35 phrases · Levels: A2B1B2
Sto cercando un bravo idraulico.
I'm looking for a good plumber.
Use this when asking neighbours, colleagues, or shopkeepers to recommend a plumber. In Italy, personal recommendations (passaparola) are by far the most reliable way to find trustworthy tradespeople.
Può farmi un preventivo?
Can you give me a quote?
Use this before agreeing to any work. In Italy, getting a written preventivo (quote/estimate) before work begins protects you legally and helps avoid disputes about price when the job is done. Always ask for it in writing.
Quando può venire a fare il lavoro?
When can you come to do the work?
Use this after agreeing on the work and price, to set a date. In Italy, getting a firm appointment from a tradesperson can require persistence — vague commitments like 'nel pomeriggio' or 'nei prossimi giorni' are common.
Preferisce fattura o pagamento in nero?
Do you prefer invoice or cash payment?
This is a direct conversation about payment method. Use with care — the question itself is somewhat taboo because in nero payments are technically illegal. The phrase is widely used colloquially but signals awareness of Italy's informal economy.
C'è una garanzia sul lavoro?
Is there a guarantee on the work?
Use this before signing off on a completed job or agreeing to start work. Italian consumer law provides guarantees on services, but having an explicit guarantee discussed and agreed upon creates clearer expectations.
I materiali sono inclusi nel prezzo?
Are the materials included in the price?
Always ask this before confirming a quote. Italian tradesperson quotes sometimes include only labour (manodopera), with materials billed separately — or vice versa. Clarifying this upfront avoids invoice surprises.
Non sono soddisfatto del lavoro.
I am not satisfied with the work.
Use this directly but calmly when work has not been done to the agreed standard. Keeping the tone formal and factual — rather than angry — is more effective in Italian culture for reaching a resolution.
Servono permessi per questo tipo di lavoro?
Are permits needed for this type of work?
Always ask this before authorising structural, electrical, or significant plumbing work. In Italy, many types of renovation require permits from the municipality, and unauthorised work (abuso edilizio) can result in fines, orders to demolish, and problems when selling the property.
Ho bisogno di un geometra per il progetto.
I need a surveyor for the project.
Use this when your renovation project requires a professional to draw up plans, obtain permits, or supervise work. In Italy, a geometra is a draughtsman-surveyor who handles most routine building projects; larger or structural works require an ingegnere (structural engineer) or architetto (architect).
I lavori sono in ritardo.
The works are behind schedule.
Use this when works are not progressing as agreed. In Italy, delays are a common feature of renovation projects. Addressing them calmly but firmly — with reference to agreed dates — is more effective than showing anger.
Chi dirige i lavori?
Who is supervising the works?
Use this at the start of a project to understand the management structure. For significant renovation works, having a nominated direzione lavori (works supervisor) — typically the geometra or architect — ensures quality control and regulatory compliance.
Quando si fa il collaudo?
When is the final inspection?
Use this toward the end of a significant construction or installation project. Collaudo (final inspection/testing) is the formal verification that work meets agreed specifications and applicable standards.
C'è una perdita d'acqua urgente.
There is an urgent water leak.
Use this in an emergency — when a pipe bursts or a serious leak develops. Urgente signals you need immediate help, not a scheduled appointment. Most Italian plumbers charge a supplemento urgenza (urgency surcharge) for emergency callouts.
Sto pianificando una ristrutturazione completa.
I am planning a complete renovation.
Use this at the beginning of discussions with architects, geometri, or multiple tradespeople about a full home renovation. It sets the scope and signals that you need comprehensive advice, not just a quick fix.
Quanto è l'acconto per iniziare i lavori?
How much is the deposit to start the works?
Use this when discussing payment terms before work begins. Italian tradespeople typically request an acconto (deposit) of 20-50% to purchase materials and secure the booking. Never pay 100% upfront.
Chi si occupa della pulizia dopo i lavori?
Who handles the cleaning after the works?
Use this before a project starts to clarify post-work cleanup responsibilities. Many Italian tradespeople do basic cleanup but leave construction dust and debris behind — clarifying expectations upfront avoids disputes.
Devo avvisare il condominio prima dei lavori?
Do I need to notify the building before the works?
Use this when planning works that will generate noise, dust, or affect shared spaces. Italian condominium rules require advance notice to the amministratore and often to all condomini (residents) before significant works begin.
Ha delle referenze di lavori precedenti?
Do you have references from previous jobs?
Use this when hiring a tradesperson you do not know personally. References (referenze) are a reasonable professional request and any reputable tradesperson will be happy to provide them.
Può mandarmi l'ordine di lavoro scritto?
Can you send me the written work order?
Use this to request written documentation of the agreed work before it starts. An ordine di lavoro (work order) or contratto d'appalto (works contract) creates a clear record of scope, timeline, and price.
Come procede il lavoro?
How is the work going?
Use this to check on progress during a renovation or repair project. Regular communication prevents misunderstandings and allows problems to be identified early. Italians expect clients to take an active interest in their own works.
Posso avere la fattura per la detraibilità fiscale?
Can I have the invoice for the tax deduction?
Always request this when paying for renovation work. Italian tax law allows a 50% income tax deduction on renovation costs up to €96,000, claimed over 10 years. The deduction requires both a fattura and payment by bank transfer.
Usa subappaltatori per questo lavoro?
Do you use subcontractors for this work?
Use this to understand who will actually be doing the work in your home. Some Italian contractors manage work entirely in-house; others subcontract specialist tasks. Knowing this affects quality control and contract responsibility.
Ha esperienza nella verniciatura di serramenti?
Do you have experience painting windows and door frames?
Use this to assess a painter's specific experience with windows and doors (serramenti) — a skilled job that requires knowing the right materials, preparation, and application techniques for wood, aluminium, or PVC frames.
La caldaia non si accende. Può venire a guardarla?
The boiler won't light. Can you come and look at it?
Use this to report a boiler failure to a plumber or heating technician. In Italy, boiler failures in winter are treated as urgent, especially in regions with cold winters like the north. Always specify whether you have heat and hot water, or just one of the two.
Può venire a fare un sopralluogo?
Can you come to do a site visit?
Use this to request an in-person inspection before getting a quote. In Italy, quality tradespeople always want to see the site before quoting — it is unprofessional to quote from a description alone for anything significant.
Preferisco materiali di buona qualità.
I prefer good quality materials.
Use this at the outset of any project where you want to signal that price is not your only criterion. In Italian culture, quality (qualità) is highly valued — expressing this preference will often shift a tradesperson's recommendation toward better products.
Va bene, faccia pure.
That's fine, please go ahead.
Use this to give verbal approval to proceed with work you have agreed on. The phrase faccia pure is a very common Italian expression for 'please go ahead' — polite but not overly formal. It signals trust and a positive relationship.
Se il lavoro non è soddisfacente, non pago il saldo.
If the work is not satisfactory, I will not pay the balance.
Use this — if necessary — as a firm statement of consumer rights, ideally established at the beginning of the relationship in writing. In Italy, the right to withhold final payment for unsatisfactory work is legally recognized.
Le do le chiavi per poter lavorare quando non ci sono.
I'll give you the keys so you can work when I'm not there.
Use this when agreeing to give a tradesperson unsupervised access to your home during renovation works. This is a significant act of trust — only do so with tradespeople who have been verified and recommended.
È iscritto a un albo professionale?
Are you registered with a professional body?
Use this to verify professional credentials before hiring for safety-critical work (electrical, gas, structural). In Italy, certain trades require specific professional qualifications and registrations.
Ha un'assicurazione per la responsabilità civile?
Do you have public liability insurance?
Ask this before authorising any significant work. If a tradesperson causes damage to your property or injures someone, their liability insurance (assicurazione RC — responsabilità civile) covers the damages. Without it, you may end up with an uncollectable claim.
Per questo lavoro serve uno specialista?
Does this job need a specialist?
Use this when assessing whether a general tradesperson can handle a specific problem or whether a specialist is needed. In Italy, certain jobs (listed buildings, high-voltage electrical, pressurised gas, etc.) require certified specialists.
Orari per il rumore: dalle 8 alle 13 e dalle 15 alle 20.
Noise hours: from 8 to 1pm and from 3pm to 8pm.
Share this information with tradespeople at the start of the project. Communicating noise hours upfront shows courtesy to neighbours and prevents conflicts. It also sets clear working parameters for the tradesperson.
Cosa mi consiglia per questo problema?
What do you recommend for this problem?
Use this as an open invitation for the tradesperson to apply their expertise. Italians value professionals who explain things clearly and take the time to advise properly. This question opens a productive professional conversation.
I lavori sono finiti. Posso fare il collaudo finale?
The works are finished. Can I do the final inspection?
Use this at the completion of a project to formally inspect the work before making the final payment. In Italy, a joint collaudo (final inspection) with the tradesperson present is standard practice for significant works.