Should you pay a builder up front?

Question

We've been asked to pay 30% upfront before work starts. Is that a normal ask? What's the safest way to structure staged payments so we're not exposed?

John · Answer

I wouldn't pay up front. Things depend on the total cost. You may be asked for stage payments,  especially if there are expensive materials involved. We usually ask for a stage payment  when you can see the prodject is getting out of the ground or a similar  situation.

Jay · Answer

Hi there thanks for reaching out, Yes, 30% upfront is fairly normal in the UK building industry, especially for smaller firms that need to order materials and book labour. The key issue isn’t the percentage itself—it’s what that money is covering and whether the payment schedule is clearly linked to progress.
Hope this helps 
Kind regards 
Jay Conners 
HTH Construction Ltd

Jan · Answer

Yes, 30% upfront is quite normal, especially if materials need to be ordered. A good approach is to agree staged payments linked to progress. Make sure everything is in writing and only pay for work that has been completed or materials that have been supplied. Most reputable builders are happy with this arrangement.

Gavin · Answer

Yes we always ask for the full amount for the materials upfront and the labour when the job is completed

J Brian · Answer

Under no circumstances should any payment be made before the work is done.

Most contracts take place over many months. It is normal to pay in installments but never more than the value of the work completed. It is sensible to have a retention. This means with £1000 of work completed and due to be paid, hold back 5% ( £50). This retention is paid when the work is totally finished.

J Brian Pyle

Lee · Answer

Hi
Yes definitely is ok by bank transfer to a business account get everything in writing so both parties get it agreed before work starts the builder has to spend money on lots of materials so it’s a good way to get mutual trust

Vincent · Answer

You shouldn't pay upfront for work not yet started, but it is normal to pay for some materials upfront or a deposit to ensure work can start without cost to the builder or to avoid a late cancellation. Staged payments should be made at agreed intervals or stages of work completion and in agreed amounts in proportion to the work completed and overall job price.

Mark · Answer

Yes it’s normal with a contract , to get stage payments  Building buys the materials for the job at your home 
  It works both ways !, builder might start work finish you then don’t want to pay , stage payments  is the best way to go .

Richard · Answer

An element is always paid up front for materials but you should receive a schedule of works which detail the stages for works from start to finish. Stage 1 you pay a percentage and the balance of that stage once that stage is complete and signed off by a building inspector (say e.g groundworks excavations and drainage for an extension). However, the same applies to just a wall removal or studwork, a percentage is paid up front for the materials.

David · Answer

It is regarded that the builder agrees with the customer for a fee normally 1/3rd of the job, the builder should have pictures etc or references, everyone is different if yet is up to you

Should you pay a builder up front?

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