Iknow this is a late posting, but the topic realy gets to me.

Absolutely NOT! Do not pay anyone that much up front. After what I've been through, 50% up front is scary. If it is a well known and established company with a good BBB record and references, I will pay 50% up front. But if it is a small contractor, I only pay 25% up front, another 25% when halfway through, another 25% when finished, and the final 25% after I'm thoroughly satisified.

In Florida they tell you not to give any money up front and if they are licensed. They know this also. how ever if they need money up front tell them to get a performace bond than if they do not do or finish the work the bond will kick in. This costs but will be well worth it.

In Florida they tell you not to give any money up front and if they are licensed. They know this also. how ever if they need money up front tell them to get a performace bond than if they do not do of finish the work the bond will kick in. This costs but will be well worth it.

When you pay 75% up front, you have no guarantee you'll ever see him again, or that he won't just start and never finish. Make a strict calendar, 50% up front is plenty, and must be finished by an agreed date or he forfeits part of balance.

The person may have had bad experiences with othet people forceing him to take this position.After all they donot know you anymoore than you know them.Today hardly anyone can be trusted and landlords, some have a bad reputation.If he is working with A smallprofit margin than he is probly guarenteeig that hs materials are covered, and if he is paying help. I as A person in bussiness with strangers cover every aspect with what can go wrong.