Handyman requiring 50% up front

[snazzlealpaca]

I need some new skirting boards fitting and have been looking around to get quotes. This has been quite tricky, but I did manage to get a quote from a carpenter, who had posted pictures of his work on a local Facebook group. It has taken about 6 weeks to actually get him to come around to measure up but he finally came around today after previous no shows.

He told me that he would send me an invoice for half the full cost that needs to be paid immediately. He won't be able to do the work until the summer, he didn't give me a definite date, but said in July, that the work would take only 2 hours. I queried if I needed to pay so much in advance, he then walked out in a huff and said I should get someone else to do it.

AIBU? I felt that paying £200+, months before the work was going to be done was quite a risk to take, having had workmen not return to do work in the past. I'm happy to pay for materials needed in advance, but not quite so far in advance and without a set date for work.

Not for such a small job! A retaining fee for larger building works is reasonable as the tradesman will be blocking out weeks of their time and if you change your mind last minute that messes everything up for them. It also means they can order materials etc in advance so when they start they're ready to crack on.
I don't think he wants the job OP.

Perhaps been stung too many times. As all our lot are in trade I encourage them to get customer to pay for materials and have them delivered to their home address. Normally just meet customer at suppliers to ensure no mistakes made.

No, not normal.

if he was committing to a date, say in 2/3 weeks, and wanted a 50% retainer to book the time in and explained he needed that as otherwise he could schedule other jobs I’d say fine. But with no commitment from his end? And he’s been unreliable re giving quotes? He’s having a laugh.

He isn't even reliable before starting the job, then gets in a huff when query something. Imagine what he will be like when he has your money in his pocket, or you query something with the job he does. I would find someone else.

Thanks for the responses. I did previously get the feeling that he thought the job was a bit beneath him, but then why follow up with multiple messages and coming to measure up? I do have another carpenter that a friend has recommended, will get on the phone.

I was a bit taken aback that he quoted an extra £200 to paint the boards (I declined). He said he would charge a day's rate even though it wouldn't take that as there was nothing else he could do in between the coats. I could have found him plenty of other odd jobs to fill his time, if I was going to be paying for the full day, but I'm sure he wouldn't have liked that!

No way. You have no come back if he runs off with your money. Put your effort into finding someone else.

I'd only offer to buy the materials up front but not pay till the job is done