[lisa kay]

Originally Posted by MartinSE

Completely agree. For construction projects, like enclosing the Lanai I expect there are upfront costs, and maybe some of that could be covered. But not more than 1/3 and I struggle to go that high. I think there are a lot of good honest contractors working in TV, but I also KNOW (from personal experience) there are some not so honest or good.

Buyer beware.

Could I please have the number to good contractor

[Malsua]

Originally Posted by me4vt

In today’s changing prices and People dropping from the Chinese Flu, contractors need the insurance that they’ll get what they have invested in a project. I’m having a $53,000 project built and I’m paying at certain points of the project until it’s completed!!

And I think that's the answer.

My wife and I expanded our villa in 2021 and the cost was somewhat north of your number. Windows were 5-7 months out from date of order. Trusses were 3 months. A contractor running dozens of jobs could not float those deposits and stay in business.

By the same token, we had 5 benchmarks we paid at. The first payment was when the permits/Arc were complete, the drawings were done and the windows were ordered.

I didn't find that unreasonable.

For a landscaping job that's 90% labor, it's a different story and I wouldn't pay ahead except in one small circumstance. If they asked that I order the materials and have them delivered, I'd consider it. That way I could always get another person on site to install or shovel it myself if it were stone.

[mkjelenbaas]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

Nothing upsets me more than hiring a service company that insist on payment
before the job is started.
Even for 1 or 2 year contracts need to be paid before any work is started.

If there are materials to be ordered, yes then maybe a part of that expense.

I send many nice company's/people packing when they ask for payment up front.

Do your job, show me what you can do, then we'll talk payment with maybe a tip.

What your thoughts on this?

Cheers!

Time to learn from my mistake - gave several thousand dollars to VIP HOME IMPROVEMENT - and guess what - poor work - not licensed - did not meet timetable in contract - do not use this scamming company and do not give money up front like I did!! Thanks

[mkjelenbaas]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

Nothing upsets me more than hiring a service company that insist on payment
before the job is started.
Even for 1 or 2 year contracts need to be paid before any work is started.

If there are materials to be ordered, yes then maybe a part of that expense.

I send many nice company's/people packing when they ask for payment up front.

Do your job, show me what you can do, then we'll talk payment with maybe a tip.

What your thoughts on this?

Cheers!

Learn from my mistake! Do not use VIP HOME IMPROVEMENT as I gave money up front and found he was not licensed bonded and his work was terrible - also MILKED the job and did not complete on time according to the contract- be warned!!

[DaleDivine]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Never, never, never, not ever, pay money in advance for work. The only time I would pay for materials is if they are custom materials that cannot be restocked. And, only if the contractor will accept a credit card that can be disputed if the custom materials are not delivered within 60 days. If the contractor won't agree to these conditions, I will find another contractor who will. There are plenty of them.

BEST advice right there.

[Papa_lecki]

One other thing to consider, many contractors have a big payment tied to work starting. They start (i.e. lay the foundation), then dont come back for months.
What’s a good method to prevent that from happening? More mileston payments?

[DaleDivine]

Originally Posted by lisa kay

Could I please have the number to good contractor

Lisa, you can look on this site's forum under "Contractors and Services" and find reliable contractors.

[DaleDivine]

Originally Posted by Papa_lecki

One other thing to consider, many contractors have a big payment tied to work starting. They start (i.e. lay the foundation), then dont come back for months.
What’s a good method to prevent that from happening? More milestone payments?

And I think that's the answer.

As Malsua stated:
My wife and I expanded our villa in 2021 and the cost was somewhat north of your number. Windows were 5-7 months out from date of order. Trusses were 3 months. A contractor running dozens of jobs could not float those deposits and stay in business.

By the same token, we had 5 benchmarks we paid at. The first payment was when the permits/Arc were complete, the drawings were done and the windows were ordered.

I didn't find that unreasonable.

For a landscaping job that's 90% labor, it's a different story and I wouldn't pay ahead except in one small circumstance. If they asked that I order the materials and have them delivered, I'd consider it. That way I could always get another person on site to install or shovel it myself if it were stone.

[Petersweeney]

I always pay up front that’s why I live in TV instead of Maui

[davem4616]

I did that once....luckily that lesson only cost me $250

[BEETHOVENMIKEY]

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER... pay up front.
Find someone else.
If a small company or startup, they may not have the revenue to back purchases. In that case, you either buy the material for them.
I had a materials and construction company I started in the early 70s. My contracts detailed estimated materials and labor, as well as any other estimated costs. I was a stocking contractor, as such, I asked for 1/3 up front for materials and permits. If the job went more than 1 - 2 weeks, I had a scheduled 1/3 after rough in and inspections were done, then the balance when complete and the customer was fully satisfied. After a couple years and my cash flow allowed it, I discontinued the practice.

NEVER pay up front!

[Kgcetm]

Never pay up front.

[Michael G.]

Originally Posted by jimkerr

Never pay upfront, but if you must, use a credit card.

Which brings up another question:

If after paying with a credit card you find the price was out of line, or if the service is taking to long, can you call your credit card and cancel said price????

[Barborv]

I’m looking to push out my closet, basically adding on a small room. Can anyone recommend a reliable company to me. Also need a recommendation for adding a stone wall with electric fireplace done. I’m up north now and would like to have appointments set when I’m in TV over my April break because I want to start work by the summer.
Thanking you in advance.

[Sherry8bal]

Sorry, but I would never do it. Too many companies disappear once they have your money. Keep looking - there are other people out there who don't do that.