This can depend on the size of the job and type of the job for various contractors. Our company request a 20% scheduling deposit for most jobs.
Hello great question:
California limits a deposit to 10% or $1000 whichever is less. Generally we don’t require a deposit on jobs of less than $10,000 and our first draw would be at the start of work. Make sure you have a very detailed payment schedule with your contractor. It is important to make sure your scheduled payments are relative to the work received or being done in the next phase. NEVER give any substantial payments without work being done. If you are making a material payment do so upon receipt of materials or make the payment directly to the vendor. We help several clients a year that made a substantial payment up front to a contractor and received little to no service for their payment. Protect yourself, do research, follow the limits for your state and you will be ok.
Gene Frerichs
Here in RI you cannot ask for more than 30%. We typically take a deposit to cover long lead items and to initiate the permitting process. Then we review a payment schedule with the client and frame in a way that is easy to identify when a payment will be due. Payments due AFTER an inspection is a good way for both contractors and clients- I pay subcontractors after they pass inspections so in this way they move efficiently and do quality work and our clients know the work in place is done right.
George Brennan
Brennan & Associates Inc
CSLB requires 10% of the contract price or $1000 whichever is lower.