Advance payments

Question

Hi, I have been asked for a 50% deposit up front before work to be started on a new bathroom. 
It is 50% of the cost of materials and 50% of the cost of labour. 

If the work wasn't up to standard I'm guessing they could argue that the products are not mine and take them away unless I pay for the labour if it's not up to standard. Is this right? I feel like I won't be covered if anything goes wrong with the work. 

I asked for a contract and was told they don't have contracts but I can take their emails as a contract instead. They have stated they will complete the work by the date they have given me. 

Should I be worried?

Shaun · Accepted Answer

It is standard practise for the installer to ask for a deposit if they are supplying and installing the bathroom. If they have stipulated that 50% is for the materials,then you have effectively paid for them. If you check up on finishes and address anything while they are busy, there should not be any issues. The best thing is to look foe reviews of the company and make sure they are legitimate. Our reviews are regarded as our highest asset as they speak for themselves. You run the risk with a company without reviews. It is a tough one, but remember if they have done most of the job to a high standard and something small is not complete or up to standard, you cannot withhold ALL their money. I would withhold a reasonable amount of the remainder until the issues are rectified. I would, however, communicate everything in writing in case there are any claims etc. Hope this helps!

Damien · Answer

It’s common practice in most trades as it takes the risk away from the trade and will cover material costs so you will have the materials that you have paid for and shows trust both ways between the customer and the trade. With regards to a contract we have never given a contract but require everything in writing which could be through messages and through bank transfers as then everything is traceable if ever needed. This is all common practice I understand your worry as there are so many horror stories but not all trades are like that

James · Answer

Normally you should pay for your materials the day thay arrive on sight then the labour on completion which would work out at more than 50%

Simon · Answer

As a business owner, I always take a deposit for the full cost of materials up front and the remainder on completion for larger projects such as a bathroom. This is written in my terms and conditions available on my quote, accepting the quote in turn means agreeing to terms and condition

Rick · Answer

I personally don’t don’t take a deposit, work on trust and quality. If you are supplying the bathroom furniture/tiles etc then I would suggest you try some one else

Graham · Answer

Yes you should be worried  first of all average deposit  should be no more than 30% and they should provide you with a contact number at all times sometimes  the job can over run where unforseen circumstances  occure

Steve · Answer

Never pay 50% up front, no way .
Find another tradesman please. I ask for a small deposit sometimes to cover materials the end of the first week but that’s it. 
Hope this helps ?
Kind regards
Steve

Mark · Answer

Personally I wouldn’t pay anyone upfront until they are two or three days into the job and then only a third of the money with materials on the job

Afs · Answer

If there is a company you can trust .If you don't trust, don't give the money.Tell them to buy the material and give me the invoice and I will pay you.And you were happy to pay when you were done.Some customers don't trust  I suggest this way

Martin · Answer

Hi
I fit bathrooms myself and if I have to buy the materials I always do a structured payment plan.
So 30% for part materials then a second payment of 50% of the outstanding balance after 5 days work then the ballance on completion.
Just remember if you got the materials yourself you would have to pay up front and wait for delivery
Pay by credit card that way you should be covered or bank transfer.
Hope this helps

Martin
HBB Property Services

Advance payments

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