money up front?
- Thread starter tintin2
- Start date
No. You should be prepared to pay him for work satisfactorily completed at the end of each week. The builder should give you a written list of works complete and the value of those works. You check the work and pay if you are happy with the claim and the standard of work.
I see no problem with paying cash providing he gives you a written receipt. Cash obviously helps small builders who often have to pay labourers and subbies on Friday. It also gives him some comfort that he doesn't have to worry about cheques clearing. The problem with that though is he'll have to give you the claim on Thursday before all the work is actually complete.
If he isn't prepared to proceed on that basis you should find another builder.
This is no time to be soft. Show absolutely no weakness whatsoever. Hard line all the way and don't listen to any sob stories.
Potential problems are that the builder adds a little to each claim until he gets too far in front. Another is how will you know if the work is done correctly? The only way around this is to employ somebody who knows but that will obviously cost you.
I see no problem with paying cash providing he gives you a written receipt. Cash obviously helps small builders who often have to pay labourers and subbies on Friday. It also gives him some comfort that he doesn't have to worry about cheques clearing. The problem with that though is he'll have to give you the claim on Thursday before all the work is actually complete.
If he isn't prepared to proceed on that basis you should find another builder.
This is no time to be soft. Show absolutely no weakness whatsoever. Hard line all the way and don't listen to any sob stories.
Potential problems are that the builder adds a little to each claim until he gets too far in front. Another is how will you know if the work is done correctly? The only way around this is to employ somebody who knows but that will obviously cost you.
Definitely not 25% & I'd be very wary of a builder asking for that much; the ones I normally use never ask for anything until agreed stage completion; materials supply is usually on a 30 day account with most reputable builders so it makes no odds to them.
Those without an account may ask for an amount up front for materials but I would only ever give 5% & certainly no more than 10% & then no more cash until the value of materials or work completed exceeds the deposit amount. You can then pay on stages of completion but always keep 10% back until you’re completely satisfied with it.
Those without an account may ask for an amount up front for materials but I would only ever give 5% & certainly no more than 10% & then no more cash until the value of materials or work completed exceeds the deposit amount. You can then pay on stages of completion but always keep 10% back until you’re completely satisfied with it.
If you know the builder, have had several recommendations or seen his work. then I don't think this is a major issue. Assuming this is for materials you could suggest that you go 'shopping' with him, and pay for and ensure that the stuff will be delivered to your address.
He may have been stung in the past by punters cancelling on him after he's ordered a load of stuff in.
In any case, do you have any paperwork between you? plans, contract, schedule of works etc?
He may have been stung in the past by punters cancelling on him after he's ordered a load of stuff in.
In any case, do you have any paperwork between you? plans, contract, schedule of works etc?
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