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Always specify materials. Have the contractor submit cutsheets for any windows or skylights you want installed, and do not sign any contracts until those are reviewed and approved.
So the quote didn't detail specific window types or lighting like the others and they want almost all the money upfront.
You should thank your gut instinct.
Don't trade quality and trust for price alone. Unless they were a referral stick to a contractor somewhere in the middle preferably with good reviews.
I have an older relative who paid almost all money upfront back in 2008. She worked part-time and recently became disabled. 15 yrs later she still has an unfinished kitchen and family room floor, a makeshift counter-top, unfinished ceiling and lite fixtures, cabinets still in plastic, and tile supplies sitting in her back room. It's a shame people take advantage of one another and this guy was licensed. Mind you it was during the housing crash and she said later on he had lost his home. She finally won her money back from court a few years ago but he filed bankruptcy prior to that.
Never pay a contractor anything up front. I don't buy into the 1/3 rule either.
No matter how reputable a contractor is, there is too much risk that he'll either disappear with your money or there will be delays that you have no control over because you are in too deep.
I have hired many contractors that way and many will work on a pay when completed basis if they want the work. Though some will ask for money for materials. To that I ask for a list of materials and I go buy them and have them delivered to my house. If the contractor doesn't show up, I have the materials for the next contractor. I have also used contractors who have credit with their suppliers.
Nothing gets a job done quicker and better than holding the money until it's done.
75% is way high. I never asked for more than 50% upfront and often 1/3. Other payments upon rough in inspection and final.
He should spec exactly what he will install. Otherwise, he may show up with the cheapest junk he could find.
Having someone with him is really no issue in itself. Other guy could be a right hand man that needs to be in the loop. Not many contractors do the entire job alone. I sometimes took someone along, sometimes didn't.
Also, skylights that are not installed correctly are a real nightmare.
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