8892 Changing windows on a rebuild

We are thinking of purchasing a rustico that has sound walls. We are aware how difficult it can be as have done a rebuild before, but one thing we are not clear on is windows.

At present one side of the rustico has only one window, as that side of the building is almost on the edge of the land and so overlooks another plot. We intend buying this plot as well, so then the rustico will be in the middle of the total plot and will not overlook anyone elses land. Does anyone know if it may then be possible to get permissions to put in more windows?

Also when doing a rebuild, can windows be enlarged slightly, or do they have to remain exactly the same size?

Peter Smurthwaite

Category
Building/Renovation

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/26/2008 - 10:18

can't answer the question definitively, but i do know that if you're in a seismic zone they don't normally allow you to widen existing windows (though you may possibly enlarge them vertically). Extending that logic would probably rule out creating a new window aperture in the existing wall too on seismic grounds? I'm sure someone more clued up than me will give a better answer shortly.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/26/2008 - 10:43

I would echo what Pigro has said. For seismic reasons we could not create any new windows or doors - if you could prove one had been there ie lintel visible but opening blocked up this could be re-opened, but nothing completely new. Again agreeing with Pigro, we could lengthen but not widen an existing window. It may vary slightly from comune to comune / region to region but this is certainly the case where we are.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/26/2008 - 10:45

i would say it is almost impossible to answer unless you visit the property... ie there are strict rules on how far openings are from corners of buildings... when restructuring ...

there are rules regarding the change if its in an area where buildings are protected ...

there is the condition of the actual building

so basically it comes down to getting someone on the spot to go through the building with you and review your ideas and plans for the place

depending on the comune... the technical officer from the comune might even do you a favor and come and go through things with you...

saying all that there are no problems with changing window sizes providing all the specs are given... the planning application accounts for any local variations ... and there is the space between major interconnecting walls to allow you to get a window in...

seems a long way of saying your question is a difficult one to answer ...but wouldnt be for someone on the spot..

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/26/2008 - 10:53

As per the other postings, I would agree, it does vary so much.
We have two walls in the new kitchen made of glass with sliding doors, one 10x3 the 6x3mtrs, we took a line drawing up to the commune and they gave us permission on the spot, however friends of ours in another commune were told they could not widen any windows at all.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/26/2008 - 11:46

If the property of historical importance (and in the centro historica) you probably can't do very much; although it's worth having a go at the commune geometra.

Seismic regs came in the late 60's or was it 80's (age taking its toll) all houses built after this date will have to conform to seismic regs. However if permission for example making a window larger et c. Then the structural opening will have to conform to the new seismic regs. That'll be the safest place in the event of an earthquake.

:smile:

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/28/2008 - 08:24

I totally agree, all the comments are logical and alot (all?) of it does depend on your local commune and what you plan to do to the house. I would talk to your neighboiurs (if any) and also the commune before buying.

I am a traditionalist and like the rustic elements of properties, though agree sometimes it would be nicer to allow more light in. I live with doors wide open and sitting outside when the sun is shinning.

Good luck!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/28/2008 - 10:07

When doing our restoration there was also another factor to be taken into consideration, if I remeber it was something to do with the size of the widow having a bearing on the cubic size of the room it was servicing , cannot think of the ratio now. We were not allowed to widen openings , but some we were able to lengthen, but not to the extent that a french door could be made from a window opening. I think it does vary from comune to comune, and ours is I think more relxed than others.
A

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/28/2008 - 10:51

[quote=Angie and Robert;83860]When doing our restoration there was also another factor to be taken into consideration, if I remeber it was something to do with the size of the widow having a bearing on the cubic size of the room it was servicing , cannot think of the ratio now. We were not allowed to widen openings , but some we were able to lengthen, but not to the extent that a french door could be made from a window opening. I think it does vary from comune to comune, and ours is I think more relxed than others.
A[/quote]

You are absolutely right but it is a formula for light penetration into different room types. As an example taking down a corridor wall to make a living room larger; you would be permitted to increase the window sizes to increase light penetration into the new sized room by the said formula. I have a feeling it varies from commune to commune some implement it some don't.

:smile: