"Mark LeFevre" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 2 May 2011 18:19:05 -0700 (PDT), Evan
wrote:

On May 1, 3:30 pm, "Steve B" wrote:
"Steve Barker" wrote

if he was a savvy customer, and working with a reputable contractor,
there
would be NO deposit. I pay nothing until material is on the site
and/or
work at least partially done.
Steve Barker

One size does not fit all. That is not true for all crafts.

Steve

Heart surgery pending?www.cabgbypasssurgery.com
Heart Surgery Survival Guide


Right... Some jobs require 1/3rd deposit upon signing
the paperwork to engage the services of the contractor...

Then another 1/3rd about midpoint of the work...

Then the balance is due upon completion and receiving
the sign off from the inspector...

For smaller projects you wouldn't necessarily do that,
but until you put ink to paper and sign the quote agreeing
to the contractor's terms -- you aren't legally a customer...

Verbal agreements are just that... Usually not binding
and open to various interpretations by either party...

~~ Evan
Never pay a contractor "up front". Offer to escrow funds and if the
contractor refuses, it only confirms that he/she is a marginal
contractor and may not be able to finish the job even when paid early.
Many of these small outfits use funds paid up front to finance the
completion of existing projects, and then go bust with your money and
no work completed.

What is the weather like where you are? It's 75 and sunny here. WHAT, IT'S
NOT LIKE THAT WHERE YOU LIVE?

PREPOSTEROUS!

Making blanket statements is silly.

In Nevada, merely offering to do work for a price rather than an hourly rate
constitutes contracting without a license if that person is not licensed,
and it is a felony. No money has to change hands, no documents need be
signed, and no work has to be performed. So, in Nevada, a mere verbal offer
is considered a contract by the State of Nevada, whereas other states
require offer an acceptance, a deposit to make it a deal, the starting of
work, etc.

So, everyone, please take these Internet blanket statements as worth the
paper they are written on. Find out what it actually is in your
jurisdiction.

As per paying in front, that is a practice that is questionable. However,
if you have a good referral from someone who this person has done work, or
has seen their work, and like it, one may want to pay something up front to
get a good craftsman rather than playing Gypsy Roulette. I have been on
both sides of this, both as a contractor and a consumer. I weigh all the
aspects, then decide. I have no problem with progress payments, which is a
very good way to go. I cannot see any project where paying in full is
acceptable, though.

Then there are two scenarios. One is where the homeowner is clueless, and
takes whoever answers the ad at face value. They are inexperienced at what
they want done, and are for the most part ignorant of the process. Second,
is a homeowner who knows what has to be done, has a reasonable idea of the
time frame and other expectations, and who is possibly dealing with someone
they know or has been referred to by a friend, and there is some record of
work history.

Steve

Heart surgery pending?
www.cabgbypasssurgery.com
Heart Surgery Survival Guide