Our Italian Renovation: Tips and Tools
- Mark Tedesco
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
PART 166: It might be interesting to share how we pulled off living in Italy for part of the year. I will post some steps and what we are learning along the way.
We love every minute of it, and what was once a dream is our life!
We live in Tuscany in the Fall, then back again in the Spring, and in California for the rest of the time (in a previous blog, I explained why we live in Italy only part of the year).
As we explore areas in Italy, we discover some gems worth sharing. Some are well-known tourist magnets, and others are lesser-known but always amazing.
Step 1: Getting Started
This week, I want to share what we learned during our renovation journey in Italy and a few online resources that helped along the way. I hope they help you also!
A blog reader recently asked for recommendations on resources for renovating a home in Italy. What follows is a mix of what worked for us and what we wish we’d known sooner. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but rather a collection of the most practical and time-saving lessons from our own experience. If you have others, please share them in the comments!
Step 2: Wise.com
Many expats we’ve met swear by Wise.com for transferring funds to Italy, but what we didn’t expect was how helpful their research-based articles would be. I first came across Wise while trying to understand the financial side of our renovation project, and it turned out to be a great resource.
Wise is one of the most reliable platforms for moving money to Europe, but beyond its banking features, it also offers valuable guides for anyone planning a move or already living abroad.
One particularly helpful article from 2024 breaks down typical renovation costs in Italy. Though written for a UK audience, it’s broadly applicable and provides useful ballpark figures for flooring, roofing, and interior work. It also covers hiring contractors, understanding taxes and fees, and estimating the costs of a new roof, kitchen, or bathroom.
Step 3: Protected Structures
Before we began any work, we checked whether our property was classified as a protected structure (immobile vincolato). It turned out it was—which meant we had to obtain special permits and approvals before doing anything.
Our architect took care of everything—from paperwork and permit requests to coordinating inspections—and, to our surprise, secured all the necessary approvals within a week. The experience reminded us that in Italy, as in many places, strong relationships can make the process flow more smoothly and efficiently.
If you’re planning a similar project, check early whether your home falls under historical protection laws. You may need special permits even for small changes like painting shutters or replacing windows.
Step 4: Labor
As in any country, labor costs in Italy vary depending on region, demand, and project scope. We learned to always get referrals and multiple estimates before hiring. Our realtor introduced us to a trusted contractor, and after several Zoom meetings, he visited the property, provided detailed quotes, and finished everything within budget.
Our contractor and architect already had a close working relationship, and because of this, the work went smoothly. Having local professionals who were well connected to the resources in our community really helped the whole process.
Depending on your renovation, you might work with:
Architect (architetto): Required for major renovations that change structure or layout. They design the project, manage permits, and oversee work to ensure compliance with building codes.
Surveyor (geometra): A blend of engineer and building supervisor. They handle smaller renovations, technical drawings, and local approvals. In small towns, a good geometra often knows everyone at city hall—a big help when you need signatures fast.
Contractor (muratore): The person or team doing the physical work. A reliable contractor can make or break a renovation. Ours also connected us to local suppliers we would never have found on our own. Some contractors handle everything—from electrical to plumbing and construction—streamlining the process.
Electrician (elettricista): The electrician installs and updates electrical systems, ensuring they meet Italy’s strict safety standards. After completing the work, they issue a Dichiarazione di Conformità, a certification that the system complies with national codes. In many renovations, they also connect heating or solar systems.
Plumber (idraulico): The plumber installs and maintains all water, heating, and sometimes gas systems in the home—from bathrooms and kitchens to radiators and boilers. They also issue a Dichiarazione di Conformità certifying that their work meets national safety standards. In some cases, the contractor is also a qualified plumber, which can simplify coordination and keep the project moving smoothly.
Hiring professionals from your local area helps enormously—they know the regional rules, suppliers, and how to navigate local bureaucracy.
Step 5: Materials and Tecnomat
When we first began our renovation, we spent weeks driving from one small specialty shop to another, looking for tiles, faucets, and fixtures. Only later did we discover Tecnomat—Italy’s equivalent of Home Depot or Lowe’s.
“Wow, we could have saved so much time if we had come here first,” my partner said as we explored the aisles. Tecnomat carries everything from toilets and showers to tiles, lumber, and lighting. They also have specialty items you can custom order.
Even if you’re not in Italy while planning your renovation, browsing the Tecnomat website can be a great starting point. Checking prices for items like toilets, showers, and sinks helps you estimate costs and set a realistic materials budget.
Now that we are beginning our second renovation project in Italy, starting at Tecnomat is giving us an even clearer sense of pricing and helping us refine our budget with confidence..
Link: tecnomat.it
Step 6: Specialty Items
Once the basics were decided, we wanted to find some distinctive pieces—unique tiles for the kitchen backsplash, bathroom vanities with good storage, and a particular kitchen faucet. Many specialty shops in our area are small, family-run businesses without websites, yet they offer treasures you won’t find elsewhere—antique furniture, hand-painted tiles, and artwork perfect for old stone walls. Visiting them became part of the fun, as each shop revealed something unexpected.
When all else failed, we turned to Amazon Italy, where we found a few light fixtures we couldn’t locate in any store. Combining these online discoveries with local finds gave our renovation a blend of practicality and personality.
Step 7: Historical Center Challenges
Our home, built in the 16th century, is located in the historical center of our town—a setting full of charm but also challenges. Because cars can’t reach our narrow street, we had to hire workers to carry materials by hand—from cabinets to bathroom fixtures—which added time and cost we hadn’t anticipated.
Living and renovating in a historical center also means adapting to its rhythms—limited access, narrow passageways, and the need to work around centuries-old walls. Delivery access is another factor to consider; even small logistical issues can impact labor time and expenses.
Step 8: Learning from Others
Talking to locals and others who have renovated before us was invaluable. People who have already gone through the process often share insights you won’t find online. Even a simple renovation can become complicated in Italy’s maze of regional rules and traditions.
One helpful guide we found is here: propertyguides.com/italy/news/7-steps-to-a-stress-free-renovation
Renovating a house in Italy has been a journey of discovery for us at every step. While this post doesn’t list every online resource, I hope these insights help anyone planning their own Italian renovation—whether from abroad or right here in Italy.
More next time.
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