Guides / Hiring well
Contracts, deposits and paying safely
Get it in writing and never pay everything up front.
A clear contract and a sensible payment schedule protect both you and the contractor.
Put in writing
- Exact work and materials
- Total price and what's not included
- Start and finish dates
- Who gets permits and arranges inspections
- How changes are priced and approved
- Warranty and cleanup
Paying
- A reasonable deposit, then payments tied to finished stages
- Some states limit how big a deposit can be; check your state's rules
- Avoid paying cash; use a method with a record
- Hold the final payment until the work is finished, inspected and you're satisfied
- Ask for lien waivers from subcontractors and suppliers on bigger jobs
General information, not legal advice. Home Nickel Pro isn't paid by any contractor, store or brand.