What % to give as an upfront payment?

[RhythmNBooze]

Would you give 50% of the price of a job costing £1900 as an upfront payment?

No!! Don't pay anything up front!!

You might have to pay for cost of materials.

Builder says it's to purchase materials.

What are you having done? Is that a reasonable cost for materials, do you have a written quote with breakdown?

A good reputable builder will be able to fund the materials, they will have accounts etc. With building merchants. Never pay anything upfront. They could disappear with the money, cock the building up, any number of things.

We are having our loft boarded and a ladder installed.

That was my thought about the material that they usually get them on account.

No breakdown on the quote.

Depends on size of builder and job. Equally they could do a good job and a client doesn't pay.

Can you directly pay the building merchants? For a smallish amount like that I would be questioning why they can't buy it and then give you the invoice. We had major building work last year, used various builders etc and never paid anything in advance, stage payment yes, but I think people who pay up front are putting themselves at risk.

Thanks for all the replies. I am waiting to hear back after telling them I am not comfortable paying 50% upfront.

I'm currently chasing a builder through the courst for a job that was just under 3K and he never did it once he'd got the cash.
If you definite about wanting this builder, say you will pay for the materials and ask him for a list for you to order yourself

I'd say 50% was too much. 20% max and then staged payments once certain milestones are reached.

We've just had a roof replaced costing almost £5k and the builder didn't ask for any money up front at all.

Open your own account with the building merchants as suggested upthread.

So, they've come back with 'Unfortunately in order to cover initial costs a payment of £950 will be necessary before any works can commence.'

Think I'll be looking elsewhere.

I know it's a pain finding another builder, but it really is worth it. Good luck!