Whether you are looking at new construction, old construction, or something in between, it pays to do a thorough property inspection before finalizing any purchase of Italian real estate. When a prospective buyer chooses a property, the first contractual step, the proposta d’acquisto (preliminary contract), with a small deposit, effectively takes the property off the market, allowing time for negotiations and inspections to proceed uninterrupted.
Trust your own eyes, of course, when it comes to spotting obvious building flaws, such as holes in the roof and large foundation cracks, but don’t rely solely on your own observations. Buyers, even those well-versed in construction, are strongly advised to have a complete local professional inspection performed, since each area of Italy is subject to unique conditions, structural codes and regional customs. The cost of inspection is generally borne by the buyer, can run anywhere from €300 – €500, occasionally somewhat more, and is usually money well-spent, both for helping to spot problems as well as providing all-important peace-of-mind. An inspection may involve a number of different experts, depending on the scope of anticipated repairs, remodeling, or renovations.
Home Inspection Checklist
The details of property inspections can differ as circumstances dictate, but they should all address the following items:
Roof – Roofing materials, whether they are asphalt shingles, wood shakes, terracotta tiles, slate, or corrugated metals, will be checked for things like leaks, gaps, ice dams, and unusual “aging”, as will the underlayment, eaves, gutters, flashing, and down spouts.
Walls, Floors, Windows – The basic structural components are looked at, inside-and-outside, for cracks, buckling, water damage, dry-rot, mildew, and pest damage.
Water And Septic Ins And Outs – The inspector is concerned with all manner of inflow and outflow, from supply quality and integrity, be it a well, a spring, or a municipal hookup, to faucet and toilet operation, proper drainage and septic performance.
Power – The electric system will be examined, from circuitry to wiring to outlets. Older homes, in particular, may have problems with frayed, decayed, substandard, or outmoded wiring.
Exterior – Of particular note are items such as foundation soundness, the condition of paved areas, fencing, and outbuildings, and drainage.
Interior – Doors, windows, countertops, and cabinets will be scrutinized for stickiness, peeling, chipping, and any missing pieces.
The Inspector(s)
A home inspection may be performed by one or more individuals. In Italy, a geometra is often a central figure in home inspections. The Italian geometra is a unique functionary, without a direct equivalent in any other country. “Wearer-of-many-hats” might be the best description, as a geometra handles duties that, in other countries, might be under the purview of a lawyer, a building contractor, a surveyor, or any of a number of other professions.
The entire inspection may be taken on by the geometra, or some portions may be allocated to specialists like engineers, architects, or master tradesmen such as roofing professionals, plumbers, or electricians.
The ingegnere (engineer) or builder — is often called when inspections involve old construction (properties built before 1945). The engineer can effectively determine whether a building is still standing firmly or if there are hidden defects that are either irreparable or too costly to deal with.
The architetto (architect) — in newer/modern structures, an architect may be the go-to information source regarding proper design, construction quality, and compliance with building statutes.
Get It In Writing
If an inspection turns up problems, as may happens especially in older homes, make sure that all work estimates are made by the proper trades people, and that they are in writing. A common and major mistake that foreigners tend to make when buying a home in Italy is that they will greatly underestimate the cost of refurbishing a property, having either relied upon their own observations, or upon the information offered by the seller.
Once the inspections and recommended corrections are collated, the buyer and seller can utilize the information to finalize negotiations, decide who pays for what, and arrive at a satisfactory sale price. Foresight and planning will go a long way toward paving the way to your enjoyment of the Italian “good life”, la dolce vita.
Featured image by Selden Vestrit
