Paying (half) up-front?

[crabette]

Have got a quote from a local tradesman to do a significant amount of work in our loft - circa £7k.

Joiner is looking for half the cost up front for ordering materials, and has sent bank details asking me to send him £3.5k. I'm happy to do this - but then just had a bit of a doubt as to whether this is standard practice?

Would you normally transfer this amount of money before any work has started?

I found his name on a local facebook post looking for recommendations, but actually looking back I think it's someone in his family who's posted the recommendation...

I wouldn’t hand over a penny without a detailed estimate and written contract in place.

We had to pay a joiner part upfront for him to order wood. It was delivered to our home with the prices on the delivery note though so we knew he wasn’t ripping us off. It wasn’t anywhere near that amount though!

@TheFlis12345 So he has given us a quote listing the work, which does say on it half up front and half on completion.

It’s normal to pay for material costs up front.

But for this amount, I’d want a contract, not just a quote.

I had an extension built and paid the merchant directly for materials, builder invoiced me every Friday for each day he worked that week which was always 5 days and I transferred money directly into his bank account and got a receipt. My builder would ring the builders merchants, put the order in, pass the phone to me and I would pay. It was an excellent way to work it. I did have a contract and we came out on budget and on time. I know, miracle.

Could you offer to pay the merchant direct for the materials to be delivered to you?