Renovation, Restoration, New Construction & Interior Design
Services

The desire to restore properties in Abruzzo and southern Marche in central Italy is an international phenomenon. Restoring a property with modern conveniences and comfort is the perfect choice for making an investment, and is the best method for designing the house of your dreams. We are extremely fortunate not only to find amongst the finest historical buildings, but also probably the most skilled craftsmen in the world. Many craftsmen consider themselves artigiani (artisans) and carry out the trade that has been passed down the generations. 

The best value properties are generally those that need a bit of work to be done on them. We specialise in doing up old houses in close collaboration with 
Di Donato that is specialised in this work. Our clients regularly buy derelict houses and Di Donato’s participation and assistance ranges from presenting projects to the local council, to restoring and building the entire house from scratch. Further, Di Donato can design and construct a new home to match your requirements.

If you would like a house built around you and to your requirements, these are homes that require renovating; a solution that allows you to really make your mark on the property. If you have no desire to do it yourself, our architect and all round construction partner is available to help and give you the benefit of their experience! They will work together with you so as to develop the plans and to carry them out. Building work in Italy usually involves many permits (permessi); Di Donato will assist you in ensuring your plans can come through as smoothly and as quickly as possible. Di Donato’s team of engineers, plumbers, electricians, builders and others combined specialty lies in blending a traditional look with today’s preferences for:

 

Indicative costs for restoration
There are obviously many factors influencing expenses, such as the property’s location, its condition, the amenities required, the quality of restoration materials used, etc. Indicative costs including stonework, roofing, interior finishing, electrical wiring and plumbing, external works, pool, etc… – typically come to approximately € 800-1,800 per square meter (€ 75-170 per square foot). For example, a 3-bedroom property purchased for € 70,000, and the total investment, with taxes, restoration, swimming pool, professional services and landscaping, would be in the region of € 120-180,000. That is a wide ranging ballpark, clearly, but the types of properties vary considerably, too - depending on the condition of the property, services, and site accessibility. Tumbledown houses on tiny curved streets are harder to restore than a villa in good condition on several acres in the country. Some renovations will double the purchase price or more.

Fortunately the local authorities keep a watchful eye on what happens; keen to avoid over-development and despoliation of the countryside. Strict rules govern construction in Italy; Di Donato will provide sound advice regarding planning permission, as well as realistic estimates for the cost and timing of the project.

Restoration time You'll need to build in time for approvals from state and local boards and also get contractor bids and schedules. I you're
working with Di Donato, he will manage all this for you. Remember, the best artisans in Abruzzo and Marche are scheduled months to year
ahead of time. They are also meticulous in their trade - giving true meaning to "time-Honoured" art; the good ones are worth waiting for.
We find the time line for a project is not much different that it would be in Europe or the US. But, that is probably because Di Donato 
co-ordinates this and he pulls a lot of weight with all the vendors as he keeps teams of them busy with interesting, high quality work all
year long.


Grants
There are still Regional grants with funds available for our interested parties that purchase certain types of historical old properties. Regional grants for installing alternative forms of energy such as solar for heating water (solar thermal) and generating electricity (solar photovoltaic) are available. When not utilising all ones own electrical solar power, it could be routed into the national grid and in this way you build up "credit" for when you should need to draw electrical power from the mains – reducing your monthly overheads.

 

Interior Design
We offer a comprehensive design service with a wide range of styles and products to suit your budget. From basic advice on colours and finishes to completely fitting out and furnishing your property, we have the expertise built up over many years.

Our database covers the Abruzzo and southern Marche regions and caters for a large range of budgets and tastes. From simple rustic materials and furnishings through to the most up to date contemporary designs, we have the suppliers and tradesmen who are specialists in their particular fields.

We will supply and fit, both interior and exterior lighting, whether it be just simple interior lighting or complicated exterior lighting for the garden, driveway and house, we have a lighting specialist to help and advise you.

Through our network of specialist suppliers we can offer a range of kitchens to cater for all budgets, from basic stand alone units and Italian rustic, to the most up to date contemporary kitchens by established manufacturers such as Driade, Gatto and Bulthaup. We also can offer a wide selection of bathrooms, showers and taps, so please ask for a free consultation to talk about your requirements.

We can also advise and supply a wide selection of paints and varnishes, floor and wall tiles, tiles for external pavimenti and also wooden flooring. In fact, all the materials and finishes to give your property a truly beautiful and professional look. If required, we can also source and supply reclaimed materials such as floor and roof tiles.

Our designer can arrange a home visit to your property in Italy, or if you live within 50 miles of London, will be only too happy to come and discuss your plans in the UK.