Here are the steps for buying and renovating a house in Cuglieri:
First, DEFINE what you want. How many bedrooms, how many bathrooms, in the historical centre or outside? Just a summer place or for the year round? Budget? For private use only or for also renting out? What is most important: The overall looks, the view, terrace, size, or what?
We think it is good to look at many houses for sale in the village to get a picture of the possibilities. We are happy to discuss with you so you can clarify your wishes. We can suggest houses based on your ideas and suggest what we think is the right price for a specific house. For no charge, we can also give you a rough estimate on what the renovation will cost and suggest possible renovation ideas. We have a lot of experience of renovation both from Sweden and Sardinia, and our own houses in Cuglieri are also useful references.
When you are ready and have agreed on a price with the seller, you sign a COMPROMESSO which is a binding pre-contract and pay a deposit, which is normally 10% of the agreed price. Then a lengthy process begins of collecting and vetting all the papers and the house. The rest of the money is paid just before going to the NOTAIO, the notary, and signing the deed.
The renovation process begins with a detailed PLAN being made of the house by the engineer, showing all dimensions. And then starts the fun, to decide what changes you want to make. You can do most things in the interior except increasing and decreasing the volume. However, in the centro storico it is difficult to make major changes to the exterior, which is protected by the region. For example, adding windows and balconies is often possible, but there are restrictions on how to do it. What that exactly entails is subject to discussion with the Ufficio Tutela in Oristano.
Parallel to the planning, the BUDGET process develops. We get offers from the engineer, plumber, electrician, heating/air-conditioning, stonemason, and carpenters, and for the bathroom fittings, paint etc. We have craftsmen that we can recommend based on our own experience and that we know would prioritize our projects. The muratore we work with, who are the best in the village, are paid by the hour and don't make offers. However, they can make an estimate of the work time required. We also help finding things on the internet. Often you can save a lot of money on for example white goods by using temporary internet offers. And we try and find recuperated doors, floors, beams, and other things to save money and add character (and help the environment of course).
OUR SERVICE consists of managing the whole renovation process from the early stages of formulating with the owners what is to be done, and until the house is completely ready. We give suggestions about structural changes, fittings, kitchens, and bathroom design. We strive to make the renovation an expression of the clients wishes and help them avoid the normal renovation pitfalls. Thus, we can ensure that they are getting maximum value for money. Our work is regulated by a contract. Our company charges10-15% of the renovation cost plus IVA for our service. The exact amount depends on the character and the size of the project. Once a month, we send the craftsmen’s invoices and our invoice based on these invoices. We also send a spread sheet showing how much has been spent per month and cumulatively, comparing it to the budget.
After the PLANNING PERMISSIONS for the interior and the exterior have been sent in, the interior work can start after a month, if the local authorities do not ask for changes. For the exterior it is slower. Two to three months is usual. The best time to renovate is from October to May. During the summer months the craftsmen are occupied with hundreds of small jobs that must be done while the owners are in Cuglieri for their holidays. For a standard size house, if one works in a concentrated manner outside the summer season, ten to twelve months are enough time to renovate it completely, apart for the initial planning which normally will take a couple of months.
But of course, this depends on have complex the renovation is. If you want mosaic like in the picture above (from the Vatican) you have to expect a lengthier process. Making the house functional also during the winter months and more sustainable (by adding solar panels for instance) also demands extra time.
During the WORKS we visit the site daily, to discuss details which always come up when you work with houses with a lot of history. There are always surprises and afterthoughts. We have virtual meetings with clients, often every week, to solve any questions or issues which arise.
We can also give suggestions about INTERIOR DESIGN. This is especially important if we are going to manage renting out of the house when it is finished. We always strive to use recuperated and local material and furniture if possible.
To summarize: Our aim in the building process is to make the clients path to a new house as smooth, sustainable, and beautiful as possible. Affordable luxury.
Lena Clyne
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