A word still needs to be said about the important figure of the ‘geometra’. The geometra in Italy performs roughly the combined functions of an architect, site foreman and the engineer in charge of building. He is also the person who liaises with building authorities, public bodies and local councils and is expressly authorised to draw up the plans or renovate buildings up to a certain size limit, without calling on the services of an architect. And the geometra is also a surveyor. He makes the drawings of the existing building, plans the alterations with the director of works, deals with building contractors, craftsmen and suppliers, deals with all the paperwork and building permits, notifies the electricity and water boards of the change of ownership and deals with problems that may arise. 
The geometra knows all the important people in the committees that make the important decisions and all the tricks for getting around regulations in the Italian way. A sauna in the cellar becomes a 'place for storing firewood', a luxury kitchen becomes a 'utility room' and a rooftop terrace is hidden behind a false roof. He makes the plans that are required for planning permission as simple and uncontestable as possible. 
He also knows in good time when the next ‘condono' or state amnesty for unapproved buildings or annexes will be recognized and he knows how to write bills for work in such a way that the amount paid out for VAT is kept within tolerable limits. He supervises building and is answerable for everything that occurs on a building site. He also sees to all payments. Of course, an Italian surveyor goes by Italian standards and customs. If he is allowed to get on with what he has learnt and thinks is right, you will get a 'typical Italian' house with a lot of small bedrooms and a bathroom next door to the kitchen. He must be given clear and detailed instructions about what one wants and one's ideas about the whole project. In other words: you should contribute the creative part and leave the technical side of things to him. You can normally agree an all-inclusive fee with him. In theory, he is entitled to up to 14 percent of the total value of the building work. But he does not demand such a high percentage. 
We work with a range of experienced and very reliable, dynamic young surveyors who have been able to gain a lot of experience of northern European clients. Many of our clients are architects themselves. Our surveyors will provide you with properties that correspond to your plans and are ready for immediate occupancy. You can relax whilst they implement your alterations even if you cannot come over every weekend. 
We can also help you to overcome any linguistic barriers in your dealings with the surveyor: we recommend a permanently resident English couple living locally who can act as go-between between you and the surveyor and can relay the necessary messages and instructions by fax or e-mail. But direct contact is also possible since Telecom Italia has supplied simultaneous interpreters who listen in on the conversation and immediately translate it. Our English couple can also help you with administration, renting out your finished house, and can also perform other tasks, not least of which 
are mowing the lawn, airing the house and keeping an eye on it. 

ã2002 CCC Italia