[angiefox10]

Of course a contractor would request a deposit upfront. That goes for anything. Most of the jobs done in The Villages are custom jobs and require custom materials.

A contractor would also require a deposit to assure that after they order the material the buyer doesn't change their minds.

Requesting a deposit isn't just something done in The Villages... Contractors all over the US require deposits.

There is only one contractor that I've hired, in The Villages, who didn't require a deposit and that was Mansfield Landscaping. All others do.

As for Stellar, he did give people the option to pay 100%, but you didn't have to. You could pay as you go as well.

Just do your homework. Get references and check them out with several people.

Have a GREAT day.