11736 Building Trades in Piedmont

Hi all,

We are in the process of purchasing a property in the Piedmont region and were wondering if anyone out there can recommend a geometra, builders, plumbers, electricians etc, (preferably english speaking as our Italian is very poor!).

If anyone also has any experience of swimming pool installations in this area we would be grateful to hear of your experiences. We are looking to install an inground pool approx 10 x 5m, trying to keep costs reasonably low but obviously conforming with the Italian seismic regs. Can anyone give any contacts and a rough idea of costs?

Last but not least, are there any property management companies in the area?

Many thanks in advance. :smile:

Category
Building/Renovation

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/22/2009 - 03:20

Piemonte is a rather large area, and geometras etc tend to be 'local' [that's their plus point - they know how your commune works]

So - please be more specific on the area.

.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/22/2009 - 08:01

[quote=alan h;111668]Piemonte is a rather large area, and geometras etc tend to be 'local' [that's their plus point - they know how your commune works]

So - please be more specific on the area.

.[/quote]
Alan - thanks for the reply. It's close to Acqui Terme.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 10:56

I'm not sure if my Project Manager can help you, he might extend to Piemonte or he might even know people in the region, but all he charges is a fixed fee and sources all the tradesmen, professionals, materials etc and you pay them direct so no percentage markups. I reckon he's made 20 - 25% savings on everything and has kept the Geomatra fees to a minimum. What he doesn't know about building wouldn't be worth knowing.
He's also brilliant on heating systems, we are going to integrate 2 wood burners and solar panels topped up with gas, he's an ecology guru, insulation is his middle name.
He designed and built his own home with an 'infinity' swimming pool, heated to maximise the seasons. Apparently he built the house to rent out for the holiday market but half way through the build decided to move to Italy.
You can read all about him on his website [url=http://www.casaverdeitalia.co.uk]casaverdeitalia property in italy tuscany liguria emilia romagna[/url]

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 11:21

"He's also brilliant on heating systems, we are going to integrate 2 wood burners and solar panels topped up with gas, he's an ecology guru, insulation is his middle name."

Looks a bit of "overkill" bobcat. 3 systems just to heat one house.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 11:29

You're right but without going into too much detail only one of the wood burners will be integrated.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 11:36

I am sure more people on the forum would like more detail ........ after all, you make a statement and then do not clarify.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 13:13

I take your point! (this was only supposed to be a quick reply to extol the virtues of our project manager)
We bought two terrace houses next to eachother built around 1688, one of which was habitable and fitted a log burner for heat and electric for hot water. The other property apart from the new roof was derelict which we are now refurbishing and have knocked through to form one 4 bed 2 bath home. Due to the age and difficult layout it has been decided to properly heat and insulate the refurbishment for use all year and leave the existing habitat for warmer season use only when most friends will want to visit.
The basic domestic hot water & central heating system will be solar and logs topped up only if needed by gas. We have about 10 acres of woodland to supply our winter needs and solar in summer. Cooking will be more convenient by gas so hence the addition of the top up boiler which can all be integrated.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 13:23

Thanks for that Bobcat, at least it clarifies what you are talking about. Your project manager seems to be very important as you have provided the link to his website in all your posts, unfortunately there is very little information about his eco - friendly projects.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 13:41

Now, now Geo - don't be cynical - your throne as forum Guru on this kinda stuff is safe. :yes:

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 13:51

I haven't a throne on this type of stuff JC. My questions are just to try and help make things clearer for others who are looking and working out their best options. The comment was only meant to delve deeper into the reasons behind promoting the site .

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 14:28

I know Geo, but should I ever need/want/desire one of those Geothermal heating thingymabobs - I'll be asking you to come and dig up the garden to lay the pipes. No one else. :winki: