Italian construction across the decades.

Welcome, once again to another introductory post as I prepare your mind for what is to come on your path to buying your dream villa here in Italy. I assume you’ve already done your investment profile and have clicked this link to gain some insight into the process necessary to start a remodel project. If not, I suggest you start by following this link and to answer the question, ‘What type of investor are you?’

I’m glad that is settled. As you search for auction properties throughout Italy, you may notice that there are a few that are need of a bit of tender loving care. Even if you have plenty of experience in your own community, you might find a hurdle or two you weren’t expecting when you start that dream remodel.Remember, this country has a long history, much longer perhaps than where you come from. With it come special laws and construction methods that are ready for your discover.  I’m still in the learning process, but I intend to share each hurdle that I face as I move forward on my own path of self-retirement.

For today, I wanted to share a few examples of properties and how they differ in their needs if you decide to pursue the path of the fixer-upper here in Italy.

Italy across the century

For this study, I’m going to show some examples of properties from my own portfolio. Italy has come a long way in 100 years. Looking back that long ago we can learn some interesting things. For example, in 1919, Enzo Ferrari was picking up his first job at a small car company. Some 7 years later and Mussolini became its dictator. Which brings us to our first property example.

1920’s construction

Built in 1927, we stumbled on a little project not far from our home. While inspecting the auction site I could see it was very large for its price. I was immediately sold on its inherent value as a fixer-upper even if it was a little further from Milan than I would have preferred. This property has its own ups and downs, but still remains one of the larger properties that we’ve purchased. So what makes this project unique? Well for starters, it was built in a period between the two world wars just after a dictator came to power due to economic instability. In my brief research I found that just 20 years after it was built the city that it is found in was bombed more than 6 times. So I consider it unique that it is still standing. 

Aside from that, the construction is a clay mortar that crumbles after long exposure to humidity, so it is important to keep it protected from the rain. As a structure, it has its weaknesses, but so far has passed the test of time. Here you can see an example of one of the truss ties that I removed as we rebuilt the roof last summer. You can see how rugged and authentic are the blacksmith markings. That’s something to keep on the wall for sure. 

Speaking of the roof, it was made of large 20 cm circular logs supporting 8 cm tree branches connected with 7 inch long nails that look to have come from the same blacksmith as previously stated. On top of this structure is placed a subbase of large rugged hewn brick. This system supports U- shaped terracotta roof tiles nestled in 3 layers to channel the rain to the edge of the building. Needless to say, insulation was lacking.  

These factors alone merits a hefty remodel and I suggest if you are looking for quick and easy, to stay away from this generation of property due to it being so far out of current building regulations. Let’s move on a few decades.

1960’s construction

Our first property purchased was built in the late 60’s and though I can’t find something to connect to besides it being near the year the first issue of ‘Il manifesto’ was published in Rome, these years were  massed with ‘political dystrophy’ as the government switched hands from one party to the next. Our little villa, nestled just below the principal church in the community is one within a group of 6-8 properties that were once owned by a single family. Later they sold off portions as members of the family moved on or passed away.

Our neighbors all have similar construction showing timber supported first floors and roofs similar to that of our 1920’s project. Luckily however for us, in the 90’s a family remodeled our home to bring it closer to what we consider modern construction, pouring both the first floor subfloor and roof in reinforced concrete. The support walls of the house are typical 50 cm in thickness and made from common red brick which is an upgrade from the clay bricks from the previous example.

If you find a property of this generation, check to be sure it has been given a face lift in the form of some strong concrete slabs. This will prove the difference between a property that needs extra maintenance or repair over time compared to one that is more autonomous and ready to move in. Also, you’ll save yourself a bundle of cash avoiding the costs forming  a scaffolding structure that meets current safety standards in Italy.

1990’s construction

Amongst the repute of being accepted into the eurozone, the late 90’s are what are considered more modern years of construction. You will more often discover poured concrete roof and floor systems. You will also start to see a different type of construction where they use less solid bricks and opt for those with air gaps.  These properties will require lighter remodel budgets unless you choose to to update the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems entirely.

With environmental controls increasingly rigid, you may need to make sure that your boiler is up to date amongst the potential that your radiant heating pipes may begin to leak due to old age. Then again, you may just find yourself a perfect villa that is move-in ready depending on who has been maintaining the property. Truthfully, I advise attention to this in any older generation property. If your boiler needs replaced, you will have to install a condensation boiler system to provide heat and potable hot water. 

2009 to date

From my experience any property less than 10 years old is considered ‘New construction.’ You still might need to upgrade the boiler due to laws that changed just a few years ago, but you can rest assured that the rest of the property is more or less free from large remodel needs. I don’t have a personal example for this period, but rest assured, you can still find some great deals for these years, I just personally haven’t been looking.

These property have a clean look and if the quality of construction is high will not have been built long enough to show signs of black mold on the exterior facade. Humidity is a challenge in most of Italy, but especially in the northern regions. 

Next Steps

That’s it for today, I just wanted you to catch a glimpse of what is to come. If you find yourself attracted to the idea of restoring a rustic villa somewhere, don’t let doubt sway you! Everything is possible, and you are the perfect person for the job. Be aware of the red tape by informing yourself right here! Just check back for future updates to find stories of tips, tricks, and pitfalls to benefit your future Italian remodel.

If you’ve already found a property and want an opinion, I’m open to any questions. Just please be patient for the answer, I tend to answer quickly, but I have a family too.  

Happy villa hunting!