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" .......Ìý a geometra building is likely to cost the client more unexpected chargesÌýthan an architect building ........." Mine didn't - came in under estimateÌý [mind you - it was only a smallish restructuring]

You could always get an old phone, cut a sheet of perspex, and glue it to the phone over the dialling pad so that only the 1 2 3 5 and 8 buttons can be pressed This allows most [all?] emergency numbers to be dialled It would work - but if they get hold of another handset and swap them over .....................

"What was the core of their 'academic' qualification?" Perhaps its often more important to have practical experience than just academic qualifications - and I think that, for many types of building works - but not all, there is where geometras win. In effect - it's horses for courses

Have you contacted Sarnafil s.r.l. Via Campania, 4/6 IT-20090 Redecesio di Segrate (MI) Phone +39 02 21 36 051 Fax +39 02 26 92 63 55 sarnafil@sarnafil.it Ìý for help/advice etc?

"We also wentÌý.......... without a solicitor." So do many ½ûÂþÌìÌÃs

".... and being as one with your neighbours down to paying for your rubbish removal is part of my communal responsibility.Ìý....." As a non resident, I also pay for my [wonderful] rubbish collection serviceÌý [if only the UK one was as efficient, and as cheap"

This has been discussed many times before - try the search facility on this site Ìý A couple of points [from my personal view "Now, I don’t quite follow how it works, if there is an architect who will be talking with and supervising the builder/s and oversees the project, why there is a need for a geometra." Probably the wrong question - you might like to as why employ the architect as well as the geometra Ìý "What is the difference between these two professional." The Architect is more arty farty in his design proposalsÌý- you'll get a good [pretty] design, but you need an Engineer to translate it into reality [so it doesn't fall down].Ìý The Geometra is a more practical man - at a lower 'professional' level [hence the lower fee] - he is part design technician, part engineer and part project manager Personally, I feel a good geometra is worth his weight in gold, and if you can get a local one [by recommendation] I would dispense with the architect unless the design you want is 'uber stylish'Ìý Tell the Geometra what you want and he'll give it to you - probably at a lower cost [and I don't just mean the fees]

"Another factor we are told is being able to open a bank account in Italy" Unless things have changed [and I'm pretty certain they haven't]Ìý- you don't need residency to open a bank account.Ìý I opened mine [with the help of my estate agent] before I owned my holiday home - used the account to pay for the house.Ìý Now use it for Gas and Electric standing orders

Definitive answer Ìý

"what if any are the implications of becoming a resident?" Two immediately Spring to mind;-

1. Living in Italy for at leastÌý6 months a year
2. Paying ½ûÂþÌìÌà Taxes, including Income Tax - but avoiding ICI

But at least you'll be able to buy a car without too many problems