Are you up for a renovation project in 2021? If you’re one of those clever people who can see potential in sad,
grim-looking homes, but don’t necessarily have the time to transform one
personally, then look no further.
This town centre property was bought from Cortona International in 2019
by a UK client with little time available to dedicate to a renovation project.
She was looking for a semi-turnkey solution with minimal involvement and wanted
Helpworksitalia (that’s me!) to be involved as co-ordinator/translator.
BEDROOM BEFORE
BEDROOM AFTER
After making introductions to the
Fedi Technical Studio – which HWI has worked with for over 20 years - she and I
were escorted around various properties, all restored and interior designed by
the studio, in order to establish what sort of finishes she liked (and those
she didn’t!).
Understanding his client’s psyche, according to Ervis – the young, dynamic
architect who is a recent addition to the Fedi team (and who now speaks very
passable English) – is fundamental to a successful transformation; if home, as
they say, is where the heart is, Ervis has to identify with his client on a
personal as well as professional level in order to deliver what he/she wants.
BATHROOM BEFORE AND AFTER
SHOWER
A firm rapport was established between the two during the following weeks
in which various project designs for the ground floor area were presented – to
be realised in a more rustic and simplistic style than that of the first floor
– as well as copious photographs of different finishes, fittings and fixtures that
were exchanged across the internet.
While awaiting permissions, further meetings were held: Team Fedi presented
colour schemes, floor choices, photographs of internal doors with antique
latches, handcrafted lighting etc… Fortunately, we also firmed up ideas for the
first floor works which the client hoped to do in 2020 – which was fortuitous
foresight given the arrival of Covid just when works were set to begin!
My role of co-ordinator and translator became redundant by the time
detailed spread sheets with itemised costs for all works and materials were supplied
and approved. Ervis’s English which had
already been decent had improved tenfold and it was obvious to both the client
and myself that he was more than capable of co-ordinating works without me.
With the client’s final thumbs up, works commenced, the only proviso
being that the downstairs apartment be ready for use in time for the New Year
festivities end 2019 which was a tall order given that works only began on 2nd December!!!
But they did it….thanks, literally, to an exceptional team of builders
and tradesmen working round the clock. The
client couldn’t have been more thrilled and will write her own story when she
can find the time (and words!!)
The Fedi team is now completing works on the first floor….which will be
another post!
DETAIL 1
DETAIL 2
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DETAIL 8
