down payment

[Bootneck]

Had a quote for small building job(2500 euro). Is this the norm to pay half up front ?

[maccasa]

For that amount its high - offer them 1000

[steve]

Half up front is fairly common practice.

[shanagarry]

Half up front is fairly common practice.

But not recommended

[sam]

Had a quote for small building job(2500 euro). Is this the norm to pay half up front ?

Never been asked for half upfront. Always paid once work is done. Ask them for an official receipt and gauge their reaction....

[ceh]

I've always paid on completion for all sorts of work

[Rampage]

Our builder, whom we have happily used for 13 years, only asks for a down payment for 'special' materials purchases (e.g. decorative ceramic floor/wall tiles where he can't get trade credit) otherwise all building materials are procured and paid for by him and we settle-up at the end of the job. He is always very strict about not exceeding his initial estimate and, when this can't be avoided due to unforeseen issues, he is scrupulous about providing details of the additional costs.

[LICY]

Rather late to respond. I think 50% seems steep. Our first builder of our villa required 15%, the second company 10%. Watch out as we were stung by the first builder when he and the architect fell out after the 15% had been paid. won't bore you with how 2 years went by and how our build didn't progress, but it later ended in that builder keeping our deposit, trying to sue us and his first firm ceased trading, only to start again on a new name needless to say. We had no bank guarantee. I would freak at 50%. he second building company were reputable and did as asked. They only billed each month for work undertaken. Obviously building a villa then a large bedroom suite is in a different league to your job. We also had a QS report and contract with the builder, indeed both builders. Good luck.