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PhrasesTalking To TradespeopleI lavori sono finiti. Posso fare il collaudo finale?
B1formal

I lavori sono finiti. Posso fare il collaudo finale?

The works are finished. Can I do the final inspection?

Pronunciation

kol-LAU-do fi-NA-le — 'au' in collaudo is a clear diphthong; stress both second syllables.

When to use it

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.

What it means

The collaudo finale (final inspection) is the moment when client and tradesperson jointly assess the completed work against the agreed specifications. It is the opportunity to identify any remaining deficiencies and agree on remediation before the saldo is paid. Both parties should be present — this is a professional and legally relevant moment in the relationship.

Variations

Facciamo insieme il giro finale per verificare tutto.

Let's do the final walkthrough together to check everything.

Informal way to propose a joint final inspection; giro (tour/walkthrough) is the common term.

Ho notato alcune cose da sistemare prima di pagare il saldo.

I've noticed some things to fix before paying the balance.

Factual identification of issues; specific and non-confrontational.

Sono soddisfatto del lavoro. Posso procedere con il pagamento.

I am satisfied with the work. I can proceed with payment.

Positive outcome; used when the collaudo finale reveals no issues.

Mini Dialogue

— I lavori sono finiti. Posso fare il collaudo finale con voi? — Certo, quando vuole. Domani pomeriggio va bene? — Sì. E poi se va tutto bene procedo con il saldo finale. — Perfetto. Siamo sicuri del nostro lavoro.

— The works are finished. Can I do the final inspection with you? — Of course, whenever you like. Tomorrow afternoon is fine? — Yes. And then if everything is good I'll proceed with the final payment. — Perfect. We are confident in our work.

Cultural Note

Italy's tradition of concluding a business relationship with a formal handshake (stretta di mano) after the final payment is a deeply embedded cultural ritual. The tradesperson and client who have worked well together often establish a lasting relationship — the bravo artigiano known to a family becomes their go-to expert for all future needs, recommended to friends and neighbours, sustaining the passaparola network that defines Italy's construction culture.