Paying a Builder in cash...

[Snoopersparadise]

My elderly folks have bought a flat and asked me to renovate it for them. The budget is tight so I've got a few quotes etc.

One of them is from a mate of a mate who is a builder (at least I think he is a part time builder as he also has another job) and he gave me a quote for some painting and decorating and a few other bits. I know he is good as another friend used him.

I gave him the go -ahead and I'm also happy that he will be able to do the work when I actually need it done (most of the others were too busy!).

Thing is that I now know this guy wants paying in cash and my Dad is the old fashioned type who likes to be completely legit and law abiding and wants to see proper receipts from people. I have no idea if this builder is actually paying tax or not and it didn't really cross my mind.

Don't know what to do now! Does paying cash automatically mean he is dodgy?

Not necessarily.
Plus there's no reason why you can't get receipts for cash. You're still paying him, you're still entitled to a receipt.

It's paying up front that is dodgy. Be careful of anyone that wants you to do that.

But what is to say that the receipt is going ro be any more legit?

It isn't your job to ensure the builder does the right thing wrt tax.

I would think for decorating type things cash is OK, but I wouldn't pay cash for a new boiler to be fitted for example.