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I want to install several skylights and got some quotes.
One contractor has been very responsive and provided the lowest price. My intention is to use him so I asked him to send me a contract. However from there I see some “red flags”.
1. He asked for 75% down payment. I’ve never seen this in other projects. The most I’ve paid before is 50% and that’s for carpeting, so it includes purchasing carpets.
2. In the contract, there is no mention of skylight window model numbers. In the proposals I received from others, the models are all clearly stated.
3. He charged the same for fixed windows and manually operable windows. The price he proposed is about the same as installing fixed windows proposed by other contractors. It sounds like too good to be true.
Also, other contractors came alone, and seemed to know what they were doing. This one came with another worker, and it looks like he is the boss and the worker will actually do the job.
To me it's RED FLAG time. Contact your city/state registrar of contractors licensing dept and see if he's licensed bonded and insured and/or if there are complaints against that company.
NOTE: Cheapest is not always the best.
Do some research on the SKYLIGHT you want. Size, Dimension, Stock #, Price.
Assuming they're any good ... the company should be able to recommend an installing contractor
in your area who they have successfully dealt with before.
HUGE RED FLAG!!!! They need to money to finish prior jobs they committed to - good best they will file bankruptcy and you will out the money and no work.
I would go with the contractor who has a proven track record and recommended.
I would never pay 75% upfront period/ end of story. I had my roof redone with metal- the company was well recommended and I spoke to 5 of their clients that had work done by them- 4 of them commercial clients. The contractor wanted 50% upfront. I said you’ll get 50% when the materials are delivered on site, and I showed them a statement that confirmed I had the money. They agreed.
The current guy I’ve hired for a kitchen/upstairs remodel wanted 50% upfront- I negotiated that to 25% and he too was recommended by many friends. Super guy and stand-up character but no- I’m not paying 50% upfront when the majority of his bill is labor expense.
I've always heard the 1/3 rule. One third up front, 1/3 halfway through, and the final payment when the project is finished.
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