Do you use subcontractors for this work?
su-bap-pal-ta-TO-ri — six syllables; stress the fifth; double 'p' gives a crisp hold.
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.
Subappalto (subcontracting) is common in Italian construction. A general contractor (impresa generale) may subcontract plumbing to an idraulico, tiling to a piastrellista, and electrical work to an elettricista. The contractor remains responsible to you for all work. Ask whether subcontractors are insured and certified for their specific work.
I subappaltatori hanno la partita IVA?
Do the subcontractors have a VAT number?
Confirms they are legally operating businesses, not undeclared workers.
Chi è responsabile se un subappaltatore fa male il lavoro?
Who is responsible if a subcontractor does the work poorly?
The main contractor remains responsible to the client for all subcontracted work.
Preferisco che il lavoro sia fatto dalla sua impresa direttamente.
I prefer the work to be done directly by your company.
Valid preference; some clients insist on no subcontracting for quality control reasons.
Italy's construction sector has a complex layered structure of contracting and subcontracting, complicated by the large informal economy. The DURC (Documento Unico di Regolarità Contributiva) certifies that a company is up to date with social security contributions — requesting it from any contractor is good practice for significant works. Large public works contracts require DURC; private residential contracts do not, but asking for it signals professionalism.