To think a deposit before the job is not quite right

[Goforwarrd7]

Need a new driveway and I’ve been quoted an amount. Only thing is, they’re asking for £400 to secure a date followed by £1200 at the start of the job then the balance upon completion. Is this normal? I thought you would pay after job completed and satisfied. Any opinions ? Thanks

Pretty normal for lots of jobs. A deposit to pay towards the cost of material. But I would only do this if the trades person had been found by a personal recommendation.

I would say it's normal. We had building work done last year and had to pay a deposit before securing a date. Then paid every two weeks and then the final balance on completion.

Recently I’ve been asked to pay 50% upfront for work. It allows the purchase of materials and ensures the customer is genuine. What proportion of the total is £400 and £1,200?

Very normal
They will have to buy materials, turn down other work etc

normal.

It is normal but get everything in an email and don't in cash. These are small ways to protect yourself

Don’t pay a penny before they’ve even started - sounds like an excuse to run off with your hard-earned money.
I can understand them needing something to buy the materials while they’re working, but this is total bollocks.
I (personally), would tell them no and get other quotes.

@Goforwarrd7 I’m not sure that I’d be happy doing that. Have they given a breakdown of what it’s all for?

Different work, but I recently had a bathroom ripped out and replaced by a local independent fitter. He sourced all fixtures etc for me too. He provided me with separate bills for suite/fixtures/fittings and then for fitting etc. Suite/fixtures etc were delivered a few weeks before the job (my choice as I had space to store them and there were supply issues so took it while I could get it!) - I paid that invoice to him after the goods had been delivered. I then paid for the fitting etc after the job was complete and I was happy with the finish.

How could a deposit be paid at any time other than before the job!? That’s the entire point of a deposit.

It is normal but I've read and heard of far too many people who have scammed like this. Took money, not turned up or done an appalling job.

Not sure what the answer is really, other than as on your local SM scammer pages and see if their names are there. Google the names and look for reviews.

Total cost is £3650. I have had an email but want some technical Drawings too. The price hasn’t been broken down.

Deposit is standard for tradework in my experience, they need to buy materials etc. Do your best to get someone reputable.

How big is the driveway and what are you having (i.e block paving, gravel) as that sounds rather cheap.

All the driveway companies wanted a deposit from us, some more than others. In the end we used the company that had done the driveway a few doors down and came recommended, but I was uncomfortable doing it. We then did staged payments, one at 50% complete one at fully complete.

Had a driveway fitted already but needs fixing as council will not grant a dropped kerb due to being steep on one side! Not happy about having to fork out again. that’s why it might sound a bit cheap. I’ve checked them out on Facebook, Google, I see they’re board out at homes in the city. Just wasn’t sure as the last company didn’t charge me anything until the end

Block paving with a wall

I am not saying it is unusual, but I have never paid a penny for trades work in advance.

We recently had some work done on our kitchen and paid for the materials upfront. To protect yourself you need; a contract explaining what your paying for and when the work will take place (this could be a text), an invoice for the amount they want you to pay now and what it covers, then you need to pay via your credit card or at least BACS so you can make a charge back if needed

I'd pay for materials and have them delivered to my house, but I wouldn't pay up-front for labour. It is challenging, if a tradesman hasn't worked for you before then you don't know they are trustworthy and they don't know you pay on time, so they want the money more but you are more reluctant to pay. If they have worked for you before, then they don't need the money up-front but you'd be ok paying.

My DH is a contractor and will usually request a 25% deposit before starting works. The remainder to be paid on completion of each phase. Clients have never had an issue with this. It is because of cash flow. Sometimes my DH will have a job with over £20k’s worth of materials just to get started. I think it’s usual but I’d be wary if the job is for cash and you haven’t been personally recommended the builder.

Yes it’s tricky as they don’t know me & I don’t know them. I’m very sceptical of the building trade.

Normal but as pp said good advice not to pay cash and get outline of quote/intended work/ price in an email

It's not unusual to ask but I would be wary paying a random tradesperson upfront. They'd have to be part of a reputable company or through personal recommendation and even so, I'd make sure I have a paper trail of agreement and payment.

It's normal

My Mum just had her driveway done and was happy to pay half upfront as she could pay by credit card