If you are dreaming of buying a house in Italy, you will certainly come across this professional figure. The Geometra plays a unique role in the Italian property sector, offering technical expertise, project management experience, and legal knowledge. This professional is a go-to for many issues, big and small, that insiders (a.k.a. addetti ai lavori) like us often run into.
Geometras are local professionals who have thorough knowledge of the building codes and restrictions of the territory in which they operate. If you are not knowledgeable of the structural and legal parameters of Italian real estate, an experienced Geometra can survey a property on your behalf and identify structural deficiencies or code violations. They are able to verify that the property’s layout conforms to the official records held by the municipality (crucial when purchasing a home), and they can certify that a property complies with all building regulations.
In case you are planning a partial renovation or interior improvements (the classic ‘tear down a wall’), a Geometra will draft the project, provide you with a cost and time estimate, and supervise it through to completion. The more experienced and successful Geometras have a local network of contractors and specialists (engineers, plumbers, painters, electricians and landscapers) who are able to work together to address any construction-related needs you may have.
A critical but often overlooked responsibility of the Geometra is the handling of all administrative filings. It is important to understand that any type of modification, expansion, or even renovation of a property must receive the approval of Italian municipal authorities. Italy has a dense body of urban, construction, and environmental rules that aim to protect its artistic and architectural heritage, as well as the common interest. After all, most Italian cities are very old, and many are densely developed; on the other hand, vacant, uncultivated land is hard to come by and likely subject to zoning restrictions. The Geometra has the responsibility of ascertaining the designated land or building use, filing paperwork with local authorities, addressing any objection they may have, and ensuring that all necessary approvals are obtained. Geometras also play an important role in performing land surveys, seismic assessments, and boundary identification. They can access official property blueprints and deed records on your behalf and help resolve disputes with your neighbors.
Thanks to their ability to plan and oversee projects, obtain necessary authorizations, and coordinate with various professionals, Geometras are a necessary figure in the residential construction industry. Their guidance can be invaluable in planning your home improvement and avoiding bureaucratic hurdles.
Finding a Geometra with the right experience and connections is a crucial step towards identifying and maintaining the house of your dreams. Dolce Living has worked with Geometras all across Italy and can identify the right person to take care of your property.
