I used to pay part down, and the rest when the job was finished. But be sure to get several references first, as some contractors are dishonest.

Half down, the rest after completion is normal.
Make sure you check out the company first. See if they have a website with customer comments. Check with the BBB for their rating before you commit to anything.

I think 50% when the contact is signed, and 50% when the work is completed, is reasonable.
Provided that the work passes inspection.
Make sure your contractor is licensed and bonded.

My last contractor, OK only contractor, was my son in law. I did not pay him the total up front, nor would I pay that much to anyone I wasn't related to. I'd give him maybe 50% to start and the rest when the job is done, especially as it "will take 5 days". If you pay him up front you might never see him again. Give him motivation to come back and get the job finished. And final payment only after you have checked the work out and it is acceptable and they have cleaned up after themselves.

Think he is planning the trip to the Bahamas on your dime.

Sign a contract specifying exactly how long it's going take and only give 1/4 of cost when they begin work..

Make sure there is a completion date!!!!!!!!!

NEVER pay 100% up front unless you want to appear on People's Court TV!!!!!!!!
Industry standard is 1/3, 1/3, 1/3, or for a small job, enough to buy materials and pay after completion. And Never pay that last payment until the job is complete to Your satisfaction...may hear whining about paying the workers,etc. a sure sign the job is over--for them! ou pay and will never see them again! Except in court....

Every contractor I've worked with was half down, half at completion for multi day jobs

On a job like this one where most of the cost is labour no more than 10% up front and balance on completion and inspection.

Cost of materials first. Hours after the job is done.

Do not do that. 40 percent at most.

Half labor and materials.

100% down with a 40% tip for the way he uniquely tucks the pencil under the brim of his hat. He has hacked his pencil, this means he is super-pro. I am surprised I did not see this suggestion in the comments already.

I would have thought a good company would cover the cost after getting a binding contract and that's the key to this. if it's not down on paper the law can't help you.

In the last couple of years I have had new carpet, vinyl flooring, and windows installed. All have been 50% down. I would never pay everything upfront.

Half down and no more! That should cover materials. I don't get paid before I work and neither should a contractor.

If the contractor requires you to pay for more than the materials up front, he's sketchy.

I have several friends who are or have been contractors, they generally quote a job at double the cost of material unless there are very expensive materials involved.

If he has no established reputation I would suggest buying the materials yourself and only pay for labor when the job is done, especially if it is only a five day job.

Check your state laws. California allows only 10% up front

Nah. Half up front rest when you approve completion.

I sided my house and trimmed windows in vinyl A reliable contractor will take 30% up front if you buy materials. My ex and his friend a contractor did it. Find a contractor with a portfolio of his work and followup with customers.

Nothing up front... get a written contract explaining everything to be done. Allow a 10% contingency for the unforeseen problems. Also include penalty for not finishing and note that payment is after a walk through and cleanup. Contractors have the money up front. If they don't ... they're not for you. Get rid of them.

Never ever pay a contractor more than 50 % up front. Used to be a contractor of sorts, furniture cabinet maker and would always ask for an amount up front to cover the costs of some of the materials, and a small amount for labor. If you are concerned about seeing the contractor again say you will give 1/3 up front, 1/3 half way through and the rest after completion. Legally do not hire anyone who is not bonded, licensed, and insured. In Oregon all contractors have to have all these and a contractor number. I have heard that in many States all it takes to be a contractor is a sign saying one is a contractor. Ask for references and check them. If you do not check and then find your money gone then it is your fault and you will have no recourse.

I just remembered that in Oregon the contractor is required to provide you with a document that is a lean on the property(yours) if the materials are bought on credit. Do not freak out, it is a means for the material provider to get paid, any decent contractor will provide this and show you the bill and the means of payment for the materials, which releases the lien.