love modern, slick and shiny … which is fine, if that is what you are into. If you are buying something older, you might like rustic … which some Architects just aren’t great with. I found one that did amazing work with Expats …. Because she knew their style.
The Architects generally have their trades people (bricklayers, electricians … et c.) that they work with. I would definitely get estimates outside that group, but if the numbers come close, IMHO … stick with the Architects people. They rely on the work from the Architect and will make sure to follow direction a little more diligently.
While I never touch plumbing or electrical, and don’t know anything about bricklaying … I do know how to paint and thin coat plaster. I bought an airless sprayer on Amazon and it has been amazing! Here it is not as common and they roll everything. I bought an extension to get the top of the ceiling and it has been perfect! Pretty nice being able to do the pretty part and give a sense of accomplishment!
Finding tile and plumbing fixtures that I like in the South of Italy (Basilicata) is not easy. In the States we have many choices and can often find discounted items. I bristled at the showroom the Architect took me to a few times, and then I got it. It really had the best selection for what I was looking for. And …. In the end, push for discounts when they are processing the order.
I do want to make many things in my home more vintage a/o historically somewhat correct. For this reason, I shop routinely at “Mercato Usato’s” (thrift stores) throughout the region. There are also flea markets in certain towns (just not a lot near me.)