contractor payment?

Normally, I paid my contractor progressively. For instance, I shall pay a nominal fee as a deposit for the contractor to start work. When the contractor wants to purchase the materials, then I shall pay again only for the materials. After this stage, I shall pay the balance of the job only after the job completion. About nomination of a right contractor to do my jobs, I shall go for someone who has good record to me earlier or someone who is introduced by my friends. This is to ensure that the relevant contractor can be trusted and he can do a good job for me.

Some contractors require material costs up front or part of them. I certainly would not want to pay any great amount up front. Truly reputable and established companies will not request it as far as I know. I had metal roofing put on my house and I had to pay material fees up front then the rest after the job was finished and the representative and I walked around and I approved the job.

I have not done this personally, but what I have read is that you give about a third upfront, a third in the middle and a third when you are completely satisfied with the job. That way, if they need materials to do the job they have the money to do it with, but you still have some hold over them as well.

I had a new kitchen fitted and the builder charged a daily rate. As he stayed for one month the final bill was a shock. I transferred some money from my high interest tax free bank account into my current bank account. Then I wrote him a check. I had another builder in and paid per the job. One thing he did was a complete disaster. He plastered over my ceiling and then the whole thing came down. I didn't let him do anymore work on my bungalow. I had paid cash which I regret but he had seemed okay to do work at my previous house. I was told that as I have a disabled son I am eligible for Care and Repair. They charge ten pound per house and are available for up to 3 hours. I have given them cash on departure after they have done the handyman jobs.

I live in a small town and everyone knows everyone...so if you hire someone locally they don't need a down payment. If it's someone from out of town then I would probably have to give a down payment.....usually I think they want about 50% of the estimate.

Aeiou has it right. But never pay it all up front. Check with the BBB to see if a contractor has complaints open against him. I just had my basement done and paid them by check after the job but it was mostly labor rather than material.

I pretty much agree with what was said earlier. You definitely don't want to pay everything up front, but we always pay for materials up front. If it's a long job, we may pay as increments of it are accomplished. Then if everything is finished and it's done right, we pay the rest.