I am not satisfied with the work.
sod-dis-FAT-to — stress the third syllable; double 's' and double 't' both held.
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.
When work is substandard, Italian consumers have rights under the Codice del Consumo. The first step is to express dissatisfaction directly to the tradesperson and request a free remedy. If unresolved, the next step is a formal letter (raccomandata) citing specific defects and requesting remediation within a set deadline, before escalating to a mediator or court.
Il lavoro non è stato fatto come concordato.
The work was not done as agreed.
References the original agreement; stronger legal footing than a general complaint.
Ci sono dei difetti che devono essere corretti.
There are defects that need to be corrected.
Specific and factual; lists defects rather than general dissatisfaction.
Chiedo che il lavoro venga rifatto senza costi aggiuntivi.
I am asking that the work be redone at no additional cost.
Formal request for remedy; the legal right under Italian consumer law.
Italy has mandatory mediation (mediazione obbligatoria) for many civil disputes, including construction and service contract disputes, before they can go to court. This is handled through accredited mediators (organismi di mediazione). The process is relatively quick (typically 3-4 months) and can resolve disputes without expensive litigation. The camera di commercio of each province often runs a mediation service.