Is this usual for a tradesman to ask for money upfront?

[RadiatorHead]

Hi all. It’s been ages since we last had a patio laid and it was pre-Covid (if relevant) We’re currently meeting with people to get quotes and see pictures of their previous work on their websites before choosing who to work with.

Anyway, two of the guys sprung on us at the last minute that they charge up front charges. One said that it was 10% of the cost to book the days. One said it was £1000 to secure the days and then 40% of the total cost on day 1.

Is this a ‘thing’ now? I’m waiting for a quote back from someone else who didn’t mention it when he came round but who knows if it’s going to pop up on the paperwork!

Grateful for any insights.

@VisionsOfSplendour Not for me it isn't. Like I said, I wouldn't and don't. Plenty of fab trades, that come recommended, to choose from.

Very normal, most of them are so busy they want to secure your spot in the diary. You can easily get an overview of their business if you look them up on companies house.

Get 3 quotes and ask for them t&c’s / payment terms for all, then you can compared.
We have been stung in the past and I now would be very wary of paying large proportions upfront or before completion, as others say do your due diligence (check reviews, check the company is on companies house or if a sole trader check their address on invoice is all there)

Very normal, my DP asks for the material costs up front or allows the customer to order and pay, but in that case, any issues wrong parts/colour etc they need to deal with. If it is a large job, then he asks for a percentage to be paid through the job. But everything is written into a contract.

Yes, but your own bank would reclaim from the fraudster’s bank, and the fraudster’s bank may investigate further.

I'm happy to bank transfer the moment that materials land on my drive. I'm happy to pay something towards work done as we go along. Always have a retention until I am absolutely happy.

Get 3 quotes

That's easier said than done.

You phone, leave a message, and no-one gets back to you.
They get back to you, but can't come and look at the job for weeks.
They come and look, but never get back to you with a quote.

Buy your own materials. Any local builders merchant will sell a good range and will deliver. If it’s a stock item you run out of it should be delivered same or next day.
Therws usually a little room for haggling

We paid up front and then in installments for our bathroom remodel. It was a registered business that we could research. We had a written contract. All materials were delivered to our home in advance.

the same for the repairs when a pipe burst.

I wouldn’t do that for a one or two day job. I’m not opposed to paying to buy materials and sometimes even insist because I want certain quality used. Either buying myself or having them buy and deliver allows me to check everything over before work begins.

We recently had a new patio. We ordered and paid for the materials ourselves (just ask the tradesmen what amount of everything he needs for the job) you can shop around for best prices local to you. We had porcelain slabs (amazing- if you need a recommend! Don't stain like Indian stone etc as aren't porous- so even over winter they still look perfect 👌)