Builder asking for material costs up front….

… Is that normal and/or fair? Not a big job but wants £300 for materials up front, £200 labour after. Not in the habit of employing builders – am I worrying about nothing?

Not uncommon for smaller businesses. They might well have an account at the supplier in 30 day terms but cash flow is what really kills off smaller businesses.

Having said that, I’m pretty sure we’ve paid for materials when he’s turned up with them.

Have done it a few times, either that or a deposit, it’s pretty common though, as they have to order the stuff and commit funds, last time they guy ordered it all up and just got us to pay via the phone to the builders yard.

I’ve always asked for 50% deposit and never had a quibble.  But a lot of the materials were made to measure by my supplier and would be expensive firewood if the customer changed their mind.

Mostly building wardrobes, home office furniture etc.

As above, not uncommon with smaller firms/one man band.

Great, thanks all. 🙂

Not uncommon from the smaller builder but I wouldn’t pay until the materials have been delivered. Afterall he will probably have a an account with his builders merchant which means he won’t have to pay for a month at least.

However, if its only £300 probably not an issue. Have you had references?

Most take about a 25% deposit, mine did, that was roughly the cost of materials, however if it’s only a £200 job for him then fair enough you pay the £300 for materials in advance.

We take 50% deposit. Small, 2 man band. Don’t have the cash flow of the big boys.

We only take deposits on materials and products that can’t be returned and purchase cost refunded in full.
It does concern me that the builder can’t fund the purchase of materials that cost £300.00.
If you know them and trust them you should be ok. Make sure you have emails etc stating the monies are for the purchasers of your materials.

Buy the materials yourself? That way you’re at least got something.

Its normal on bigger stuff as is staged payments but 300 quid. I’d say cash on delivery

If you’re going to pay for the materials up front at least agree a list of what they are ordering and have them delivered or brought to your house as soon as possible so if anything happens, you at least have them.

I’ve paid the supplier (Jewsons) directly in the past as the chap was a small concern.

do not pay direct unless you know them well, or they are well recommended.

if they need it for materials pay the supplier directly for it to be delivered to your address.

(learnt the hard way)

Sounds like a small job maybe a days work but he can make a few quid off the material

I’d never ask for 60% up front but then maybe I’m to trusting and it has bitten my bum a few times

Mine did £40k worth of work and I had to insist on paying him for materials 4 months into the job!

Doesn’t sound great TBH on a small job. Does it mean he doesn’t have 30 day terms at his supplier, and has gotten into trouble in the past?
I’d at least offer to pay the merchant and have it delivered to yours.

It does concern me that the builder can’t fund the purchase of materials that cost £300.00.

this

As above, not uncommon with smaller firms/one man band.

very much not my experience when I’ve had small jobs done lately!

I’d be happy if the guy had been recommended I guess

Yeah building trade here, we never ask for upfront payments. We have accounts with various merchants although post COVID one specialist supplier binned off everyone except the mega boys so we pay them upfront.

I’d be more concerned about how long you had to wait for him to be honest, we are booking for 2026 now. Trades offering to come this week, big swerve.

Same as sandwich, builder went shopping, rang us and we paid, he then provided a receipt

Yes 2 year wait list for a builder here, at least he’s honest to tell me.  Tbh I d avoid anyone who could start immediately.  I expect to pay as work progresses.

2 year wait list I think that’s a humble brag and they are not interested in looking at the job, work comes in all year round .

So if a repeat customer sends drawings do they say back of the queue? I don’t think so

I had this a few years ago. Extension to the house. Gave the guy 2k upfront for materials. Had emails, texts, everything to prove it. I ended up having to sack him as he was never turning up, drunk, no messages saying why he hadnt turned up etc..last straw was a support beam going above the kitchen, new kitchen being fitted a few weeks later so wanted it done before that.  The beam wasn’t in place 2 days before (after multiple failed promises to do it) and he didn’t give a toss so I ended up having to get someone else in and sacking the original guy. I never saw the 2k, took him to small claims which happened to be during covid so they couldn’t be arsed and dismissed the case even though (I found out later) he had previous for this.

Either the workman pays or you pay the supplier direct and get it delivered to your house. At least if you have to sack him you have items you paid for.

Before anyone asks the guy was a nightmare and was constantly not turning up but we were well into the job and eventually I just had to say enough is enough. Beam went in the day before the kitchen and plastered the night before!!

If you can convince a builder to turn up for a £500 job, frankly I’d pay it all up front to keep him keen!

What’s that, one medium window bricked up or a very small patio kit installed, you’re lucky you even got a quote.