Renovating a House in Italy: Expert Tips from a Local Geometra
What You Should Know About Permits, Paperwork & Finding the Right Professional
When we started looking into building and renovating in Italy, we noticed how little practical information was available—especially when it came to permits, technical steps, and the role of a geometra.
We kept running into the same questions:
Who do you need? What permissions are required? What happens if you buy in a UNESCO area?
And perhaps most importantly: At what point should you involve a geometra—and what do they actually do?
We’ve spoken to many people who ran into problems during their renovation—often simply because they didn’t know they should have involved a geometra from the beginning.
That’s why we’re creating a central place where we’ll gather useful information, tools, and personal insights to help you approach your Italian renovation with confidence—and actually enjoy the process.
One of the key players in that journey is the geometra. So in this blog, we’re sharing an in-depth interview with Elisa Testore, a local geometra from Piemonte. Even better: she’s a woman in a technical field—something I relate to myself—and she combines technical expertise with a strong eye for style. Which, let’s be honest, is often missing in the building world. All the more reason to ask her for her take.
*Curious about the photos? They’re all from Elisa’s own projects. Just click on an image to explore that renovation in more detail.
Project Elisa: Somewhere in Monferrato (click at the photo for more)
“What I enjoy most is designing, drawing, and interior styling”
What is a Geometra—and Why You Need One
Elisa Testore grew up among the vineyards of Monferrato and always had a passion for drawing and design. She now lives and works in her grandfather’s old farmhouse, which she beautifully restored herself. As a geometra, she handles everything from technical design and project supervision to building permits and post-construction registration.
"What I enjoy most is designing, drawing, and interior styling," she says. "I think being a woman gives me a more natural feeling for interior layout and aesthetics, which sets me apart from many of my (mostly male) colleagues."
Elisa’s own home renovation is still her favorite project: a 1950s farmhouse she turned into a modern, efficient, and character-filled home—keeping original elements like old wooden doors, vaulted brick ceilings, and a stone staircase, and combining them with clean, functional design.
A geometra typically takes care of:
the design phase
construction site supervision
safety coordination
all the bureaucratic paperwork at the end of the project
Specialists such as structural engineers, acoustic experts or energy consultants are often involved as trusted collaborators of the geometra.
You can contact Elisa for:
Building surveys
Design & supervision
Energy and cadastral certifications
Renovation planning and budgeting
Advice before buying a property
She also works with a trusted team of professionals.
Project Elisa: Agliano Terme, garden and swimming pool (click on the photo for more)
“Italy’s strict building laws are meant to protect historical, cultural, and landscape heritage, but they also aim to ensure building safety.”
Permits & Paperwork: What You Need to Know
There are several types of permits in Italy. For minor internal work, there are fast-track procedures like CILA and SCIA—you can often start the same day you file the application with the municipality. More complex projects like new builds or expansions require a permesso di costruire, which usually takes 2–3 months to be approved.
Italy’s strict building laws are meant to protect historical, cultural, and landscape heritage, but they also aim to ensure building safety. According to Elisa, "Italian citizens tend to be a bit undisciplined, so we need strict laws to keep things in order! ;-)”
Common no-permit projects (unless in a UNESCO area):
Sunshades
Exterior paving
Maintenance work
Solar panels or heat pumps
Project Elisa: Casa Gioia (click on the photo for more)
Pools, Expansions & Farmhouse Conversions
If you're dreaming of a pool, you’ll need a permit for anything in-ground or semi-in-ground. In UNESCO areas, approval from the landscape commission is also required. The only pools that don't need permission are easily removable above-ground ones.
Examples from Elisa to get a realistic idea, from most economic to high-end:
6x3m concrete pool without solarium: €22,000
4x10m standard pool: around €60,000
5x10m high-end pool with large terrace and retaining walls: €160,000
Want to convert a barn or expand your house? It depends on local zoning. In agricultural zones, conversions are often allowed if you meet the basic health, safety, and energy standards—like minimum ceiling height, natural light, and ventilation
“UNESCO: If your design respects the style of the area, there’s usually no problem”
Renovating in a UNESCO Area
If your property is in a UNESCO-protected zone, things are a little more delicate. You’ll need to submit your plans for approval by the local landscape committee, and they’ll check that your design fits the environment.
"If your design respects the style of the area, there’s usually no problem," Elisa explains. "But if they’re not satisfied, they can ask for changes, which delays approval."
Working with a geometra who understands the local landscape is key.
Project Elisa: Casa del Nonno (click on the photo for more)
Costs and Budgeting
Elisa gives you an idea of what to expect financially when planning a renovation in Italy—from technical fees to average renovation costs per square meter.
Technical fees (geometra + collaborators): around 10% of total construction/renovation cost
Average cost per m² for a full renovation in Piemonte: €1600–€2000/m²
Some geometras offer just design, while others (like Elisa) provide full-service coordination, working closely with trusted professionals in energy, acoustics, structural engineering, safety, gardens and interiors.
Final Thoughts
From our own experience, we also want to share a few practical tips:
Involve a geometra early. We asked Elisa to join us during our very first property visit—just to make sure we wouldn’t fall in love with a home where certain permits would be impossible to get. It gave us so much peace of mind (also read our blog about buying a house in Italy).
Don’t worry if your Italian isn’t perfect. Tools like DeepL or ChatGPT can be incredibly helpful when reading documents or communicating with your geometra.
Before we wrap up, here are a few extra takeaways from our conversation with Elisa:
Common mistakes? Not involving a geometra early enough. “I always try to create a trusted team of professionals,” Elisa says. “That way, we prevent problems before they happen.”
Planning to start a B&B or holiday rental? In that case, there are specific rules for opening any type of accommodation. You’ll need to file official notices with the municipality before you start.
Want to read up on rules yourself? You can often find local zoning and building regulations on your municipality’s website. Look for "regolamento edilizio" and "norme tecniche di attuazione".
Work with Elisa
If you're planning to buy or renovate a home in Italy—especially in the Piemonte region—Elisa Testore is a trusted local geometra who can help you navigate the process with confidence.
With her technical knowledge, design sensitivity and experience with rural homes, farmhouses, and UNESCO-protected areas, Elisa is the kind of expert you want on your side.
You can learn more about her work or get in touch via her website: Visit her website here.
Based in Agliano Terme, Elisa works throughout the Monferrato and Langhe area.
Meet the Interviewer
This blog was written by Jennifer—designer, architectural engineer, and co-founder of Studio Sernella, together with my partner Boy.
After years of managing high-end renovations in the Netherlands, we moved to Italy to breathe new life into forgotten properties. We’re currently restoring a historic cascina in Piemonte, combining our love for design, construction, and Italian craftsmanship.
To support others on a similar journey, we created Studio Sernella—a creative studio and platform where we share renovation tools, styling services, and hands-on support. From our free Home Buying Guide and step-by-step checklist, to maintenance help and a growing community for fellow renovators—we’re here to make your path to a home in Italy a little easier (and more inspiring).
Want to follow our journey? I share daily updates on our renovation projects, insights, and life in Italy over on Instagram—come say hi!
