Builder wants deposit for materials ?

[cyberknight]

Is this normal ?
We have had a good quote from a recommended builder to refelt and relay the roof tiles along with soffits and guttering for £2200 for a 3 bed semi , the builder is asking for £500 up front for materials

 

[Spiderweb]

A solvent builder should be able to stand the £500 material costs, I would pay on the day the work is completed to your satisfaction. Be careful.
Edit - just to add, reputable builders usually have accounts at builders merchants therefore they wouldn’t require immediate payment for mats anyway.

 

[Milkfloat]

How well do you know the builder? If he is using one job to pay for another serious alarm bells would be ringing for me. Personally, I would find another builder.

 

[Ian H]

Sounds like good business practice to me.

 

[Darius_Jedburgh]

It's not unusual. If the builder is reputable, and the amount is comparatively small you've nothing to lose. The materials will be on site even if the builder does a runner.

 

[berty bassett]

Speaking as a builder I would say give him the deposit as soon as the materials have been delivered , you know you’ve got something to show for your money and he’s more assured he ain’t out of pocket if you turn out to be an arse - everyone’s a winner
I got stitched up by someone who had £1000 materials then didn’t pay for ages - it hurts , now I always write all materials are mine until payment received

 

[PaulSB]

Is this normal ?
We have had a good quote from a recommended builder to refelt and relay the roof tiles along with soffits and guttering for £2200 for a 3 bed semi , the builder is asking for £500 up front for materials

Two points for me, it sounds too cheap and a good builder who is solvent should not need to ask for a deposit. I've been in my house for 37 years and never paid a deposit for building work which happens to include having all the graduated slates removed, new battens, felt and slates reinstalled.

 

[sheddy]

There are crooks who ask for cash up front. Guess what happens next.
As above, wait until work has started.

 

[Gunk]

We had a big kitchen refit including removing some walls two years ago, total was around £40,000 both the builder and kitchen company asked for stage payments, as long as you know and trust them it’s not a problem.

 

[berty bassett]

Got to be a bit of trust on both sides - just as there are bad builders , there are horrendous customers
On saying that , for a 3 bed , it does sound very cheap

 

[Bazzer]

The last two major building works we had done; an extension and paving to the front and rear of the house, had stage payments. Some work was done, the builder asked for payment for the work done.

 

[berty bassett]

a good builder who is solvent should not need to ask for a deposit

Probably he doesn’t - but if they don’t know each other it may ease his mind a bit
It’s ok saying a builder doesn’t have to pay his account for 60 days - but he does have to pay it - even if he has been stitched up
Works both ways , maybe he’s a smaller builder so can do it cheaper but needs the cash flow quicker , I don’t know
If in too much doubt maybe go for a bigger company with bigger reputation and bigger costs
Any way of finding out a previous customer if worried
But still don’t think builder is wrong to ask for material money - buy it yourself and get him to do job ?

 

[Low Gear Guy]

Paying a deposit up front is financially risky. Is it possible for you to pay for the materials yourself? We did this with a gas boiler which was installed by the plumber. I think this was his plan to stay under the VAT threshold.

 

[itboffin]

Is this normal ?
We have had a good quote from a recommended builder to refelt and relay the roof tiles along with soffits and guttering for £2200 for a 3 bed semi , the builder is asking for £500 up front for materials

I had exactly the same when i had my roof done 2 years ago i immediately said er what now! anyway I didnt pay anything upfront he still turned up and did an amazing job, I paid in full within minutes of him completing the job.

 

[Tail End Charlie]

Why not ask him to have the materials delivered and you'll pay the supplier direct?