Hello,I have been doing my due

christianhgross Image
09/04/2014 - 11:43

Hello,I have been doing my due diligence and everything looks ok except for one thing... So let me explain it.I want to build my own house. I am an engineer and have been building houses on my own in other countries. This means I do the work myself. I only hire workers when I absolutely need to. Otherwise I am standing there with hammer, tool belt, saw, trowel etc in hand.My research has shown that the permit and engineering work related to the architecture and plans need to be professionally managed. I get that and am willing to do that. I also get that I need to start a building company so that I can build.Here is what I do not get and I get so many diverse answers. From yes, to no, to we have a back door.Can I do structural work myself? Am I allowed to raise walls, and put on a roof myself?Yes or no?Thanks

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No.  Unless you are a builder or work for a builder - or have your own building company.   The problem is that the engineer who will be your director of works, takes responsibiliy for the people on site - if you as an 'unregistered' builder/roofer etc is found during an inspection, your professional gets it in the neck.  So unless you are the company that bids for the contract to build your house, you cant work on site. 

Unfortunately it doesnt matter what you are at the moment.  You will need to have or be employed by a building company or a libero professionista, who is registered at the Camera di Commercio, and can supply the right certification (A DURC which shows you are up to date with your contributions/taxes).  This company/person must be cited in the application for the building concession,  and all the paperwork for the comune.    IT may be there is a way round this,  but basically to build your own house legally, or at least build it and then have agibilità and be able to sell it in the future, is very difficult. 

Here is how it was explained to me.I open a company and register it as a builder company with a small shareholder amount. This company will have all of its paperwork and so on up to date. Then what I do is declare myself as the main shareholder and constructor. I show I paid all of the monies and I am good to go.Overall the way it was explained to me is that yes it is quite a bit of paperwork, but it is possible. Additionally it was explained to me, and it appears hinted to in your answer, the main reason why this approach was taken is to ensure taxes and contributions are paid. 

Sounds good to me - obviously you will need a 'professional' to handle the project, paperwork, permissions and so on, and to be director of works and sicurezza.  But obviously you cant do it ALL yourself, and will need a helping hand or two - and that will also mean people taken on by your company unless you subappalto /contract out.   

Well yeah I know some work needs to be contracted out. BTW this handling of the project by a professional in the area is golden. I have built houses in different countries and I learned the hard way. The problem is not that I can't build a decent house. But the red tape and local laws are absolutely insane... And it does not matter the country!!!! That is the surprising fact.