In this video update, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what happened with our builder and what I needed to do to get our renovation project moving again. It was a nerve wracking and frustrating time as we tried to sidestep anything that could make it worse and delay everything even further.
What You See in the Video
- I explain what happened with the first builder.
- See what truly made the difference in avoiding a much larger problem.
- Hear about what happened next as we move forward with a new local builder.
The Story Behind-the-Scenes
We never thought we’d be ghosted by our builder. And at the time, I wished more than anything that we could find a way forward with him. But parting ways turned out to be the best thing that could have happened for our renovation project.
If you watched Part 6 of this series, you know that I could see the pace of work slowing. Then, the builder didn’t show up for meetings with the geometra and plumber on several occasions. After many conversations with the geometra, it was clear we needed to figure out how to part ways with this builder.
In Italy, though, you sign a contract with a builder and it has legal weight and protections for both parties. We had to document specifically the work completed, what was still to be done, and show that the builder was no longer showing up at the job site. The geometra, the engineer, and other tradesmen, like the plumber, documented this information. Plus, I had videos and photos from dates spanning several months that showed little to no work happening.
There were repeated back and forths with the builder via the geometra. He claimed we owed him money. So I went through all the numbers and confirmed everything with the geometra and engineer because it was obvious we did not owe him any more money. Still, he insisted.
It was a scary moment because renovating this house was already a big job. The last thing we wanted was to end up in a legal battle. It would have been costly and a much more significant delay to the work.
Finally, we planned to meet at the house. But what the builder didn’t expect was that I came with several Italian friends including the previous owners of the house, plus the geometra and engineer. Everything was laid out in a fair but firm way in Italian. And we went line item by line item in the work contract to verify what work was done or not.
In the end, the cost for the total amount of completed work was added and it was clear we didn’t need to pay any more money to the builder. We handwrote a document with this information and everyone present, including the builder, signed it. Without the community and professional support, I am absolutely positive we would have ended up with a huge problem on our hands.
After this, I began looking for a new builder. I walked a few of them through the house and got their price quotations. And eventually, I hired a local builder who I’d learned about from friends in the village where our house is.
In all honesty, this was the mistake we made from the beginning. Our geometra had helped us find the original builder, as well as the plumber and electrician. It seemed right at the time but the original builder wasn’t local to the Monferrato area where we are. I trusted the geometra’s recommendation which I don’t think was made with any mal-intent. But I should have done more due diligence myself.
And what I’ve learned through this experience is that a super local builder has too much at stake to risk his business reputation on one house. Plus, he most likely has a lot of connections with other tradesmen in the area that you’ll inevitably need for a huge renovation like ours. Our original builder wasn’t invested in the area and readily moved on when a better job came along.
Where To Next?
See all the renovation updates in order by heading back to this renovation journey page.
Or watch more now using the navigation links below.
Previous update: Discoveries in the House
Next update: Renovation Update Part 8: New Builder Arrives
