How is the work going?
pro-CHE-de — three syllables; 'c' before 'e' is soft ('ch'); stress the second syllable.
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.
Asking about progress shows engagement and accountability. Italian tradespeople respond well to clients who visit the site regularly (sopralluogi), ask questions, and show interest in the quality of work. A passive client who only appears to pay at the end often gets a different quality of attention than an engaged one.
Siamo nei tempi previsti?
Are we within the planned timeframe?
Checks schedule compliance; nei tempi (on time) is the key phrase.
Ci sono problemi imprevisti?
Are there any unforeseen problems?
Imprevisti (unexpected issues) are common in renovation; better to know early.
Posso venire a fare un sopralluogo?
Can I come to inspect the site?
Sopralluogo (site inspection) — your right as the client; regular visits are recommended.
Italian construction culture values the figure of the 'geometra presente' — the site supervisor who is regularly on site. Clients who visit their own renovation sites are similarly valued by quality tradespeople as a sign of engagement. In contrast, the 'cliente assente' (absent client) who hands over keys and disappears until the end sometimes receives less careful work.