Welcome to BuyAssociation.co.uk

Italy: Surveys in Italy - Alison Harris, Magenta Italy

Get the most from your Geometra!

With finance for the restoration of your dream Italian property now secured, you painstakingly vet and appoint reputable building firm and source an experienced local surveyor, also known as a Geometra, to manage and facilitate every step of the project; or at least that is what you think he’ll be doing…!

Before you embark on your building project it is imperative that not only do you familiarise yourself with the role of the Geometra, but that you clearly set out (in a binding written agreement), the exact role you wish him to play in the running and day to day management of the project. Should you wish your Geometra to have a pivotal role throughout the project, and to avoid any unpleasant and costly surprises, you should agree the terms (fees etc) for this in advance, since the Geometra may often consider this an additional service warranting an additional fee. Any ambiguities on his role should be ironed out and eliminated at this initial stage, and not half way through the project.

If you are carrying out significant structural changes to your property, to comply with anti seismic laws, you will be required to seek the intervention and approval of a civil engineer, who will assume responsibility for the structural aspect of the project. The Geometra can assume both the role of surveyor and to a certain extent the role of architect, and as such is qualified to manage small scale renovations and assist in larger renovations and new build projects (albeit with limited authority). So, unlike in the UK, this all encompassing role means that (in theory – as this doesn’t always happen!) the Geometra is well equipped to perform the following tasks:-

• Vet and approve all contractors such as (experienced) building firms and any third party experts or consultants instructed to work on the project, as well as requesting and reviewing contracts and legal documentation from these parties, ensuring your project and interests are effectively protected.

• Carry out relevant surveys (and where applicable valuations) of the property and look for any structural faults or defects, requesting a geological study where necessary.

• Perform checks on the property to verify gas, waste, and water and electricity supplies as well as researching any boundary issues or charges on the property.

• Draw up plans, designs and a schedule of works (Computo Metrico) relating to the proposed project.

• File and obtain all necessary documentation and permits from the local Comune (Council), Catasto (Land Registry), planning office and any other relevant governing body, both before commencement and upon completion of the project. (Tip - experience has shown that when selecting a Geometra it is worth considering one who either works in the Comune, usually as a consultant, or once who has influence and contacts within the Comune and/or planning office! This can often speed things up. After all, Italy is still very much about who you know!)

• Now the tricky one, which is often interpreted rather loosely by the Geometra – Hold overall legal responsibility for the project carrying our regular inspections of the work, managing the foreman and contractors and ensuring approved plans, contracts, regulations (i.e. Health & Safety standards) are adhered to and that the works are carried out in accordance to professional standards.

The extent to which the Geometra carries out this role will be determined by your instructions which as mentioned above will need to be determined prior to the commencement of the project. If the Goemetra’s obligations are clearly set out in a written agreement any breach of these terms and non fulfilment of their obligations will give you the option to terminate their appointment without notice and potentially seek remedies. Better still, and to err on the side of caution, appoint an independent bilingual consultant or project manager who can safeguard your project and interests, supervise all your contractors, ensure budgets, contracts and timelines are respected and above all prevent your Geometra falling short of his obligations. Many a Geomtra have been known to appear only once at the beginning of the project (usually to collect a deposit for their fee) and only once again on completion of the work, to collect the rest of their fee, leaving the daunting task of managing all other aspects of the project up to the client! This can be especially problematic in a foreign country with little knowledge of the language or building regulations!

Lastly, do make sure that before appointing your Geometra you certify that he or she is registered with the “Albo dei Geometri e dei Geometri Laureati”, the national body governing the Geometra in Italy. The Geometra will only appear on this register if he or she has successfully passed the state exams.

Alison Harris

Alison Harris is a Bilingual Project Manager & Consultant specialising in the Italian real estate market offering clients guidance on searching, buying, renovating and/or managing their italian property. Email info@magentaitaly.com Website: http://www.magentaitaly.com/

More pages

Page 1: Get the most from your Geometra!

Travel insurance from £2.99 - Columbus Direct for instant worldwide travel cover

The best villa holidays from James Villas with our hand-picked villas and all the support you need in resort, we're the number one choice

Discounted Airport Parking - available across the UK

Book now, pay when you stay - 100's of hotel rooms worldwide with laterooms.com