Can you send me the written work order?
OR-di-ne di la-VO-ro — stress 'OR' and 'VO'; ordine has three syllables.
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.
Ordine di lavoro (work order) is a document that specifies exactly what work will be done, by when, and at what price. For minor works, a detailed preventivo serves the same purpose. For significant projects, a formal contratto d'appalto (works contract) is advisable. Both protect both parties and are essential if a dispute arises.
Preferirei un contratto scritto prima di iniziare.
I would prefer a written contract before starting.
For significant works (over €1,000), a written contract is strongly advisable.
Il preventivo dettagliato funge da accordo?
Does the detailed quote serve as the agreement?
A signed preventivo can serve as a contract for minor works.
Può specificare la tempistica nel documento?
Can you specify the timeline in the document?
Adding dates to the contract creates accountability for delays.
Italy has a civil law tradition that emphasises written contracts (contratti scritti) for significant obligations. The Codice Civile article on works contracts (appalto, Art. 1655-1677) is detailed and provides protections for both client and contractor. Despite this legal framework, many Italian tradespeople still work on handshake agreements — a cultural tradition that leads to many preventable disputes.