alan h's activity

I tend to agree with modicasa - it depends on where you choose to live.My holiday place is in the hills in the North in a small hamlet - about 20 residents and a few [Italian] holiday homes.  The garage and store room are often left unlocked when we go away. I leave the key with local tradesmen if work needs doing when I'm awayLocals keep an eye on what is happening - just before Christmas, a neighbour stopped the water company from cutting off my supply [because of one missed Direct Debit payment 4 years ago], and as he spoke no English, he contacted an Italian friend who did, and he helped me sort it out with my Bank. I've never felt safer anywhere.[For some reason, felt terrified when in parts of Naples - probably because of press 'scaremongering']

Totally agree with UGO - for any restoration works on a property, you must get the proper approvals from the Comune to carry out the works, and the best [only] way to do this is by using a local professional to make the application.  Personally, I would always use a local Geometra to prepare plans and make the applications, UNLESS its a complicated design, when it may well be worth using an Architect.

[duplicate post]

When are you hoping to do the walk?  I see that they hope to open it in April/May this year

More info - from www.piemonteitalia.eu/.../1197/mole-antonelliana-torino.html"167.50 metres high, the lit sculpture created by artist Mario Merz known as “Il volo dei numeri” (the flight of the numbers) commemorating the Fibonacci sequence can be admired along the cupola. The panoramic lift leading to the balcony - situated at 85 metres above ground - in only 59 seconds is open all year round and allows for a truly unique view of Torino. La Mole, symbol of the city, gets its name from the architect from Novara, Alessandro Antonelli who built it from 1863 – 1889 among financial uncertainties and squabbling about the building’s stability. Commissioned as a Hebrew temple by the Jewish community of Torino, the monument becomes a symbol of modernity when it is chosen as the location of the Museo del Cinema (Museum of Cinema)"

LargeLewis posted;-​"I'm surprised at the "water bill" bit, but I assume Modicasa that where you are they are responsible? Ours is/was a private company so we had to go off to their offices to register".Same for me - private company

Stefan, What part of Piemonte are you looking to buy in? My holiday place is on the Northern edge Piemonte in the Lake Orta area, and I can heartily recommend the area - Lakes and Mountains, what could be better? Alan 

"But I must say that as an Architect I obviously find Alan's comment about not trusting architects very offensive, unqualified and imbalanced" Sorry, no offence intended - it comes from being a Chartered Civil Engineer, who's University Lecturers [many many years ago, in the last Millenium] were quite disparaging about the engineering abilities of Architects. - I'm sure its all changed now .................I tend to use Architects when I'm looking for something that looks good, but for practicability, I prefer Geometras [in Italy] and builders.  Indeed, when I did a major refurb/extension for my UK home [18th Century stone cottage], I employed an Architect to design it and get Planning approvals and then I self built and, with the tradesmen, changed most internal details, materials and finishes etc, but retained the Architect designed exterior - so I got beauty and practicabilityHorses for Courses really

Checking the roof.If you ask a builder/architect or geometra, they'll almost certainly always say the roof needs renewing.  However, the acid test, as far as I am concerned, is "Does it leak?".Preferably when it is raining, get up into the loft space [there should be a trapdoor somewhere] and look for signs of water getting in. 

• If none is, don't worry  - but check again every few months.
• If its a cracked or broken tile - just replace it - if there is only laths and tiles, you can replace tiles from inside the loft. [No spare? - temporary repair is tape broken tile together, put in a plastic bag, and slide back into place
• If its running down chimneys etc - you flashing is not working - you can get this replaced, but its time to think about a full renewal - ask a builder for a quote just to renew flashings
• If there is major structural failure up there - beams sagging, several lathes/tiles missing etc - get a new roof.  Have it done in teh Summer [June/July is usally good for weather.]

Old roofs do last a long time - take our time in deciding what to do.  If all else fails, talk to a localbuilder or geometra. [I avoid architects - I don't trust them] Good Luck

""....if your funds run to it...."there might be the problem. a 200qm new roof."This year I renewed the roof on my holiday home - so perhaps can offer some advice.1.  Do you need to do it?  Personally, as long as there are no leaks, I wouldn't bother.  My place had only a lathe and tile roof, that had lasted well, but finally gave up the ghost this year2.  Insulation.  Best applied when having a new roof [Not sure you would be allowed by your Comune {you'll need their permission for a new roof} not to include insulation].  However, we lasted very well in our holiday home [at 600m above sea level] in all weathers with log fires and central heating.  Another thing to check is what your ceiling is made of.  Ours were 100+mm of concrete, which helped insulate the rooms.  Some people just lay insulation board on top of the concrete as a cheap way of insulating iuntil anew roof is required.3.  Cost.  The basic cost for a new roof [excluding the main beams that were retained] was Euros85/m2 of roof.  However, adding in VAT [Lower Rate] and scaffolding, insurances etc etc., the cost worked out at about Euros135/m2.  This was for boarding out the roof completely, insulation boarding above, covering it with weatherproof fabric, lathes and new tiles.  Carried out by a local builder [always use one, it keeps the locals happy] and took about 2 weeks. Hope this helps Alan