"Steve Murphy" wrote in message
...
I've just hired a contractor to replace some French doors on our house. We
did due diligence in the bidding process, and hired the contractor that we
felt best about. So far, so good.

However, in their contract, they required, in addition to the maximum
allowed by State law, another deposit of 36% of the total contract, before
they start work. In this case, we're talking about 3-5 weeks before they
start work.

This contractor checks out in every other way, and the other bidders all
seemed to be requiring the same amount up front. They way they tap dance
around the law is buy sending in a two-man crew to "re-measure" the work
before ordering the doors. This, they claim, constitutes the start of
work.

So my question is this: Is this an accepted way of doing business; and if
so, doesn't it completely side-step State contracting law?

I assume that this law was enacted to protect consumers against past
abuses.



If you follow Fred's advice you may lose out on the chance to use the best
contractor.

What % may I ask is the "allowed deposit" amount?

35-50% up front is normal on large jobs.

Colbyt