I have to get my roof fix (it fell in because of our storm) and the cost will be around $8,000. The guy that wants to do the work, said that he needs 1/2 the money down, before he begins to work on the roof....is this right, I thought you made out a contract, and if you was satified with the work THEN you paid them?
2007-12-07 00:44:08 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Asking for something down is normal. They need to buy supplies and most of the time need to pay for them when picked up. Also if you pay them half, their supplies are paid and if for some reason you don't/ won't pay the rest, all they are out is labor. To many people don't want to pay after the job is finished, so the person who is doing the job is just protecting their self and you.
2007-12-07 00:50:38 · answer #1 · answered by Really ? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, this is fairly common. What I would suggest, is placing the money for the work in an escrow account whereby the contractor is given a portion of the money up front, then another portion when the work is nearly complete, and the final payment when the work is completed to the terms of the agreement. This would protect you as well as the contractor. There is a fee for escrow service but well worth it in my opinion. Chances are, that if this guy is a smaller contractor, he needs that deposit to cover the costs of the materials. The escrow service can make sure that he does indeed pay for the materials, because if for some reason you pay him and he doesn't pay for the materials, then you could be sued or have a lien placed on your home for the cost of them by the suppliers.
2007-12-07 08:53:46 · answer #2 · answered by Su Z Cue 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had a bunch of work done on my house this year and dealt with multiple contractors. The smaller guys needed money up front to buy materials. I asked for receipts.
The bigger guys (class A contractors) should have enough money to front you and bill after each phase is completed.
It sounds like you are in a bind and need to get things moving quickly, but a poorly done roofing job will come back to haunt you ----sooner than you think.
Try to get multiple quotes, get their contractor license number and then check to see if any complaints have been lodged against them. Get a contract with a start and finish date on it.
You don't want a half-finished roof when the next storm comes.
2007-12-07 11:10:19 · answer #3 · answered by Hex92 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You still get out a contract (and make sure to take photos and even a video of the roof BEFORE any work is completed and after work is completed incase there is a disagreement) and have a legally binding written contract, however no one is goingt o do work for free, they want a downpayment of good will.
1/2 down seems to be a reasonable amount to me. It is you giving him insurance that the rest will be paid and guarenteeing you that he will be there to do your job instead of another
2007-12-07 08:48:46 · answer #4 · answered by becky q 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I like Su Z cue's response, however using an escrow account will still require a contract which ensures that everybody is on the up and up. If your contractor does not agree with this method, find another contractor. There are way too many shady contractors out there, this is your home and your money, make good decisions or it will cost you more of your money. good luck.
2007-12-07 09:47:38 · answer #5 · answered by Glenn B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I order the materials, it is essentially a binding contract to pay for them. I get a deposit from my customer first so I am not out the cost of special order materials.
50% seems reasonable.
2007-12-07 09:11:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contractors usually want money up front to cover the cost of materials.
2007-12-07 19:47:21 · answer #7 · answered by jamzm2002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We recently had a new roof put on our home due to storm damage. We paid nothing until the roof was finished.
I suggest you get quotes from other roofing companies. Never a good idea to "pre-pay" for any construction work.
2007-12-07 08:48:32 · answer #8 · answered by KyLoveChick 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
a contract is always a good idea...ALWAYS! but in most cases of severe damage, the hired help will need money for supplies.....just make sure this is a trusted source, and not a friend of a friend (unless the friend has a legit business).
2007-12-07 08:48:11 · answer #9 · answered by Chris 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
More like a third would be more like it. You may want to get at least three bids.
2007-12-07 08:47:38 · answer #10 · answered by mtchndjnmtch 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋