66 asking for an initial survey

good to see the forum back!

I am interested in a house, but before I pay my deposit and sign my Compromesso - I want to have an initial quick survey to know the house is not falling down!

I intend going to Italy next month and would like the geometra to go out and look at the property before I go - is this the normal sequence of events?

If I get the thumbs up then I dont mind paying for a full survey - with a view to getting advice on internal building works like developing a Cantina into living accomodation and building a swimming pool.

For the quick check over can I use the Geometra recommended by the Immobilare? Or should I find my own from stage 1.

cheers

Glen

Category
Property Sales/Rental Advice

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/17/2005 - 09:02

Glen,
Using the geometra through the estate agent is not a very wise choice, as there is a specific vested interest there. Try to find somebody independant who will tell you all the things you really need to know before you make that big decision.
We generally get involved just before the person commits or a conditional clause is inserted in the preliminary contract of sale pending a survey.
In general, you'll find that "once overs" are not very cost effective unless you are actually with the professional when they visit.
You'll also need to know about the properties potential... can I put a pool on it, can I extend it, are there specific restriction on the property or area, are there illegal modifications worth knowing about? ... and so on although this gets more into conveyancing.
Have a look at the section dedicated to surveys in the below site for more details on the matter.
David
[url]www.ourtoscana.com[/url]

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/18/2005 - 08:06

Glen...

I totally agree with David. It is far better to have an independent Architect/ Geometra/structural Engineer do carry out the survey.

Charles