What is the Difference between Building Renovation and Ordinary Maintenance?

Recently, there has been a lot of talk about renovations. Given the numerous tax deductions available in 2022, renovating a home during this period is a very advantageous choice. But what specifically is meant when we talk about building renovation? The Consolidated Text for Construction, the D.P.R. 380/01, the reference law for building regulations in Italy, provides us with an answer. The most complete definition of this expression is indicated in Article 3, paragraph 1, letter (d).

Building renovation refers to the set of “interventions aimed at transforming building structures through a systematic set of works that can lead to a building structure that is entirely or partially different from the previous one”.

What are Building Renovation Works?

The expression “building renovation works” more precisely indicates:

• Structural modifications such as the demolition and reconstruction of parts of a building, while always maintaining the same volume as the previous architecture (with the exception of adaptations to anti-seismic regulations);
• The construction of elevators or external staircases not related to the dwelling;
• The transformation of accessory surfaces into useful and habitable surfaces. This includes interventions to transform attics, lofts, basements, and cellars, adapted to current habitability regulations;
• Works for changing the intended use of the premises.

What is Meant by Maintenance Interventions?

When talking about maintenance interventions in the construction field, a distinction needs to be made. There are ordinary maintenance interventions and extraordinary maintenance interventions:

• Ordinary maintenance: this definition includes interventions that involve the repair, renewal, and replacement of building finishes. This expression also designates works aimed at maintaining or enhancing the efficiency of existing systems;
• Extraordinary maintenance: this expression refers to interventions necessary for the renewal or replacement of parts (including structural ones) of buildings. These also include works to integrate sanitary and technological services. It is essential that these interventions do not alter the volumes and surfaces of the individual building units, and that they do not lead to changes in the intended use of the property.

The Differences between Building Renovation and Maintenance

Regarding the difference between renovation and ordinary maintenance, the distinction is simple. Ordinary maintenance works involve the repair, renovation, and replacement of non-structural parts of buildings, the integration and maintenance of efficiency of existing systems. This type of non-structural intervention can be safely carried out under the responsibility of the property owner, without appointing a works director. Obviously, one must always act in compliance with the regulations provided by the Building Regulations of the Municipality where the property is located. However, in the case of interventions on visible parts, it is necessary to submit to the Municipality the notification of commencement of works, the CILA (Certified Notification of Commencement of Works) signed by a qualified technician registered with the professional order.

When comparing building renovation and extraordinary maintenance works, it is not easy to draw well-defined boundaries between the two. Often, the two categories tend to overlap, and it is not easy for the legislator to precisely define the nature of the interventions. For this reason, it is essential to consult competent technicians to carry out an inspection. A specialist will be able to clarify any doubts and potentially liaise with the offices of the relevant Municipality for the classification of more complex cases.

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