Expat Sos: A little bit of our story
Steph Craddock
David Hawes
A little bit of our story
- Steph: A licensed hiking guide, I’ve spent most of my years in Italy working in tourism, helping visitors and locals alike explore the beauty of Tuscany. My passion for Italy and its people runs deep, and I love sharing that with others.
- David: For the past decade, I’ve been project-managing superyacht refits in Viareggio. Yes, you know the ones—those flashy vessels you see in marinas! My background in project management means I’m no stranger to complex systems, tight deadlines, thinking out of the box and solving problems under pressure.
Together, we’ve tackled everything from bureaucratic hurdles to property renovations, and we’ve built a network of trusted professionals along the way.
Read our full story in this case study on our dream home in Tuscany.
Why did we create ExpatSOS?
We have lived in Italy for almost half our lives, when we first arrived our Italian language skills reached as far as pizza, pasta and ciao. In the last 27 years we have learned the language, the way things work here, and purchased – and renovated- our dream home in Tuscany.
We created ExpatSos to share our hard-earned experience and help others avoid the pitfalls we faced. We’re here to guide you through every step—because we’ve been there, done that, and we’re still standing!
Why ExpatSos?
Moving to Italy, or even just navigating its bureaucracy, can feel like stepping into a minefield. From securing a codice fiscale to dealing with the permesso di soggiorno or carta di soggiorno, the processes are complex, frustrating, and often overwhelming. Add in the challenges of buying or renovating a property, or negotiating rental contracts and it’s easy to feel lost.
How can we help?
We don’t just offer advice – we roll up our sleeves and get involved. Our team includes:
- Geometra (surveyors)
- Commercialisti (accountants)
- Vets, builders, plumbers, electricians, and more
Whether you need help with:
✅ Legal and bureaucratic processes (visas, residency, taxes)
✅ Buying or renovating a property
✅ Connecting with trusted local professionals
✅ Everyday life in Italy
…we’re here to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Why Trust Us?
We’re not just advisors—we’re expats who’ve lived the dream (and the challenges), understand the frustrations, the paperwork, and the cultural adjustments because we’ve experienced them firsthand. Our goal is to save you time, stress, and money by sharing our knowledge and network.
Ready to start your Italian adventure with confidence?
Let’s make your move to Italy stress-free and enjoyable. Reach out to us today! info@expatsos.it



