downpayment for flooring replacement

[sswitenki]

We just received an estimate to replace all flooring in our house as well as removal of popcorn ceiling. The estimate states a 50% downpayment is required before they will schedule work or place any order. Is this standard practice?

[GpaVader]

The only time I've been required to do a down payment is when they are making something custom for me. In all other cases, it was payment in full upon completion of the work. If needed, its often the only leverage you have if you are unsatisfied with work that has been completed. That's just me.....

[tonyt57]

Nonononono, never. There are too many options out there, try A-n-W flooring for example. We used them twice, no deposit, no contract

[villagetinker]

No not standard, IMHO, I would get other estimates, or at a minimum, pay by credit card, so you can contact CC if the vendor runs with your money.

[sswitenki]

So many good reviews for Roberto’s. We were shocked by the huge deposit. Maybe they just don’t want to do this particular job???

[retiredguy123]

I would never pay any money in advance to any contractor. But, if they will accept a credit card, and agree to perform the work within 60 days, with no written agreement to waive the credit card dispute process, you would be protected by Federal law. If you use a credit card, you have 60 days from the statement date on which the charge first appears, to dispute the charge. If they will agree to those terms, then you may want to accept the contract. Otherwise, I would reject the contract.

[MSchad]

So many good reviews for Roberto’s. We were shocked by the huge deposit. Maybe they just don’t want to do this particular job???

Robertos did our floors. 50% and used CC. Absolutely no problem. Owner even came over half way through install and checked on job and our satisfaction thus far. When job was done wasn’t even presented with final bill. Went in to store 5 days later to pay and even got reimbursed due to a few changes we ask installers make. Robertos is a highly reputable business.

[villagetinker]

So many good reviews for Roberto’s. We were shocked by the huge deposit. Maybe they just don’t want to do this particular job???

Was this a special order flooring, if so there maybe a case for the deposit, but 50% still seems high.

[mrf0151]

Used Floor Masters many years ago and no deposit needed at that time.

[Altavia]

Great Lakes is asking for 50% down also. That doesn't worry me from the large business when using a charge card.

Lead time was only two weeks.

[ThirdOfFive]

We just received an estimate to replace all flooring in our house as well as removal of popcorn ceiling. The estimate states a 50% downpayment is required before they will schedule work or place any order. Is this standard practice?
Maybe a Florida thing? I don't ever remember paying anything down on a construction or home improvement project, but from the posts up to now, 50% down might be a little high but not unheard-of.

One thing I'd insist on though is that the quote includes absolutely EVERYTHING they're going to do, even small things like waste removal and disposal, and last but certainly not least, the timelines. Doing so will prevent any unpleasant surprises when it comes time to settle up.

[retiredguy123]

Maybe a Florida thing? I don't ever remember paying anything down on a construction or home improvement project, but from the posts up to now, 50% down might be a little high but not unheard-of.

One thing I'd insist on though is that the quote includes absolutely EVERYTHING they're going to do, even small things like waste removal and disposal, and last but certainly not least, the timelines. Doing so will prevent any unpleasant surprises when it comes time to settle up.
I have never made a down payment for any project. Also, if you set a timeline in the contract, it will usually not be enforceable. One way to improve your chances for enforcement, is to include the legal words, "time is of the essence". But, even then, you need to have a good financial reason why the project must be completed within a specific time.

[JoelJohnson]

Used East Coast Flooring twice (including having to remove my floor due to water problems , not their fault). No deposit, great work. They even used a floor leveler to make sure the produce met the manufacturer's warranty.

[JohnN]

The only time I've been required to do a down payment is when they are making something custom for me. In all other cases, it was payment in full upon completion of the work. If needed, its often the only leverage you have if you are unsatisfied with work that has been completed. That's just me.....

Bingo

[MrFlorida]

Never pay upfront, find another contractor.

[sswitenki]

No special orders. I was just totally taken by surprise that 50% down was required. I have read so many threads saying never pay money down. I don’t want to use a credit card with any possibility that work will not be completed by the time we get the statement. We always pay CC in full every month. No interest payments ever. Once the bill is paid can’t imagine being able to contest that charge and get money back. I know Roberto’s is reputable but it just makes me nervous

[mikreb]

Roberto's and Great Lakes are not Home Depot. They do not stock a lot of flooring so if you want it ordered you pay in advance.

[Bay Kid]

Royal Palm didn't charge me for my floors until the great job was done.

[villagetinker]

No special orders. I was just totally taken by surprise that 50% down was required. I have read so many threads saying never pay money down. I don’t want to use a credit card with any possibility that work will not be completed by the time we get the statement. We always pay CC in full every month. No interest payments ever. Once the bill is paid can’t imagine being able to contest that charge and get money back. I know Roberto’s is reputable but it just makes me nervous

I also, pay CC in full each month, and I have never had a problem getting a refund. I call, explain the situation, the CC typically issues an immediate hold on the payment to the company, and if the CC agrees, issues a credit on the following months bill. You can call your CC and ask what their exact procedure is. The only way you have any leverage is to use a CC, so I would definitely go that way in this case.
Good luck with your project.

[Kenswing]

If it’s a well established company with a good reputation I don’t have a problem paying a deposit for a custom job. Cool Breeze did four customized motorized roller shades for our lanai. If I would have backed out after they made them they would have been stuck holding the bag. In cases like that I feel it’s appropriate to pay a deposit.

[retiredguy123]

If it’s a well established company with a good reputation I don’t have a problem paying a deposit for a custom job. Cool Breeze did four customized motorized roller shades for our lanai. If I would have backed out after they made them they would have been stuck holding the bag. In cases like that I feel it’s appropriate to pay a deposit.
I agree, but you can protect yourself by using a credit card. You have 60 days from the statement date where the charge first appears to dispute a charge. That is Federal law. If a contractor will not accept a credit card, I would find another contractor.

[RICH1]

NO, Remember you are the owner, they are on wheels! How hard would it be to get your 50% back if they bolt or do an inferior job! Don’t be intimidated

[gatorbill1]

we just received an estimate to replace all flooring in our house as well as removal of popcorn ceiling. The estimate states a 50% downpayment is required before they will schedule work or place any order. Is this standard practice?

run run run run run run run run

[retiredguy123]

Roberto's and Great Lakes are not Home Depot. They do not stock a lot of flooring so if you want it ordered you pay in advance.
Not true. Never pay in advance.

[Altavia]

Not true. Never pay in advance.

When's the last time you had a flooring job estimated?

[retiredguy123]

When's the last time you had a flooring job estimated?
It's been awhile, but I have done a lot of projects, and I have never paid a deposit to a contractor for flooring or other materials unless they were delivered to my house and I paid the supplier directly for them, and I owned them. Also, to me, it makes no sense to order a special fancy product that cannot be returned. Why not just go with standard materials? I'm not that picky.

[Altavia]

It's been awhile, but I have done a lot of projects, and I have never paid a deposit to a contractor for flooring or other materials unless they were delivered to my house and I paid the supplier directly for them, and I owned them. Also, to me, it makes no sense to order a special fancy product that cannot be returned. Why not just go with standard materials? I'm not that picky.

I don't disagree.

But things have changed with labor shortages and many materials in short supply or no longer available.