When you hire a carpenter, do you give a deposit up front?

[True Dough]

I'm looking for one and got a quote today. He wanted 50% of the money up front for materials. I explained that we weren't comfortable with that idea because we nearly lost a deposit in the past from a non-responsive contractor who we were sure was just going to keep the money and never show up (he wound up returning it five weeks after saying he couldn't do the work after all).

Anyway, I told this carpenter that I'd meet him at his preferred place of business to purchase the supplies out of my own pocket and then the supplies could be stored in our home.

He said it wasn't just a matter of purchasing the supplies, it was about securing his services. He said without collecting deposits, he'd had too many occasions in the past where clients lined up work but then cancelled last minute, leaving him without work, and income, for days.

So I told him we'll have to keep looking. Our last carpenter never asked for a deposit. He purchased supplies out of his own pocket and then we paid him 50% when he had half the work done and the balance when he finished the job.

[UTUSN]

1. The usual deal around here is 50% up front and consumer pays all the materials.

[better]

2. Can't speak to carpenters, but...

When I was doing A/V installation, that was standard practice.

[Dr Hobbitstein]

3. Standard practice. I build custom guitar amps and effects.

I always ask for 50% down to cover materials and design.

[Kaleva]

4. The carpenter is correct. 50% down is standard practice.

From your OP:

"He said without collecting deposits, he'd had too many occasions in the past where clients lined up work but then cancelled last minute, leaving him without work, and income, for days. "

The last carpenter you hired is a trusting man. I too once was trusting until I got burned big time. By a church no less.

[TomSlick]

5. The deposit is standard.

The trick is to check references on the carpenter before you fork over the money.

[Kaleva]

6. And it's wise to hire someone who is licensed and insured.

[Floyd R. Turbo]

16. Absolutely!

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

7. Off hand you are into the trust issues.

By saying you are willing to meet the contractor at the supply house than pay for the materials to be delivered to your home is a strong indicator of a serious lack of trust. For what you are asking it would require a very specific type of a legal binding contract drawn up based on time and materials. Don't know what the material costs of your project is or what scale it is on, but as a retired contractor I can tell you, if I saw or suspected a lack of trust I wouldn't agree to do the job to begin with. I know there is a lot of crooks out there looking to scam people in the remodel game. So there are issues on both ends in the spectrum.


All of my referrals came from people I had done work for if that tells you anything. You should ask around.

[drray23]

8. standard practice. however i check references first, get a quote and sign a contract

Any good contractor will bid on your project and draft a contract spelling out all of that. 50 % upfront is standard.

[LuckyCharms]

9. Yes, I've paid anywhere from 30% to 50% up front.

And as stated elsewhere here, it is standard practice so the contractor does not have to bear the burden of the material cost. Also, as your carpenter alluded to, it shows good faith on your part.

Get copies of insurance certificates, proof of bonding, and his license number. Check references. You should be safe if you do your due diligence on the contractor up front.

[Progressive Jones]

10. When I was a carpentry contractor (23 years),

my payment terms were: 1/3 at the signing of the contract. 1/3 at the halfway point of the project. Balance at the satisfactory completion of the job. That being said, many of my jobs were commercial build outs for commercial developers with solid funding and credit (most of the time LOL) ; storefronts, loft-style office spaces in re purposed factories/warehouses.
I did residential work, too, but used the same terms. I was more flexible with homeowners--the only thing I was truly firm on was the first 2/3. When I finished a job for an individual, I gave some flex at the end. I expected to be paid, but I wanted them to be really happy with the job. I gave them some breathing room at the end to really look it over, and make sure for themselves that they were satisfied. I had certain guarantees in my deals, so I would take care of that, if necessary, then ask for final payment. Nobody ever even tried to stiff me. I got sued once, over some appliance issues. There were several people and companies named in the suit. I was viewed as not liable by the judge, and she dismissed me from the suit. It was a manufacturing problem, IMO.

Good Luck! Truth be told, most carpenters I've ever known really want to do what's best for everyone. As always, check 'em out.

[enough]

11. Standard. But I would say if you trust him so little that you want to go with him

to buy the materials, he will be happy when you tell him you’re using a different carpenter.

[True Dough]

12. I appreciate all the feedback

It's clear that paying a deposit is routine business, but we almost got stung once doing that and our last carpenter didn't require it. He's now been forced to retire due to health issues, unfortunately.

The carpenter who gave the quote didn't come recommended as we're new to the area, so we don't really have someone to recommend a local tradesperson. Online reviews can be sketchy.

I guess we'll keep looking until we find the right match.

[Floyd R. Turbo]

13. I've had a lot of construction work done over the years. I have never paid upfront. I want

contractors who can fund a project to completion. I have paid for materials upon receipt of paid invoices and typically make progress payments.

I know too many people who paid in advance only to have their work back burnered, or have their payment go towards financing other projects.

[True Dough]

14. Thanks for that, Floyd

I was starting to wonder if I'm all alone on this one. I have no problem paying for the materials myself, or reimbursing the carpenter immediately after he purchases them. I just want piece of mind that I'm not putting $1,000 in his hands and then never see him again.

If I had an established business relationship with the guy, this wouldn't be an issue. But I don't know him from Adam. And, yes, there are many stories of people whose deposits disappeared.

[Floyd R. Turbo]

15. I left out that I always insist on a signed contract detailing the scope of work and "Time being of

the essence”.

[True Dough]

17. Good idea!

Having something in writing is always helpful.