How much is reasonable to pay upfront for a bathroom re-fit?

SuzieSue

Following on the problems we have had that I had detailed on my other thread:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5222512

I was wondering how much of a deposit people should expect to pay before a bathroom fitter starts work?

Edit: This is for a complete service - design, supply of all products and fitting.

Zeitgeist

Zero.

Seriously, I had a large kitchen fitted and I didn't pay anything until it was all fitted to my satisfaction. I ordered the units separately though.

SuzieSue

Zeitgeist wrote: »

Zero.

Seriously, I had a large kitchen fitted and I didn't pay anything until it was all fitted to my satisfaction. I ordered the units separately though.

Thanks, yes, I couldn't believe that they wanted 90% upfront and said that those were their normal terms. We didn't mind paying 25% because they had to order all the stock but 90% was ridiculous. But people must pay this as they have been going for nearly 20 years and Trading Standards said that we were the first people to complain about them.

EssexExile

£20,000 kitchen fitted & paid on completion, £40,000 extension built with three stage payments in arrears. I wouldn't pay anything up front.

Hoploz

I've had three bathrooms done over the years and have never paid anything up front. I buy the fittings and just pay for labour, so there weren't any costs to the plumber apart from odd little bits n bobs I've forgotten. I've always paid on completion. Including today funnily enough!

phill99

As a contractor, I offer my opinion from the other side. I have many customers who I have known for many years and I am happy not to take deposits. However, for new customers where there is a high cost of materials, I would expect a deposit or to take a materials payment on the first day.

How many jobs have I lost as a result? Not one.

Thete seems to be a consensus that all tradesmen are out to rip customets off. But they aren't. There are also a high number of home owners that are happy to rip tradesmen off so tradesmen also need to know that the money they have laid out on a customers behalf can be recovered.

However, 90% is unacceptable.

jellie

When I had my bathroom done, I didn't pay a deposit, but did pay for the suite when it was delivered on the first day.

socrates

Its quite simple - if he wants money up front for materials go with him - pay for the materials - and then stage payments in arrears - if its not acceptable to him - find another tradesman

andyhop

Materials on first day, 50% on completion, 50% a week later.....never had any customer refuse this

I know most of the general public will say pay nothing , they have trade credit accounts etc.... Why should we take on a unesscery risk?

C_Mababejive

Its shocking. I went to the dentist a couple of months ago and he wanted paying there and then. I wanted him to invoice me in writing so that i could pay once i had got home, checked the work in the bathroom mirror and was happy with my gnashers.


It is no wonder that no youngsters want to get involved in skilled work such as this when such people are constantly vilified in the media and treated like dirt by others who think that just because they wear a suit to work and bash a computer, they are some how better.

zeeww_2

Pay materials direct, or upon delivery. As for labour, depends on how much the work is, but always pay in arrears. Not sure I'd pay a deposit but I've never had that request before.

We have had tiling, bathrooms and kitchen fitting done before and paid nothing upfront apart from materials, and we always use recommended tradesmen so they knew who recommended us (the trust and respect has to be mutual)

Most bona fide tradesmen are happy to accept payment within completion (within reason), but they will also fully agree the scope upfront with you, payment schedule and also let you see previous work, ie ensure both parties are happy before commencing work.