[Lauren]

Question: I recruited the service if an electrician through your website for electrical check last week for £2510. There are work to be done which he is happy to do starting from tomorrow but wants 30% before he starts, 40% after 1st day and balance on completion.

Is it customary to pay 30% before the job starts, 40% after the first day and balance when the work is completed?

Sutton

[Ajw]

When you employ a tradesperson unless you are known to them and are ok past work history I sometimes do not ask for a deposit
trades may have to purchase upfront materials
a deposit pays towards that also less risk for them if it is a cowboy customer
so the answer is yes deposit if you are worried about paying a deposit and the tradespeople have given job spec estimate quote etc and you still feel unsure and not comfortable

​​​​​​​why are you having the work done if you cannot trust other people most of us are very honest

[Blueskyguttering]

We used to ask for a 50% deposit, but with our new CRM system we just send our guys round and take payment on completion unless the tenant will not be in.

[P Bradley Plumbing]

If it is a big job most companies will take between 30-50% deposit up front to cover materials but I've never heard of taking a 2nd deposit. Sounds a bit suspect.