Paying a tradesman

[Bakingberry]

Sorry if this is a stupid question but I’m getting a new bathroom fitted next week and I’ve arranged for a good local trades man to do the work for me. He has confirmed the price, but we haven’t discussed how or when to pay him. Is it reasonable to wait until the work is completed before I pay him? I know I’ll have protection from my credit card company, if I pay part of the balance on my card. Is this reasonable to ask him to take a card payment for part of the work?

I’ve never had to do this kind of stuff on my own before so I’m a little bit clueless.

I had to pay a deposit when my kitchen got done and then paid the balance by balance transfer when it was completed

I would ask if they need any of it up front to buy the materials, the ones I have usually will take up this offer. Then I pay the remainder on completion.

We usually ask if they need any materials or if they supply their own (and obviously get a quote inc that) and generally pay upon completion and/or receipt of invoice.

I paid mine when he'd finished and I was happy with it. I paid him by bank transfer.

We are waiting for work on our bathroom to start. We are using a reputable trader and he has asked for a 50% deposit before he starts to cover the cost of materials etc and the rest on completion.

I have never found anyone to take credit card. They usually expect money on day of completion and for large sums I pay bank transfer. As others said, they may need a deposit for materials. If there are any snagging issues, I may pay but keep a small retainer until it's fixed.

But yes, just ask the question how he wants to be paid.

Thank you everyone for the responses. Has put my mind at rest.

Anytime I''ve ever paid in advance I've been scammed.

I'll only ever deal with tradesmen who are happy with staged payments based on work in arrears even if it means paying a bit extra for tradesmen that are ok with these payment terms.

Pay on completion, when you’re satisfied with the work.

They’re unlikely to be able to take a card payment as they won’t have a machine. Bank transfer is fine, but DO NOT have them send the bank details by email. There are loads of hacking scams at the moment that send false invoices or false bank details via the tradesperson’s email.

Ask for the bank details in person, ask the tradesperson to double check them in person. If it’s a lot of money to transfer, do a token amount first (like £1) and ask them to check it’s gone in, then do the full amount.

That's a good point Reality. Had forgotten about those scams. All tradies lately have texted account numbers thank goodness.

I've received a paper invoice on completion with business details including details for payment and have paid by bank transfer.

My electrician and plumber prefer staged payments I use cheques as I find it easier to keep track on long jobs. Kitchen and bathroom companies both took card payments.

Yes, don't pay for any labour up front but see if they will be purchasing materials they want paying for, or require payments as works progress.