Paying Tradesmen (cash or cheque)

[Sugar Ray]

My painter has quoted my 1000 for a job and wants �300 cash on the day he starts for materials. Is this the norm - i'd rather pay by cheque as I could write the costs of as am going to let the property out.

[buildersmate]

No its not. This cash up front for materials never a good idea. The rules of commerce for tradesmen are that you pay them at the end of a (short) job. On a long job you might pay in stages, but never upfront. Find another tradesman.

[raysparx1]

buildersmate is dead right, why won't he take a cheque ?

I must admit though if I do a job for somebody I don't know I do ask for the materials to be paid for the moment they are on site, it isn't only builders that are crooks, lots of people try to get away without paying.

[smurfchops]

My husband is a builder and he NEVER asks for money up front. When he has done say three days work give him �300 then the rest at the end when you are completely satisfied. If he is a reputable builder he should have enough money to buy his materials without your help.

[smurfchops]

If you are paying cash, get the money out of the bank and write in your stub where the money has gone, then give him the cash. You should also get a discount for cash. And yes you can claim on your tax if you are renting, if you have an accountant ask him how to do it or phone your tax office.

[teash]

go with 1,2,and 3`s reply. Any decent trademan should have either an account with his suppliers or enough readies to pay for material up front

[jennyp]

I agree with teash, genuine trademen will have trade accounts with suppliers - offer to go with him to buy stuff.

[BBWCHATT]

If after all everyone has said you still decide to give him cash - PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE get him to sign a detailed receipt!!!